3D printing service bureau Midlands 3D opens an automated polymer 3D printing production facility in the UK. The company’s new headquarters were inaugurated through an industry open day on July 10th.
More than quadrupling their floor space in the recent move, Midlands 3D has upgraded its fleet of HP MultiJet Fusion (MJF) Printers, adding its automation system to each.
The system enables machines to automatically change their “build unit” once a build is complete, enabling another build to begin within minutes. Utilising these technologies enables the machines to run continuously, dramatically increasing overall efficiency, lowering operating costs and lead times for large print runs.
“The shift toward industrial production using Multi Jet Fusion is not only real but it’s accelerating at pace and what Midlands 3D have built is a timely response to that growth,” said François Minec, VP & Global Head of Sales and Business Development, HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions. “The scale and the quality of output coming out of their new facility clearly demonstrate how additive manufacturing can deliver both lower costs and faster lead times at volume. It is a compelling example of how UK manufacturing is alive and thriving, and why doubling down on automation and end-to-end capability is exactly what this moment demands.”
In addition, Midlands3D had invested in the automated “Powerfuse”, vapour smoothing system from DyeMansion. A new finishing option alongside deep dye colouring and Polyshot surfacing, this technology gives printed parts a smoother, stronger, scratch resistant and waterproof finish.
“We saw the tipping point where production manufacturing became a bigger part of the business than prototyping last year,” commented MD and Founder, Paul Moloney. “We’re running hard to keep up with demand, and the dramatic expansion in both capacity and capability you see demonstrated here is the next big milestone. 3D Print manufacturing is exploding right now, but there are so many industries who are still barely dipping their toes in the water,” he continued. “Being in the heart of the Midlands is a terrific location to support UK manufacturing, and we’re just getting started in terms of what is possible with Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) going forward”
Demonstrating one such example at the Open Day, attendees were able to look around two Midlands 3D sponsored British Touring Cars and chat to members of the WSR Racing team in attendance. Working together with Midlands 3D, they have developed over 100 printed parts for use on the cars and in the pit lane, contributing to the competitive edge that saw the WSR team recently crowned the most successful British Touring Car team in history, a press communication reads.
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