Divergent 3D
The LA Auto show is an annual event showcasing the latest innovations in car automotive technology. The latest leap forward at the show to involve 3D printing is an updated version of the Divergent Blade, the 3D printed super car. The show also features other companies like Jaguar, who have introduced 3D technology into their manufacturing process. The Divergent Blade is no gimmick, the car is fully functioning and can be considered a super car in more ways than one. The Blade can reach 60 miles per hour in just 2.2 seconds and has 700 horsepower contained in it’s 3.0 liter V8 engine.
The main concern for Divergent is that while cars are becoming more environmentally friendly with the use of electric power sources, the manufacturing process is still as unsustainable as ever. One way to counteract this, according to Divergent, is through 3D printing. Divergent’s 3D printing process is coined ‘NODE’ and it involves 3D printing aluminium nodes which they combine with 3D printed carbon fiber tubes. There are many advantages to this technique; firstly the use of 3D printing in their factory helps to reduce emissions, secondly the car produced is considerably lighter compared to orthodox manufacturing techniques, and finally there is less waste as the number of materials used is reduced. Read More…
