Frost & Sullivan has named Divergent 3D as the recipient of its 2016 North American Technology Innovation Award.
According to the company, Divergent 3D’s proprietary 3D metal printing process, enabled by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), is a ‘huge leap forward’ for chassis manufacturing. The technology can be deployed in automotive and other applications and can help improve performance and energy efficiency, and lower emissions. It features The Node, a 3D printed alloy joint that connects standardized materials into modular, complex structures. The technology reportedly uses less energy and raw materials than traditional methods, and allows manufacturers to quickly print and build complex structures without the need for metal tooling and stamping equipment. Additionally, the weight of the Node-enabled chassis is up to five times lighter than that of traditional cars, despite being stronger and more durable, according to Frost & Sullivan.
‘Divergent 3D's chassis system can be applied to any vehicle type, from sports cars to pickup trucks,’ said Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Doraiswamy Bharath Sunderraj. ‘Because the chassis system is lightweight and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, it can slash the total lifecycle emissions of a passenger vehicle in half and diminish the capital cost of designing and manufacturing vehicles by 10 times.’
Ongoing efforts
‘It is an honor to be recognized by Frost & Sullivan for our innovation that stands to transform the automobile industry,’ said Kevin Czinger, founder & CEO, Divergent 3D. ‘This 2016 North American Technology Innovation Award is validation of our ongoing efforts to revolutionize car manufacturing by reducing the pollution and production costs of traditional manufacturing, resulting in a sustainable path forward for the car industry.’
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the innovation award to the company that has demonstrated uniqueness in developing new technologies that impact both the functionality and the customer value of the new products and applications.
This story is reprinted from material from Divergent 3D, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
