Rapid Fusion allocates 500k+ for new 3D printing solution

Founder Jake Hand is confident that this new technology will benefit manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries, enabling them to produce high-quality builds at accelerated speeds and significantly lower costs compared to other models.

Hand anticipates sales exceeding £4 million in the first year, with seven new jobs already created, along with the establishment of a dedicated R&D and demonstration centre at Skypark, Exeter.

“I’ve been involved in the sector for some time and companies were continually asking for a product that offered them an automated large format solution,” explained Hand.

“Nobody was doing anything like this in the UK, so we thought…you know what, let’s see what we can do, and our Apollo system represents a massive innovation that promises to disrupt the status quo.

“It utilises a world-class, award-winning pellet extruder, tailored control system and robotic Kuka arm that extends to nearly 4 metres. It means users can design and produce products on a print bed that is 2 metres x 3 metres squared, ideal for creating bespoke furniture pieces, large auto parts and complex aerospace components.”

Rapid Fusion, a sister company of 3D printing hardware specialist EVO 3D, aims to establish itself as a leading provider of additive manufacturing platforms, with all systems designed, manufactured, and assembled in the UK.

Apollo, priced at £250,000, is the company’s first bespoke solution and delivers printing speeds almost 200 times faster than FDM printers. It also supports the use of hundreds of engineering-grade polymers and custom composites.

Customers can also achieve substantial cost savings, as pellets are between 65% and 90% cheaper than equivalent plastic filaments.

“Our Apollo systems are generating a lot of interest, and we’ve already agreed reseller agreements with international clients, such as CNC World in the UK, Hyperion in Australia, Maptec in Dubai and ACCUFACTURE in USA.

“There are also a lot of domestic opportunities, and this is just the start. Our R&D team are already working on the next generation of systems, which have the potential to push innovation even further.

“This will include the possibility of integrating CNC machining into our solutions and an exciting Innovate UK-backed project that will herald the launch of Evo 1.”

Rapid Fusion plans to open its Skypark facility in October and, if the current pipeline of orders is fulfilled, aims to create an additional seven positions in the South West over the next year.