Scaling CF3D® Technology for High-Stakes Applications Like Hypersonics and UAVs with Revolutionary Composite and Metallic Solutions
ADDMAN Group and Continuous Composites have partnered strategically to scale Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D®) for Aerospace and Defense. As the commercial transition partner, ADDMAN will produce test parts and prototypes, propelling CF3D into high-stakes applications like Hypersonics and UAVs. CF3D utilizes high-performance composite materials and rapid-curing thermoset resins to create complex, multifunctional parts with both structural and functional fibers.
Steve Starner, President and CEO of Continuous Composites, commented, "We believe that our CF3D continuous fiber technology has the potential to significantly impact cost, lead time, and part performance across many industries. Our goal is to deliver an unmatched manufacturing system in Aerospace and Defense. ADDMAN's broad experience and best-in-class technical expertise in Aerospace and high-temperature thermal protection systems in Hypersonics make us ideal partners to support further adoption of this compelling technology."
With this partnership, ADDMAN has installed a CF3D machine at its Fort Myers headquarters and innovation center, becoming the only service bureau offering both Carbon-Carbon composite and refractory alloy printing. This capability aligns seamlessly with ADDMAN Group's Castheon 3D-printed Niobium alloys, including Niobium C103 and Niobium Super C103, which offer critical benefits for hypersonic applications. As composite and metallic solutions become essential in advanced systems, ADDMAN provides a full suite of additive technologies to meet performance demands and aggressive timelines.
The CF3D machine uses a continuous dry fiber impregnated in real-time with a rapid-curing thermosetting resin, enabling precise, large-scale printing of composite parts [2.7m x 1.1m x 1.1m]. Driven by proprietary software and advanced numeric controllers, this system ensures high accuracy and instant curing upon deposition, accommodating complex designs with structural and functional fibers tailored for demanding applications.
"Integrating CF3D technology into ADDMAN's suite of capabilities directly addresses feedback from our customers, who have emphasized the need for both Carbon-Carbon composites and refractory metals like Niobium C103 to support their advanced applications. This integration allows us to provide optimized solutions for performance and weight, delivering mission-critical components that meet the stringent requirements of hypersonic systems. By aligning our solutions with market needs, we reinforce our role as a comprehensive partner for aerospace and defense innovations," said Joe Calmese, CEO of ADDMAN Group.
ADDMAN and Continuous Composites are setting a new standard in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense, driving innovation in high-temperature and lightweight applications. To showcase this technology, the companies will host a webinar, Scaling Innovation: How Continuous Fiber 3D Printing is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing, on Dec. 3 at 10 AM EST. You can register here.