Following its increased adoption of 3D printing, which has almost entirely replaced the company’s traditional methods for prototype manufacturing since April, McLaren Automotive has announced a multi-year collaboration with Divergent Technologies, a California-based leader in industrial digital manufacturing. This collaboration seeks to leverage Divergent’s Adaptive Production System (DAPS) to optimize McLaren’s next-generation supercars’ performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.
Divergent, recognized for its innovative approach to complex structure design and manufacturing, will integrate its technology into McLaren’s vehicle architecture. DAPS’s initial application will be in producing vehicle chassis components, aiming to reduce weight and improve overall dynamic performance—a crucial aspect of the McLaren brand.
(Photo Credits: Divergent)
Both companies have expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, emphasized the potential benefits of the driving experience and McLaren’s ongoing pursuit of performance boundaries, stating, “We’re excited to work with Divergent, who, like McLaren, have demonstrated a commitment to manufacturing and engineering innovation. 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.”
Notably, this partnership is not solely about performance – it is also a significant step toward more sustainable manufacturing practices. By adopting the DAPS technology, McLaren aims to streamline its production processes, resulting in reduced waste and a more sustainable supply chain. Divergent’s technology is projected to enable significantly more efficient use of materials, reducing the environmental impact of vehicle production.
Kevin Czinger, CEO of Divergent, highlighted DAPS’s potential, stating, “Our collaboration speaks to McLaren’s commitment to adopting the highest performance technology to push the envelope on customer experience. DAPS offers automotive manufacturers the means to harness computing power to deliver fully optimized, digitally manufactured structures with unparalleled design freedom.”
While the immediate focus will be on the next generation of McLaren supercars, the implications of this partnership will likely extend much further, representing a pivotal moment for both companies. McLaren’s adoption of DAPS could set a new standard in the automotive industry, showcasing the potential of 3D printing to create more efficient and sustainable production methods. Additionally, it may signify a commitment to embracing the latest technologies to deliver unparalleled vehicle performance and customer experience. For Divergent, it reinforces the versatility and scalability of DAPS as a transformative solution for automotive production.
Divergent already demonstrated its capabilities just last month when partnering with Bugatti to produce lightweight suspension components for the Bugatti Tourbillon with DAPS, achieving a 45% weight reduction compared to traditional steel components. This collaboration with McLaren is expected to yield similar enhancements, potentially influencing the design and production of future electric and hybrid vehicles. To learn more about DAPS, click here.
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*Cover Photo Credits: McLaren Automotive