Key Takeaways
- Modovolo has partnered with Lyten to utilize their graphene filaments in their US-made 3D printing platform
- The partnership aims to strengthen US-based manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications
- Modovolo's BFP platform is a modular, containerized 3D printing system designed to produce large parts close to where they are needed
- The global drone production is expected to produce roughly 17 million drones this year, creating demand for manufacturing systems that can build lightweight, high-performance components quickly
Introduction to Modovolo's BFP Platform
Modovolo, a drone manufacturer, has selected Lyten as the primary filament supplier for its industrial 3D printing platform. This partnership is expected to enhance US-based manufacturing for various industries, including aerospace and defense. At the core of this partnership is Modovolo's BFP (Build. Fly. Print.) platform, a modular and containerized 3D printing system designed to produce large aerospace, automotive, and industrial parts close to where they are needed.
Modular and Transportable 3D Printing System
Unlike traditional industrial 3D printers, Modovolo's BFP system is designed to be modular and transportable. The containerized platform can be deployed close to where parts are needed, allowing for the manufacture of aerospace-grade components in the field or at distributed production sites. This feature enables companies to reduce their reliance on centralized production facilities and overseas supply chains.
The Growing Demand for Drone Production
The global drone production is expected to grow significantly, with manufacturers producing roughly 17 million drones this year. This represents nearly 900 million individual parts, creating a high demand for manufacturing systems that can build lightweight, high-performance components quickly and close to where they are needed. Over the next decade, annual production could more than double, further increasing the need for advanced manufacturing systems like Modovolo's BFP platform.
Comparison of 3D Printing Platforms
| Feature | Modovolo's BFP Platform | Traditional Industrial 3D Printers |
|---|---|---|
| Modularity | Modular and containerized | Fixed and non-modular |
| Transportability | Transportable and deployable | Non-transportable |
| Production Capacity | Designed for large-scale production | Limited production capacity |
| Material Source | US-sourced materials and equipment | Overseas supply chains |
Partnership and Future Developments
The partnership between Modovolo and Lyten is expected to drive innovation in the 3D printing industry, particularly in the production of drone components. With the growing demand for drone production, companies like Modovolo are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. According to Justin Call, Modovolo CEO and co-founder, "We built BFP out of necessity, as we could not find a 3D printer fast enough and affordable enough to produce aerospace-grade components at scale for our drones."
Bottom Line
The partnership between Modovolo and Lyten is a significant development in the 3D printing industry, particularly in the production of drone components. With the growing demand for drone production, companies like Modovolo are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The use of Lyten's graphene filaments in Modovolo's BFP platform is expected to drive innovation and enhance US-based manufacturing for various industries, including aerospace and defense. As the global drone production continues to grow, Modovolo's BFP platform is poised to play a key role in meeting the increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance components.