ADDMAN Group and Continuous Composites Partner

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 applications like hypersonics and unmanned aerial vehicles. CF3D 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,” says Steve Starner, president and CEO of Continuous Composites. “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 carbon-carbon composite and refractory alloy printing. This capability aligns with ADDMAN Group's Castheon 3D-printed Niobium alloys, including Niobium C103 and Niobium Super C103, which offer benefits for hypersonic applications. 

The CF3D machine uses a continuous dry fiber in real time with a rapid-curing thermosetting resin, enabling large-scale printing of composite parts [2.7x1.1x1.1 m]. Driven by software and advanced numeric controllers, this system ensures accuracy and instant curing upon deposition, accommodating complex designs with structural and functional fibers tailored for challenging 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,” says Joe Calmese, CEO of ADDMAN Group.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.