Divergent 3D Blade supercar.
Divergent 3D has entered into a strategic development partnership with leading 3D metal printing equipment developer, SLM Solutions Group.
The two companies will work closely to develop specific hardware and software that will accelerate the scaling of the patented Divergent Manufacturing Platform for cost-effective, high-volume production of vehicles. This platform, further commercialised with the closing of a $23 funding round in January, has helped Divergent reduce cost, time-to-market and carbon emissions.
SLM Solutions is engaged in the development, production and distribution of selective laser melting systems. This partnership will see the metal 3D printing specialist use these expertise to deliver strong, lightweight parts. Together, both companies believe they can significantly alter the way vehicle structures are brought to market.
“SLM Solutions is a powerful, long-term strategic partner for Divergent 3D, working with us to provide 3D metal printing hardware and software specific to the Divergent Manufacturing Platform,” said Kevin Czinger, Founder and CEO of Divergent 3D. “We believe that this will transform the way vehicle structures are designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled.”
Divergent 3D
A Divergent 3D chassis
Divergent 3D is committed to transforming the economics and environmental impact of designing and manufacturing complex structures, such as automobiles. The new partnership with SLM Solutions will look to strongly accelerate the commercial development of each companies’ technologies and revenue growth.
Additive manufacturing has long been used for small-scale pilot programs in the automotive sector focused on developing individual 3D-printed components for production. Divergent 3D and SLM Solutions, through this partnership, will in contrast seek to transform the process of designing and manufacturing overall vehicle structures. The ultimate objective is to build lighter, structurally safe, more cost-efficient and environmentally responsible automobiles.
“We are very impressed by the rapid development and implementation of Divergent 3D’s technology in the automotive sector,” said Hans-Joachim Ihde, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Founder of SLM Solutions Group. “By working together with Divergent, we can help to provide manufacturers with the tools to build more profitable, innovative and environmentally sustainable vehicles while dramatically reducing manufacturing capital cost and providing almost unlimited design flexibility.”
