For startups like Virginia-based Lumenium, the ability to quickly iterate on part designs and features is critically important in staying competitive. In the market of developing internal combustion engines, Their Inverse Displacement Asymmetrical Rotational (IDAR) engine is a novel and totally singular design for producing powerful, efficient, internal combustion. Its unique engine geometry permits dramatic yet efficient work output from a small, light engine consuming less fuel and producing lower emissions.
The Challenge
Rapid prototyping is essential for startups. For Lumenium, the ability to iterate quickly has a major and direct impact on time-to-market and engine performance. While Lumenium currently uses an in-house CNC machine and wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) to make prototype parts, the process is relatively time consuming and costly. Lumenium is seeking a faster, more cost-effective approach to prototyping parts within the engine assembly.
Parts within the IDAR engine must withstand the extreme heat and stress inherent to internal combustion engine operation. Each engine component must adhere to specific requirements—including high dimensional accuracy, strength under dynamic loads, and low thermal expansion. Also, the weight of each part is an important consideration for overall power density and efficiency. Additive manufacturing allows Lumenium to meet these requirements and tackle complex part geometries—like internal cooling channels to improve engine performance. With the Studio System, Lumenium can bring this technology into their existing workspace for faster design iteration and functional prototyping.