ADDMAN Group and Continuous Composites have entered into a strategic partnership to scale Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D) technology for aerospace and defense applications.
The aim is to integrate CF3D into demanding applications such as hypersonic technology and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The technology combines high-performance composite materials with fast-curing thermosets to produce complex, multifunctional components that contain both structural and functional fibers.
Steve Starner, President and CEO of Continuous Composites, commented, “We believe that our CF3D continuous fiber technology has the potential to significantly impact cost, lead time, and part performance across many industries. Our goal is to deliver an unmatched manufacturing system in Aerospace and Defense. ADDMAN’s broad experience and best-in-class technical expertise in Aerospace and high-temperature thermal protection systems in Hypersonics make us ideal partners to support further adoption of this compelling technology.”
CF3D works with a continuous dry fiber system that is impregnated in real time with a thermosetting resin. This enables precise production of large-format composite parts with dimensions of up to 2.7 x 1.1 x 1.1 meters. Proprietary software and advanced numerical controls ensure high accuracy and instant curing during the printing process. The technology is particularly suitable for applications requiring complex designs with specific structural and functional requirements.
ADDMAN has already installed a CF3D machine at its Fort Myers headquarters, expanding its additive manufacturing capabilities. In addition to CF3D, the company also offers 3D-printed carbon-carbon composites and high-temperature resistant niobium alloys such as Niobium C103. These materials are crucial for applications in hypersonic technologies as they ensure both thermal stability and structural integrity.
“Integrating CF3D technology into ADDMAN’s suite of capabilities directly addresses feedback from our customers, who have emphasized the need for both Carbon-Carbon composites and refractory metals like Niobium C103 to support their advanced applications. This integration allows us to provide optimized solutions for performance and weight, delivering mission-critical components that meet the stringent requirements of hypersonic systems. By aligning our solutions with market needs, we reinforce our role as a comprehensive partner for aerospace and defense innovations,” said Joe Calmese, CEO of ADDMAN Group.
With the partnership, both companies aim to establish additive manufacturing as a key technology for advanced aerospace and defense systems.
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