Boeing (www.boeing.com) recently invested in Digital Alloys Inc, which is based in Burlington (Massachusetts) and develops high-speed multi-metal additive-manufacturing systems that produce 3-D printed parts for aerospace and other production applications. The company’s Joule Printing technology can rapidly combine multiple metals into parts to enhance their thermal, electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties.

Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures, said: “Our investment in Digital Alloys will help Boeing produce metal structural aerospace parts faster and at higher volume than ever before.

"By investing in companies with emerging additive-manufacturing technologies, we aim to strengthen Boeing’s expertise and help accelerate the design and manufacture of 3-D printed parts to transform production systems and products.”

Formed in January 2017, Digital Alloys developed a patented 3-D printing approach that avoids the cost and complexity of powder-based systems, while delivering higher resolution than other wire-based 3-D printing techniques.

Duncan McCallum, CEO of Digital Alloys, said: “Our novel Joule Printing process is faster, more cost-effective and more reliable than other approaches. Partnering with Boeing will make us a smarter and stronger company.

"We are committed to enabling Boeing and other leading manufacturers to create valuable new products quickly and at less cost by incorporating metal 3-D printing into their production.”

Today, Boeing has more than 60,000 3-D printed parts flying on space, commercial and defence products. Boeing HorizonX Ventures participated in Digital Alloys’ Series B funding round led by G20 Ventures, with participation by Lincoln Electric and Khosla Ventures.