Jan 26, 2017 | By Tess

Divergent 3D, maker of the 3D printed Blade Supercar and developer of the innovative “Node” platform for automotive manufacturing, has announced that it has successfully raised $23 million through a Series A funding round. The funding round, which was led by tech venture capital firm Horizons Ventures, saw investments from Altran, a leading automotive and aerospace engineering services provider and a strategic partner of Divergent 3D.

For people who are skeptical about cars being 3D printed on a large scale, we often suggest they look to Divergent 3D and its work. The company has developed a 3D printing platform for manufacturing automobile chassis which allows for costs, production time, and environmental impact to be reduced significantly. The system uses 3D printed joints called “Nodes” to construct a lightweight but incredibly strong carbon fiber chassis.

With the $23 million raised, Divergent 3D will further the commercialization of its innovative and eco-friendly hardware-software platform. Considering the advantages its 3D printing platform offers—lower capital investments and production costs, and vehicle structures that are 50% lighter than traditionally manufactured ones, which results in less fuel consumption—we, and apparently significant investors, are confident the company's technology will take off.

Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent 3D, said: “Divergent 3D is honored to have earned the confidence of Horizons Ventures, a world leader in innovation that recognizes the damage being generated by automotive manufacturing in China and around the world. This investment enables us to continue our strong momentum by providing resources and relationships to bring our automotive manufacturing technology to as many automakers as possible, especially in China. The time has come for a new model of decentralized car production that fosters pioneering car designs and lowers costs while alleviating environmental damage.”

Since it looks as though certain governments might soon do away with environmental restrictions on manufacturing, it is at least encouraging to see that certain influential companies are taking up the reins themselves by committing to more sustainable manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing.

Divergent 3D CEO Kevin Czinger

The investment announcement comes just months after Divergent 3D entered into a strategic partnership with European automaker PSA Group (which manufactures Peugeot, Citroen, and DS), through which Divergent 3D’s 3D printed chassis technology will be adapted for and adopted by PSA Group. It was around the same time that Divergent 3D and Altran joined forces as well.

Blade, the company’s famous 3D printed supercar, which utilizes the company’s Node technology, was first unveiled in 2015 and has since stunned audiences and auto enthusiasts from around the world. Even at this year’s CES, the 3D printed supercar was undeniably one of the most impressive sights to behold. In addition to Blade, Divergent 3D has also produced the Dagger, a 3D printed superbike, which debuted this past November at the LA Auto Show.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Richard M wrote at 2/5/2017 11:24:23 AM:All the best for all of them who supports Kevin Czinger vision!! It's a genial idea. I hope some time in future I can apply it to Begorett Velomobile. Best regards to all!



