Ford Motor Company purchases new Production System P-1 from Desktop Metal

Already a leader in additive manufacturing in the automotive sector, Ford does not intend to stop here. The American firm has confirmed that it has already ordered the P-1, Desktop Metal‘s latest 3D printer, and will be one of the first users of the machine. Desktop Metal recently completed a remarkable IPO as part of a business combination with Trine Acquisition Corp, and with two new machines planned for 2021, the P-1 and the P-50, the Massachusetts-based company plans to strengthen its incredible growth trajectory.

These two 3D printers will use SPJ (Single Pass Jetting) technology, soon to be patented by the manufacturer. This process deposits and compresses a thin layer of metal powder before binding the different elements, all in a matter of seconds. While some may doubt the functionality of this technology, Ford seems confident. Cynthia Flanigan, Director of Automotive Research and Technology, said: “Ford has been active in 3D printing since 1988 with the acquisition of the third commercially available stereolithography system (SLA); we are very pleased to be the first to adopt the P-1.”

The P-50, which will be available in the second half of 2021 | Photo Credit: Desktop Metal

Designed to familiarise users with SPJ technology in preparation for the arrival of the P-50, the future flagship Desktop Metal machine, the P-1 is available to order. Using a Binder Jetting process, the P-1 prints each layer in less than three seconds. With a resolution of 1200 dpi and a printhead system that can use a wide variety of materials, the machine looks great. This is a major innovation, which Ford is keen to try: “We hope that this new system will be an important tool in the development of our future advanced process and alloy implementation, enabling our researchers to investigate additional production opportunities of metal binder jetting at Ford Motor Company,” explains Cynthia Flanigan. By experimenting with new materials on the P-1, Ford could then develop new parts for mass production on the P-50 machine.