News: Materialise UK at TCT Live

Experts from Materialise UK Ltd in Rotherham showcased the latest developments in low volume manufacturing and additive manufacturing software technology at the recent TCT Live show.

With a base on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Materialise is the world leader in rapid prototyping and low volume manufacturing solutions, offering expert services in these areas as well as being a provider of innovative software solutions. Amongst its clients it boasts many leading companies from the aerospace, automotive, medical technology and consumer electronics/ consumables sectors.

Experts demonstrated the latest additive manufacturing software solutions that not only offers customers obvious cost and lead-time advantages, but also provides increased design freedom and the possibility to personalise products aimed at a niche markets.

Its Low Volume Manufacturing Solutions enable production ready components to be manufactured in days, with minimal investment costs. Such solutions are already used in the production of concept cars, patient-customised medical implants and bespoke design products, where the quantity of products required are too small to justify a conventional production mould investment.

Materialise has the innovative technologies to build single piece products up to 2100x680x800mm, allowing large components such as automotive dashboards and bumper assemblies to be cost-effectively produced. The technology was also used earlier this year to produce a full sized replica of King Tut's mummy for an exhibition in New York.

Philip Hudson, Managing Director of Materialise UK said: "The show was very successful, and a great opportunity to show the latest capabilities of our rapid prototyping and low volume manufacturing services, in addition to our additive manufacturing software solutions.

"Techniques and materials have advanced in such a way that they can be used in production environments and allow our manufacturing solutions to rival traditional subtractive production technologies, whilst also offering degrees of customisation unthinkable only a few years ago.

"The technologies have applications across a wide range of industry sectors and the interest in the solutions we received at the show reflects this fact."

Visitors to the Materialise UK Ltd stand were also able to experience the thrills of extreme winter sport with the Skeleton Challenge from fellow AMP company, Bromley Technologies.

The Challenge uses a unique skeleton simulator, combining head mounted 3D technology with a composite sled, manufactured by Materialise, and incorporating sophisticated balance and movement systems. Riders can test their skills on simulations of some of the world's most challenging skeleton bobsleigh tracks, where competing athletes can travel at speeds of up to 90mph, and experience 5Gs in some bends.

Materialise website
Bromley Technologies website

Images: materialise.com