Midlands 3D has announced the opening of what is believed to be the UK’s most automated polymer 3D printing production site.
Historically linked to rapid prototyping and low-volume part production, the 3D printing sector has seen a shift. New manufacturing technologies are now powering larger batch runs, producing final-use parts with the quality and consistency required for commercial use.
Stone-based Midlands 3D has been a key driver of this transformation, continuously reinvesting in the latest equipment, software, and production methods to stay ahead of industry demands and deliver 3D print manufacturing as a streamlined service.
As part of this commitment, the company recently hosted an open day at its newly established headquarters, inviting industry peers to explore its newest innovations.
The move has seen Midlands 3D expand its premises more than fourfold, while also upgrading its suite of HP MultiJet Fusion (MJF) printers. Each printer now features an integrated automation system capable of switching out the “build unit” immediately after a print finishes—enabling a new job to start almost instantly. This level of automation ensures continuous output, substantially improving production efficiency while reducing both costs and lead times for high-volume orders.
“The shift toward industrial production using Multi Jet Fusion is not only real but it’s accelerating at pace and what Midlands 3D have built is a timely response to that growth,” said François Minec, VP & Global Head of Sales and Business Development, HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions.
“The scale and the quality of output coming out of their new facility clearly demonstrate how additive manufacturing can deliver both lower costs and faster lead times at volume. It is a compelling example of how UK manufacturing is alive and thriving, and why doubling down on automation and end-to-end capability is exactly what this moment demands.”
In addition, Midlands3D had invested in the automated “Powerfuse”, vapour smoothing system from industry leaders, DyeMansion. A new finishing option alongside deep dye colouring and Polyshot surfacing, this technology gives printed parts a smoother, stronger, scratch resistant and waterproof finish.
“We saw the tipping point where production manufacturing became a bigger part of the business than prototyping last year,” commented MD and Founder, Paul Moloney. “We’re running hard to keep up with demand, and the dramatic expansion in both capacity and capability you see demonstrated here is the next big milestone. 3D Print manufacturing is exploding right now, but there are so many industries who are still barely dipping their toes in the water” he continued. “Being in the heart of the Midlands is a terrific location to support UK manufacturing, and we’re just getting started in terms of what is possible with Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) going forward”
Demonstrating one such example at the Open Day, attendees were able to look around two Midlands 3D sponsored British Touring Cars and chat to members of the WSR Racing team in attendance. Working together with Midlands 3D, they have developed over 100 printed parts for use on the cars and in the pit lane, contributing to the competitive edge that saw the WSR team recently crowned the most successful British Touring Car team in history.
Midlands 3D’s customer centric, consultative approach has made them a favoured supplier across many industries including consumer goods, automotive, healthcare, marine and UAVs. “We love working with customers helping them derive the most value from adopting the technology across their supply chain” concludes Paul. “We operate an open-door policy and welcome customers to visit our facility, especially now work on our new HQ is complete”.
