Rapid Fusion, a leading technology specialist in additive manufacturing, will officially unveil its new 3D printing robot demonstration centre later this month, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion.
The facility is part of a broader £750,000 investment drive aimed at enhancing the company’s capabilities and supporting its rapid growth.
The new 7,500ft² facility, located at Skypark in Exeter, will showcase the firm’s advanced 3D printing platforms, including its Apollo cell and the ZEUS system.
ZEUS combines 3D printing with CNC milling technology, offering a hybrid solution for the production of larger moulds.
This addition is expected to strengthen Rapid Fusion’s position in the growing demand for complex geometries and larger-scale additive manufacturing applications, particularly in industries like automotive, aerospace, maritime, and construction.
The company’s investment also includes the development of two new additive manufacturing platforms, alongside the creation of new jobs. Rapid Fusion has recently employed a LFAM (large-format additive manufacturing) robotic print engineer and plans to recruit additional staff in engineering, deployment, and software development in the coming months.
In 2024, Rapid Fusion reported a 25% increase in revenues, surpassing £1.7 million, driven largely by the success of its additive manufacturing platforms.
The company’s founder, Jake Hand, highlighted the growing market interest in more advanced 3D printing solutions, citing increased demand from both established industries and emerging sectors like construction.
Notably, the company has signed a deal with the Italian business Nanoo to explore opportunities in the construction sector.
The new demonstration centre will allow potential clients to see the technology in action, with the opportunity to conduct prototype trials to test the speed, accuracy, and reliability of Rapid Fusion’s solutions.
Rapid Fusion’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of the Apollo and ZEUS systems, which are designed and built entirely in the UK. The Apollo cell, launched in 2023, has already garnered attention for its speed, with capabilities nearly 200 times faster than existing FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers. Meanwhile, ZEUS’s hybrid functionality offers a streamlined solution for customers needing both 3D printing and CNC milling in one machine.
Further enhancing its technological edge, Rapid Fusion has also introduced a new algorithm for retraction during 3D printing, aimed at eliminating stringing between parts. This advancement, a first for the industry, has received positive initial feedback.
Jake Hand, founder of Rapid Fusion, said: “There is a definite move in the market towards larger printing and more complex geometries and we’re not just seeing that from automotive and aerospace, but maritime and even construction where we’ve signed an exciting deal with Italian business Nanoo.”
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