McLaren Automotive and Divergent Collaborate Using Additive Design Technology

McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year collaboration with California-based industrial digital manufacturing company Divergent Technologies. The collaboration will further develop the usage of additive manufacturing to enhance vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.

Divergent’s unique approach to the design and manufacturing of complex structures will allow McLaren to integrate new and more complex designs into its vehicle architecture, whilst achieving better manufacturing efficiencies and supporting a more sustainable supply chain.

Image courtesy of McLaren Automotive and Divergent Technologies.

Divergent Technologies brings considerable experience in using additive manufacturing in the automotive sector. The company has used 3D printing to design and manufacture complex structures, including vehicles. Their Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) is a data-driven digital factory that integrates AI-driven generative design software, 3D printing, and automated assembly systems to design and build most of the components of a car.

In working with McLaren Automotive, Divergent will utilize DAPS to additively manufacture chassis components for its next generation supercars, allowing McLaren to further reduce weight and improve dynamic performance – all areas which are core to the McLaren DNA.

Utilizing DAPS to Transform Auto Design

The agreement Between McLaren and Divergent is the first step of a relationship between the two companies that aims to extend the use of DAPS in the automotive industry. The goal is to deliver transformational vehicle design and performance to customers. “We’re excited to work with Divergent who, like McLaren, has demonstrated a commitment to manufacturing and engineering innovation,” said Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive. “This technology will help us to further reduce weight in our complex structures, which will ultimately benefit the driving experience of our customers and support McLaren’s mission to push the boundaries of performance.”

Using the lightweighting advantages of additive manufacturing matched with the digital technology of DAPS, the companies intend to push big data capabilities into automotive design. “Our collaboration speaks to McLaren’s commitment to adopting the highest performance technology to push the envelope on customer experience,” said Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent. “DAPS offers automotive manufacturers the means to harness computing power to deliver fully optimized, digitally manufactured structures with unparalleled design freedom.”