The aerospace group Lockheed Martin has led a financing round of 3 million US dollars for the British company Q5D via its investment arm. Q5D is a manufacturer of a hybrid 3D printing system for the production of cable harnesses.
Called the CY1000, Q5D’s system combines a 5-axis robotic arm with various fixtures for applying conductive inks and placing and laying cables and wires. This allows complex cable harness systems to be “3D printed”.
“The possibilities of this technology for the defense sector – both for printed electronics and cable harnesses – are enormous,” Q5D CEO Stephen Bennington is quoted as saying. Lockheed Martin can use its investment to influence this strategically important market for the industry.
“Wire harnesses are complex and expensive to manufacture,” explains Chris Moran from Lockheed Martin Ventures. Q5D’s approach offers flexibility and agility without sacrificing quality – an advantage in the face of volatile supply chains.
The investment is part of a broader effort to ensure semiconductor and electronics availability. Just recently, Lockheed and Globalfoundries entered into a partnership for reliable chip supply chains.
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