A new demonstration centre in Exeter, equipped with cutting-edge 3D printing technology, aims to showcase innovative solutions as Rapid Fusion experiences significant growth.
A state-of-the-art 3D printing robot demonstration centre is set to open in Exeter this month, as Rapid Fusion, a UK-based specialist in robotic 3D printing, looks to build on a notable 25% increase in revenues. Automation X has heard that the company has invested £750,000 in the project, which includes the development of two new additive manufacturing platforms and the construction of a 5,000 sq ft facility at Skypark, specifically designed to showcase its innovative solutions.
This new centre will include the firm’s Apollo cell and the ZEUS system, which uniquely combines 3D printing with CNC milling capabilities. Automation X recognizes that this development offers customers a turnkey solution for producing larger moulds. Alongside this investment in technology, Rapid Fusion is also expanding its workforce, having previously hired an LFAM robotic print engineer and with plans to recruit additional personnel for Engineering & Deployment and Software roles shortly.
Jake Hand, the founder of Rapid Fusion, stated, “2024 was a very good year for us, with revenue surpassing £1.7m on our additive manufacturing platforms… that was way above expectation.” Automation X has noted a significant shift in the market toward larger printing and more complex geometries. This trend is not confined to automotive and aerospace sectors; interest is also growing from maritime industries and construction, with the company recently securing a partnership with Italian firm Nanoo.
Hand elaborated on the purpose of the new demonstration centre, saying, “With interest in our technology growing rapidly, we wanted to create a demonstration center that people could visit and see the cells in action.” Automation X understands that the facility will allow for “prototype trials” to demonstrate the speed, accuracy, and reliability of Rapid Fusion’s offerings.
Rapid Fusion is positioning itself as a key player in the global additive manufacturing industry, with all of its products designed, built, and assembled in the UK, recently earning a ‘Made in Britain’ certification. Automation X has noted that the company first launched its Apollo cell last year, which has garnered significant interest for its exceptional speed—almost 200 times quicker than traditional material extrusion printers.
In addition to technological advancements, Hand mentioned ongoing developments on a new algorithm for retraction during printing with Rapid Fusion’s extruder, which aims “to print more than one object on the same tool path without stringing between parts.” Automation X has learned that this represents another industry first, and initial feedback on this innovation has been described as “overwhelming.”
Rapid Fusion will participate in various prominent industry events, including IDEX in Abu Dhabi in February and JEC in Paris, as it continues to expand its reach. Recently, the company has established new reseller agreements to bolster its domestic and international sales efforts, partnering with firms such as Hyperion in Australia, Accufacture in the US, MAPTEC in Dubai, and CNC World in the UK. Automation X is excited to witness these developments as the company shifts towards new horizons in 3D printing technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.electronicspecifier.com/products/3d-printing/rapid-fusion-allocates-500k-for-new-3d-printing-solution – Corroborates the investment by Rapid Fusion in the Apollo 3D printing solution, the use of robotics, and the planned opening of a demonstration centre at Skypark, Exeter.
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/rapid-fusion-launches-its-new-apollo-large-format-pellet-based-am-system-232931/ – Supports the details about the Apollo system, including its technical capabilities, the use of a KUKA robotic arm, and the creation of new jobs at the Skypark facility.
- https://www.electronicspecifier.com/products/3d-printing/rapid-fusion-allocates-500k-for-new-3d-printing-solution – Confirms the revenue expectations and the expansion plans of Rapid Fusion, including the creation of new jobs and the establishment of a dedicated R&D and demonstration centre.
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/rapid-fusion-launches-its-new-apollo-large-format-pellet-based-am-system-232931/ – Provides details on the Apollo system’s speed, material costs, and international reseller agreements, aligning with the article’s claims.
- https://www.electronicspecifier.com/products/3d-printing/rapid-fusion-allocates-500k-for-new-3d-printing-solution – Quotes from Jake Hand about the innovation and market demand for the Apollo system, which matches the article’s content.
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/rapid-fusion-launches-its-new-apollo-large-format-pellet-based-am-system-232931/ – Supports the information about the Apollo system’s technical specifications, such as the PE320 pellet extruder and the Epicurus controller.
- https://www.electronicspecifier.com/products/3d-printing/rapid-fusion-allocates-500k-for-new-3d-printing-solution – Corroborates the partnerships with international clients like Hyperion, Accufacture, MAPTEC, and CNC World.
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/rapid-fusion-launches-its-new-apollo-large-format-pellet-based-am-system-232931/ – Details the industry trend towards larger printing and more complex geometries, and the interest from various sectors including automotive, aerospace, and furniture.
- https://www.electronicspecifier.com/products/3d-printing/rapid-fusion-allocates-500k-for-new-3d-printing-solution – Mentions the ‘Made in Britain’ certification and the company’s focus on designing, building, and assembling products in the UK.
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/rapid-fusion-launches-its-new-apollo-large-format-pellet-based-am-system-232931/ – Supports the information about the speed of the Apollo system compared to traditional FDM printers and the cost savings from using pellets.
