A breakthrough in large format hybrid 3D printing has been successfully unveiled by Rapid Fusion.
The Exeter-based company attracted more than 100 industry specialists, potential customers and funding partners for the launch and demo of Medusa at its state-of-the-art R&D centre.
Benefitting from a £1.2m grant from Innovate UK, the firm has created what it believes is a first for the UK, with the industrial 3D printer three times faster than conventional machines, twice as accurate and promising to reduce training and maintenance costs by 30%.
Delegates saw the machine, which boasts a 1.2m3 volume build and movement speeds of 1200mm per second, print a complex mould for use in the construction sector in under 5 hours.
They also had the opportunity to listen to Guy Brown (AiBuild), Dickon Walker (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland), Chaco Van Der Sijp (Innovate UK) and Ravi Toor (Filamentive), who all gave a personal insight into the project, some of the printer’s unique selling point and what this new technology means for the UK.
Jake Hand, Managing Director of Rapid Fusion, commented: “It was a fitting launch event for Medusa, the culmination of 18 months hard work, innovation and pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can do.
“Thanks to the commitment of our team, led by Martin Jewell, and our partners we have created something we believe is truly special and never been done on these shores - if in fact the world before!”
He continued: “The reaction from delegates was very special and we’re already having conversations with potential customers about taking receipt of future machines. This is really promising and will help us push the button on scaling up production.”
Paul Rowe of Applied Automation added his support: “It really was a fantastic morning at Rapid Fusion. Medusa is the first UK-built large format 3D Printer and WOW these guys are truly redefining large-format additive manufacturing.
“Exciting times lie ahead, and we are excited to support them as they look to serialise the build.”
Backed by project partners Rolls-Royce, AI Build and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the gantry-style machine combines pellet extruder, filament and CNC machining tool to provide a single-source solution for large moulds and tooling that is typically used by aerospace, automotive, marine and construction companies.
The latest AI technology has been integrated into the design, with Medusa boasting a 1.2m3 volume build and able to move at 1200mm per second speeds.
Bosses have already received significant interest from tier1s and several primes for the £500,000 machine and are predicting a potential £5m revenue return in the first year after launch.
For further information, please visit www.rapidfusion.co.uk
