Boeing has made several moves this year that demonstrate their keen interest in additive manufacturing. This includes an investment in Digital Alloys, a patent-holder for multiple promising technological advances in metallic AM processes. They have also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with software company Assembrix. This is a positive indication from an industry leader looking to innovate.
The solution being developed by Digital Alloys is called Joule Printing. It seems to allow the use of multiple materials in a single print. This involves using a metal wire as the feedstock material. It will allow the use of alloys that were previously considered too difficult or costly to print. The company has ambitious goals to be able to manufacture at a rate of up to 10kg per hour by the end of the year.
Tackling an equally important issue, Assembrix is looking to provide the software solutions necessary to enable efficient use of these new manufacturing machines. A key component to this, particularly for a company like Boeing, is the protection of intellectual property. This is where Assembrix can provides a unique set of tools that prevent the interruption, corruption and decryption of CAD files.
