Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has partnered with Sharrow Engineering to scale production of the Sharrow Propeller using advanced 3D sand-casting techniques, reducing manufacturing timelines from 130 days to approximately two weeks.

The collaboration, facilitated through Michigan Central's innovation ecosystem in Detroit, represents a significant manufacturing advancement for Sharrow Engineering's patented marine propeller technology. Ford's Advanced Industrial Technology & Platforms team worked with Sharrow over nine months to adapt the propeller designs to a 3D-printed sand-casting process.

According to the companies, the traditional investment casting method previously required up to 130 days for production. The new process maintains the precision required for Sharrow's designs while dramatically shortening production time ahead of the summer boating season.

"Ford has been at the leading edge of 3D sand-casting for more than 20 years, and it's rewarding to use that expertise to help another Michigan company scale so quickly," said Dan Michalski, additive manufacturing operations supervisor at Ford.

Sharrow Engineering, founded in Detroit, launched its propeller technology in 2020. The company claims the design delivers up to 30% greater fuel efficiency and up to 80% noise reduction compared to traditional propellers. The technology has attracted interest from recreational boaters, commercial operators, and government agencies.

Greg Sharrow, founder and CEO of Sharrow Engineering, stated that scaling production had been the company's primary challenge. "What used to take an entire boating season to produce can now be made in just a few weeks," he said.

The collaboration supports Sharrow's continued expansion in Michigan, including a recent move to a 60,000-square-foot facility in Harper Woods. The company holds over 200 patents worldwide and has expanded its technology applications beyond marine propulsion into drones, industrial fans, and renewable energy systems.

Michigan Central, which opened in April 2023, houses nearly 250 companies and startups focused on mobility and technology innovation.