Laser Prototypes (Europe) invests in 3D printing future

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This significant investment has allowed the company to expand its prototyping and manufacturing capabilities meaning that it is one of the few companies in the UK offering customers parts built in aluminium, stainless steel and titanium.

Speaking of the investment, managing director of LPE, Tom Walls said: “This is a massive investment and step forward for LPE in terms of our expansion into the metal sintering market. The substantial value of this investment reflects our confidence in this new technology and demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in this fast-moving industry.

“Metal Sintering greatly reduces time and financial costs compared to traditional manufacturing of components. This new innovation removes the constraints of traditional manufacturing allowing our customers freedom to design efficient, lightweight parts. It offers an ideal solution for the cost-effective production of prototypes or final production components, regardless of complexity of design.”

Dr Leslie Orr, director ADS, said: “Our goal is to double the size of the aerospace, defence, security and space industries and metal sintering is amazing, allowing intricate metal parts to be built that were previously impossible using traditional manufacturing methods. These new processes are seen as important contributors to innovation and the future growth of the industry.”

LPE sees research and development in additive metal critical to the continued adoption of this technology and is currently leading an 18 months project with University of Ulster, Bombardier Aerospace and Thales at the Northern Ireland Advanced Engineering Competence Centre (NIAECC) to advance the usage of 3D Metal printed parts for the aerospace industry.

LPE has offered specialist 3D printing, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing services for over 25 years at its custom-built premises.

Bill Montogomery of Invest NI and Dr Leslie Orr of ADS Northern Ireland join Tom Walls (centre) of Laser Prototypes (Europe) (LPE)

www.laserproto.com