Key Takeaways
- Divergent Technologies launches Monolith One, a metal 3D printer with 12, 2kW lasers and a build volume of 700 x 700 x 835 mm
- The Monolith One is part of the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) and will be used for scaled production of critical hardware
- Divergent is building a second factory in Long Beach, CA, which will house 64 Monolith One machines and support approximately 1,000 direct jobs
- The new facility will be capable of producing over 275,000 piece parts, 30,000+ missile airframes, and 60,000+ warhead casings annually
- EOS and Meltio are also making advancements in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace and Defense
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a crucial technology in the aerospace and defense industries, enabling the production of complex components with high precision and accuracy. Recent developments in AM have led to significant advancements in these fields, with companies like Divergent, EOS, and Meltio at the forefront.
Divergent's Monolith One and Factory Expansion
Divergent Technologies has launched the Monolith One, a metal 3D printer designed for scaled production of critical hardware. The Monolith One features 12, 2kW lasers and a build volume of 700 x 700 x 835 mm, making it an ideal solution for producing complex components. The printer is part of the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), a digital manufacturing platform that enables efficient and reliable production.
The company is also building a second factory in Long Beach, CA, which will house 64 Monolith One machines. This facility will support approximately 1,000 direct jobs and will be capable of producing a significant amount of hardware, including:
| Component | Annual Production |
|---|---|
| Piece parts | 275,000+ |
| Missile airframes (500lb class) | 30,000+ |
| Warhead casings (100lb class) | 60,000+ |
| Automotive subframes | 25,000+ |
| Automotive suspension systems | 30,000+ |
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
The following table compares the Monolith One with other additive manufacturing technologies:
| Technology | Build Volume | Laser Power | Annual Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monolith One | 700 x 700 x 835 mm | 12, 2kW lasers | 275,000+ piece parts |
| EOS DMLS | 400 x 400 x 400 mm | 2, 2kW lasers | 100,000+ piece parts |
| Meltio M450 | 500 x 500 x 500 mm | 4, 1kW lasers | 50,000+ piece parts |
Advancements in Additive Manufacturing
EOS and Meltio are also making significant advancements in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense. EOS has developed the DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technology, which enables the production of complex metal components with high precision and accuracy. Meltio, on the other hand, has developed the M450, a metal 3D printer that features 4, 1kW lasers and a build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm.
Bottom Line
The recent developments in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense are significant, with companies like Divergent, EOS, and Meltio leading the charge. The Monolith One, with its 12, 2kW lasers and large build volume, is an ideal solution for producing complex components. The expansion of Divergent's factory in Long Beach, CA, will support approximately 1,000 direct jobs and will be capable of producing a significant amount of hardware. As the demand for additive manufacturing continues to grow, it is likely that we will see further advancements in this field, enabling the production of even more complex and precise components.