Massivit Opens Europe-Based Service Center to Support RapidWings International Expansion

Massivit (Lod, Israel and Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) is opening and operation its first Europe-based Service Center in Barcelona, Spain, which will function under the company’s Europe entity in support of Massivit’s recently launched RapidWings manufacturing platform (read “...Platform Reduces Composite Tooling Lead Times for Defense, Aerospace”). 

In light of global aerospace and defense market requirements for on-demand manufacturing (“On the Radar: 3D Printing and the Agile Production Imperative”), the Europe Service Center was established to provide high-speed tooling — including molds, masters, mandrels, jigs, fixtures and prototype tooling — that reduces traditional tooling lead times from months to days, enabling manufacturers to overcome existing backlogs.

At the heart of the facility lies Massivit’s Cast In Motion (CIM) digital tooling technology that the company says will allow composited manufacturers to bypass recognized tooling bottlenecks and supply chain constraints. Based on defense projects already completed via the RapidWings platform, manufacturers can expect a tooling lead time reduction of up to 90%.

The Service Center offers manufacturers a seamless workflow from digital CAD design through 3D printed tool to final machined part. Unlike conventional tooling methods that involve modeling foams, tooling boards or 3D printed thermoplastics, CIM technology delivers isotropic tooling that provides optimal dimensional stability, thermal resistance, adhesion and surface quality, making the tools suitable for autoclave and a range of temperatures. The molds can also withstand hundreds of cycles, thereby responding to the immediate demand for mass-production of drones, airframes and composite structures.

In addition, the Service Center is intended to serve as the first step for future deployment of global RapidWings service and production centers which will be operated independently or through a third-party cooperation model (Joint Manufacturing Alliance network).