Additive Manufacturing for UK Industry
Additive manufacturing is a production process, not just a prototyping trick. Innovat3D uses it to make functional parts, tooling and production aids in engineering-grade polymers for UK manufacturers.
The value is in what it removes: tooling cost, minimum order quantities and long lead times for parts that only exist in small numbers.
Problems this solves
- Parts needed in tens, not thousands, where moulding cannot be justified
- Obsolete or unavailable components with no supply route
- Long lead times on machined or moulded parts
- Designs that are still changing between batches
- Assemblies that would need several machined parts to achieve one shape
Typical applications
- Functional end-use components
- Jigs, fixtures and production aids
- Replacement and obsolete parts
- Housings, guards, ducts and manifolds
- Models, displays and educational equipment
Benefits
No hard tooling
Geometry changes cost design time, not a new mould.
Complexity is free
Internal channels, lattices and consolidated assemblies cost no more to produce.
Short lead times
Parts in days, and design revisions without restarting a tooling programme.
Right-sized batches
One part or a few hundred, without minimum order quantities.
Design for purpose
Parts designed for the additive process rather than converted from machined drawings.
Who we work with
- Manufacturers and engineering companies
- Product developers and innovators
- Maintenance and facilities teams
- Education and training organisations
How it works
- 01
Define the duty
Loads, temperature, chemicals, finish and expected life.
- 02
Design or adapt
CAD designed or optimised for additive manufacture.
- 03
Material selection
Engineering polymer chosen for the application, not for convenience.
- 04
Build
Printed with orientation and settings chosen for the load path.
- 05
Finish and check
Post-processing, insert fitting and dimensional checks before delivery.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 3D printing strong enough for real parts?
- Engineering-grade polymers, correct orientation and sensible design give parts that perform well in many industrial applications. Where the duty exceeds what polymer can offer, we say so.
- How many parts can you produce?
- From one-offs up to low-volume batches. For very high volumes, moulding is usually the better economic answer and we will tell you where that crossover sits.
- Can you design the part as well?
- Yes — CAD design, reverse engineering and design for additive manufacture are all in-house.
Related services
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View Engineering 3D PrintingLow Volume Manufacturing
Low volume manufacturing and short-run batch production from Innovat3D, Stoke-on-Trent. Engineering-grade parts without tooling costs or minimum order quantities.
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3D printed CNC fixtures and additive tooling from Innovat3D, Stoke-on-Trent. Fast, lightweight workholding in engineering-grade polymers for UK machine shops.
View 3D Printed CNC FixturesDiscuss your application
Send CAD files, drawings, photographs, dimensions, an existing part or simply a description of the manufacturing problem — whatever you have is enough to start. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Innovat3D supports engineering and manufacturing customers throughout the UK.