France – The OEM has signed a Strategic Partnership Letter of Intent relating to multiple development projects in collaboration with the US-based 3D printing company. PSA plans to boost the efficiency of its operations by implementing Divergent 3D technology in its production processes.
Divergent 3D has developed a software-hardware platform enabled by 3D metal printing which, it is claimed, “radically transforms the economics and environmental impact of designing and manufacturing complex structures such as cars”. The patent-pending technology, called the Divergent Manufacturing Platform, will be used to create lighter, more cost-effective and environmentally responsible vehicles. This represents a step beyond conventional use of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry for small-scale pilot programmes focused on individual components.
“We’re convinced that these spectacular advances in 3D printing will help position PSA Group as a leader in automobile manufacturing,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman of the management board, PSA Group. “This has the potential to dramatically scale down the size and scope of our manufacturing footprint, reduce overall vehicle weight and build complexity, while also giving us almost limitless flexibility in design output. We are talking about a radical change for our industry.”
