Midlands 3D opens new automated 3D printing facility

Midlands 3D, a 3D printing service provider, has opened what is reportedly one of the most automated polymer 3D print production facilities in the UK. The move more than quadruples its floor space, and the company also upgrades its fleet of HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printers, adding its automation system – which enables machines to automatically change their build unit once a build is complete, enabling another build to begin within minutes – to each machine.

“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 at 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.

Midlands 3D has also invested in the automated ‘Powerfuse’ vapour smoothing system from DyeMansion. A new finishing option alongside deep dye coloring 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,” said Paul Moloney, Founder and MD of Midlands 3D. “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. 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 going forward.”

Midlands 3D’s customer-centric, consultative approach has made them a favored supplier across many industries, including consumer goods, automotive, healthcare, marine, and UAVs. “We love working with customers, helping them derive the most value from adopting the technology across their supply chain,” said Paul Moloney. “We operate an open-door policy and welcome customers to visit our facility, especially now [that] work on our new HQ is complete”.