The printhead of a CF3D printing machine. (Photo: ADDMAN Group/PRNewswire)
FORT MYERS, Fla.—ADDMAN Group and Continuous Composites are working in partnership to scale Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D®) for aerospace and defense applications. As the commercial transition partner, ADDMAN will produce test parts and prototypes, propelling CF3D into high-stakes applications like hypersonics and UAVs, according to a release from ADDMAN Group.
Continuous Fiber 3D Printing uses high-performance composite materials and rapid-curing thermoset resins to create complex, multifunctional parts with structural and functional fibers.
“We believe that our CF3D continuous fiber technology has the potential to significantly impact cost, lead time, and part performance across many industries,” said Continuous Composites President and CEO Steve Starner, in the release. “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.”
ADDMAN has installed a CF3D machine from Continuous Composites at its headquarters and innovation center in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo: ADDMAN Group/PRNewswire)
In partnership with Continuous Composites, ADDMAN has installed a CF3D machine at its Fort Myers headquarters and innovation center, reportedly becoming the only service bureau offering Carbon-Carbon composite and refractory alloy printing. This capability is said to align seamlessly with ADDMAN Group’s Castheon 3D-printed niobium alloys, including Niobium C103 and Niobium Super C103. Both are said to offer critical benefits for hypersonic applications.
The CF3D machine uses a continuous dry fiber, impregnated in real-time with a rapid-curing thermosetting resin to enable precise, large-scale printing of composite parts [2.7m by 1.1m by 1.1m]. Driven by proprietary software and advanced numeric controllers, the system is said to ensure 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,” said Joe Calmese, CEO of ADDMAN Group, in the release. “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.”
ADDMAN and Continuous Composites are setting a new standard in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense, driving innovation in high-temperature and lightweight applications.
ADDMAN Group is a vertically integrated manufacturer that specializes in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, injection molding, and advanced composites. The Group serves the aerospace, medical, defense, and industrial sectors, providing tailored manufacturing services that that help customers bring complex, innovative products to market, the company said in the release.
Continuous Composites, based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a pioneer in composite 3D printing technology. Its patented CF3D technology combines high-performance continuous fibers with advanced thermoset resins to produce complex, lightweight structures with exceptional strength. The company serves industries such as aerospace, defense, and automotive.