Boeing HorizonX Ventures has announced its investment in Digital Alloys, Inc., a US company developing high-speed, multi-metal additive manufacturing systems that produce 3D-printed parts for aerospace and other production applications.
Digital Alloys’ Joule Printing technology can rapidly combine multiple metals into each part, which enhances thermal, electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties. The process allows metals like titanium and high-temperature alloys to be 3D-printed for parts that could be used on Boeing products.
Speeding it up
Boeing says additive manufacturing is generating value by reducing the cost and time needed to design, build and deliver products to customers. Today, Boeing has more than 60,000 3D-printed parts flying on space, commercial and defence products.
“Our investment in Digital Alloys will help Boeing produce metal structural aerospace parts faster and at higher volume than ever before,” said Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. “By investing in companies with emerging additive manufacturing technologies, we aim to strengthen Boeing’s expertise and help accelerate the design and manufacture of 3D-printed parts to transform production systems and products.”
Digital Alloys
Formed in January 2017, Digital Alloys developed a patented 3D-printing approach that avoids the cost and complexity of powder-based systems, and delivers higher resolution than other wire-based 3D-printing techniques.
“Our novel Joule Printing process is faster, more cost-effective, and more reliable than other approaches,” said Duncan McCallum, CEO of Digital Alloys. “Partnering with Boeing will make us a smarter, stronger company. We are committed to enabling Boeing and other leading manufacturers to create valuable new products quickly and at less cost by incorporating metal 3D printing into their production.”
