Saint-Gobain and Continuous Composites Execute a Joint Development Agreement to Advance CF3D®

• Strategic partnership focuses on bringing CF3D® to aerospace applications including aerostructures and high-temperature components.
• Saint-Gobain will bring its design and analysis resources to develop new products for aerospace applications.
• Saint-Gobain will lead certification of CF3D® process and materials for aerospace applications.

Saint-Gobain, a French multinational group that develops, manufactures and distributes high-performance solutions is excited to announce a Joint Development Agreement with Continuous Composites, a composites additive manufacturer. This strategic collaboration was formed to combine strong synergies between Continuous Composites’ patented Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D®) with Saint-Gobain’s digital design and analysis resources to enable innovative commercial aerospace products.

Saint-Gobain will bring Continuous Composites’ CF3D® production systems in-house to be located at Saint-Gobain’s manufacturing centers of excellence providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and testing equipment. Engineers from the two companies are working collaboratively to advance the CF3D® technology for new and existing commercial applications, including aerostructures, engine parts, and interior components.

Leveraging its numerical optimization and design tools along with its extensive materials knowledge, Saint-Gobain Research & Development teams will lead the certification of the CF3D® process and materials.

CF3D® is an automated manufacturing solution for additively manufacturing strong, lightweight, aerospace grade composite components applicable to many industries. By combining high-performance continuous fiber with rapid curing thermoset resins, CF3D® increases the efficiency of the composite parts manufacturing process to deliver substantially lower cost and shorter lead times as compared to conventional methods. CF3D® offers a wide range of materials for manufacturing both traditional and high temperature composites, as well as multi-functional structures enabled by printed sensors and wires.

“This innovative technology will help the aerospace ecosystem solve weight, structural and performance challenges that are inherent in aerospace applications,” says Scott Huth, General Manager, Aerospace, Saint-Gobain Mobility. “Together, we are fast-tracking CF3D® for aerospace and we are thrilled to be part of this technology.”

“Saint-Gobain has a longstanding reputation for driving innovation, working with cutting edge technologies in a multitude of industries, and CF3D® is no exception,” says Tyler Alvarado CEO of Continuous Composites. “The demonstrated performance of CF3D® meets the strict standards of the aerospace industry, and we are proud to be partners with Saint-Gobain through their equity investment and JDA.”

ABOUT CONTINUOUS COMPOSITES

Continuous Composites, established in 2015 and headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, owns the world's earliest granted patents on Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D®). Offering the most advanced composites and additive manufacturing solution, CF3D® redefines mainstream manufacturing. The CF3D® process leverages the power of composite materials with a 3D printing process to reduce the high cost, long lead times, and design constraints found in traditional manufacturing. CF3D® elevates the use of composites by bringing tailorable, snap curing thermoset materials solutions to new applications.