Key Takeaways
- The drone economy is driving demand for scalable manufacturing solutions
- ADDMAN's acquisition of Forecast 3D has enabled the company to become a critical manufacturing artery for unmanned systems
- The integration of Forecast 3D's Carlsbad operations has created a continuous production environment for drone OEMs and defense primes
- High-performance polymers are being used to print complex geometries overnight
- Manufacturers that can move quickly and efficiently are getting the most calls from customers
Introduction to the Drone Economy
The drone economy is no longer a future prospect, but a current reality. The U.S. defense establishment is rapidly fielding affordable unmanned systems, including loitering munitions, tactical ISR platforms, and autonomous resupply vehicles. This has left traditional manufacturing pipelines struggling to keep up, with program timelines shrinking from years to months. The use of high-performance polymers has enabled the creation of complex geometries that were previously impossible to manufacture.
ADDMAN's Response to the Drone Economy
ADDMAN's acquisition of Forecast 3D has been a game-changer for the company. The integration of Forecast 3D's Carlsbad operations has added significant capacity, including MJF and SLS capabilities. This has created a continuous production environment in Southern California, where drone OEMs and defense primes can prototype, iterate, bridge-produce, and scale under a single program relationship. This continuity is rare in a fragmented AM services market and is proving decisive for customers who cannot afford the friction of supplier transitions mid-program.
Comparison of Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| MJF (Multi-Jet Fusion) | A 3D printing technology that uses a combination of powder and ink to create complex geometries | High accuracy, fast production times, and low cost |
| SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) | A 3D printing technology that uses a laser to fuse together particles of a powdered material | High strength, low weight, and complex geometries |
| Traditional Manufacturing | A range of manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining and injection molding | High volume production, low cost, and established supply chains |
Benefits of ADDMAN's Manufacturing Solution
ADDMAN's manufacturing solution offers a number of benefits, including:
- Fast production times: parts can be printed overnight
- Complex geometries: high-performance polymers enable the creation of complex shapes and structures
- Continuous production environment: drone OEMs and defense primes can prototype, iterate, bridge-produce, and scale under a single program relationship
- Low friction: supplier transitions are minimized, reducing the risk of delays and cost overruns
Bottom Line
The drone economy is driving demand for scalable manufacturing solutions, and ADDMAN is well-positioned to meet this demand. The company's acquisition of Forecast 3D has enabled the creation of a continuous production environment, where drone OEMs and defense primes can prototype, iterate, bridge-produce, and scale under a single program relationship. With the use of high-performance polymers and advanced manufacturing technologies, such as MJF and SLS, ADDMAN is able to produce complex geometries quickly and efficiently, making it an attractive partner for companies in the drone economy.