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Divergent 3D and Czinger Vehicles
Metal AM in automotive: How the Czinger 21C is redefining next-generation car manufacturing The Czinger 21C hypercar is a 'tour de force' of metal Additive Manufacturing. With over 350 AM components used in the vehicle's structure, suspension, brake systems, drivetrain and beyond, this is the realisation of the bold vision of Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent 3D. Behind the headlines about the car's record-breaking performance, however, is a far more important story: the development of the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), a complete software/hardware solution designed to replace traditional vehicle manufacturing. Jeff Kerns reports for Metal AM magazine.
The automotive industry is undergoing many changes, with regulations and demands for greater sustainability and electrification driving innovation. Current tooling and production volumes in the automotive industry often lead to incumbent inertia. As a result of these factors, OEMs are looking for new solutions to increase production, adhere to regulations, and increase flexibility. Metal Additive Manufacturing is a proven solution. Other industries, such as aerospace, now widely use metal AM to increase efficiency, reduce part count, eliminate tooling, reduce time to market, and more. However, this technology is still nascent when it comes to bridging the gap between prototyping and production in the automotive space. Divergent 3D, based in Torrance, California, USA, was founded in 2014 with the aim of revolutionising the automotive industry through advanced technologies such as metal AM. In 2019, the automotive manufacturer Czinger Vehicles was founded; this company is majority owned and controlled by Divergent 3D, but
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separately financed. This article introduces the company and man behind Divergent 3D, Kevin Czinger, and the Czinger 21C hypercar (Fig. 1), to explore how the solutions developed by these two companies are changing the way OEMs are thinking of automotive production.
Metal AM in the automotive industry Prototyping with metal AM is nothing new in the automotive industry. R&D can often justify higher prices to test a part and make design iterations faster and more productive.
Fig. 1 A Czinger 21C hypercar on Hollywood Boulevard (Courtesy Czinger Vehicles)
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