---
title: "Sheffield steel company integrates CEAD Flexbot into facility"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/sheffield-steel-company-integrates-cead-flexbot-into-facility/
date: 2026-01-26
modified: 2026-01-26
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "Sheffield Forgemasters, a UK-based leading steel component manufacturer, has combined 3D printing and alloy milling technology to add a large-scale hybrid 3D Printer and Milling Machine to its facilities. A..."
categories:
  - "3D Printing Processes"
  - "3D Printing Service Providers"
  - "AM Factories"
  - "Hybrid manufacturing"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sheffield-Forgemasters-CEAD-FlexRobot-640x400.jpg
word_count: 276
---

# Sheffield steel company integrates CEAD Flexbot into facility

[Sheffield Forgemasters, a UK-based leading steel component manufacturer](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/sheffield-forgemasters/), has combined 3D printing and alloy milling technology to add a large-scale hybrid 3D Printer and Milling Machine to its facilities.

A [CEAD Flexbot](https://www.voxelmatters.com/cead-siemens-am-flexbot-formnext/) 3D printer that can print up to 60kg of material per hour and can use a range of fiber-reinforced polymer materials to deliver large build volumes, in combination with milling techniques, will use additive and subtractive technologies to create a wide range of complex patterns.

Patterns are the solid shapes that form the first critical stage of [steel](https://www.voxelmatters.com/scientists-investigate-3d-printed-steels-for-nuclear-reactors/) casting production. They are used to make sand and resin molds into which liquid steel is poured to form a casting.

The new set up will help the company integrate traditional methods with digital techniques, increasing its production capacity and, the company says, shortening lead times while reducing costs.

![Sheffield Forgemasters has added a CEAD Flexbot to its facilities.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sheffield-Forgemasters-computers-scaled-e1769448039798-340x258.jpg)

“By digitising and automating aspects of traditional pattern manufacturing, the CEAD Flexbot enables faster turnaround, higher repeatability, and greater design freedom,” stated Jason Barker, Founder/CTO at CNC Robotics, a company that partners with CEAD for UK distribution and maintenance.

“This hybrid large-format additive and subtractive capability isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a step-change in how manufacturers like Sheffield Forgemasters can operate. 

“The system also supports more sustainable manufacturing. Additive deposition reduces waste material compared to conventional subtractive-only workflows, and the ability to recycle polymer feedstocks further strengthens the environmental benefits.”

The CEAD Flexbot offers an impressive 3x1m build volume, CNC milling capabilities, and Dynamic Flow Control, and has been integrated into other large-scale industrial workflows to great success.

Both [AirTech](https://www.voxelmatters.com/airtech-advanced-materials-group-adds-cead-flexbot-technology/) and [Stack3D](https://www.voxelmatters.com/stack3d-integrates-cead-hybrid-flexbot/) have installed the advanced all-in-one solution for their precision manufacturing needs in recent years.