Advanced Modular Additive Manufacturing Platform
Lead Participant:
FREEFORM FABRICATION INDUSTRIES LIMITED
Abstract
AM is regularly utilised throughout a variety of sectors and is used to aid the design process,
produce prototypes and manufacture bespoke commercial products. The manufacturing
sector has realised the potential of AM and the industrial machining sector is currently the
largest user of AM with 14.4% of the global market share.
To produce an AM product, a computerised design must be produced using CAD software, the
file is then converted and transferred to the AM machine. The build process often consists of
deposition of thin layers of material until a 3D structure takes shape. In between each layer the
material must be cured or set to ensure the product maintains its shape. After the build process
most AM techniques require some form of post-build processing to produce a high quality
product. Although this method of AM is currently used throughout many industry sectors, there
are many problems associated with current AM technology. At present, one AM platform can
produce one part at a time. To mass produce AM parts, a manufacturer would need to invest in a
large number of AM machines.
Freeform Fabrication are AM materials producers that currently supply to some of the
country's leading retailers, manufacturing and healthcare providers. Freeform Fabrication and
Clarks Shoes have begun development of a new AM platform that will eliminate many of the
difficulties with manufacture of present AM products. The company will develop an AM
platform that is capable of mass producing AM parts, without the need for manual pre- or post
build processing.
Freeform Fabrication and Clarks Shoes' innovative AM platform will play a role in broadening
the market for AM products; resulting in the reshoring of manufacturing, reducing production
costs for SME's and creating high quality jobs within the UK manufacturing sector. The
company have extensive know how in AM and the materials to be used in the AM platform. This
material is significantly safer for operators and produces no waste during the production
process.
produce prototypes and manufacture bespoke commercial products. The manufacturing
sector has realised the potential of AM and the industrial machining sector is currently the
largest user of AM with 14.4% of the global market share.
To produce an AM product, a computerised design must be produced using CAD software, the
file is then converted and transferred to the AM machine. The build process often consists of
deposition of thin layers of material until a 3D structure takes shape. In between each layer the
material must be cured or set to ensure the product maintains its shape. After the build process
most AM techniques require some form of post-build processing to produce a high quality
product. Although this method of AM is currently used throughout many industry sectors, there
are many problems associated with current AM technology. At present, one AM platform can
produce one part at a time. To mass produce AM parts, a manufacturer would need to invest in a
large number of AM machines.
Freeform Fabrication are AM materials producers that currently supply to some of the
country's leading retailers, manufacturing and healthcare providers. Freeform Fabrication and
Clarks Shoes have begun development of a new AM platform that will eliminate many of the
difficulties with manufacture of present AM products. The company will develop an AM
platform that is capable of mass producing AM parts, without the need for manual pre- or post
build processing.
Freeform Fabrication and Clarks Shoes' innovative AM platform will play a role in broadening
the market for AM products; resulting in the reshoring of manufacturing, reducing production
costs for SME's and creating high quality jobs within the UK manufacturing sector. The
company have extensive know how in AM and the materials to be used in the AM platform. This
material is significantly safer for operators and produces no waste during the production
process.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| FREEFORM FABRICATION INDUSTRIES LIMITED | £941,300 | £ 658,910 |
Participant |
||
| TANGERINE TOOLING LIMITED | ||
| C & J CLARK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED | £404,874 | £ 202,437 |
| INNOVATE UK | ||
| FRONTIER TECHNICAL LTD |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Martin Chisholm (Project Manager) |