A BELFAST manufacturer has invested half a million pounds in new 3D metal printing technology as part of major expansion plans.
Printing service bureau Laser Prototypes (Europe) (LPE) has made its largest investment to date with the purchase of a £500,000 metal sintering machine.
The investment has allowed the company based on Prince Regent Road, to expand its prototyping and manufacturing capabilities meaning that it is the only firm on the island of Ireland to offer customers parts built in aluminium, stainless steel and titanium.
Metal sintering is viewed as a quantum leap forward in manufacturing for numerous industries including aerospace, motor racing and medical. The process builds components layer by layer, making it possible to design organic geometries, complex internal features and challenging passages that could not be cast or machined.
Managing Director of LPE, Tom Walls said the investment demonstrated the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in a fast moving industry.
“This is a massive investment and step forward for LPE in terms of our expansion into the metal sintering market."
“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," he added.
Invest NI's director of advanced manufacturing and engineering division, Bill Montgomery said the 3D printing of metal parts is an area of "enormous potential".
"Supporting this investment in new advanced manufacturing technology will ensure LPE has the manufacturing capabilities to compete for this business and position itself as a leader in this innovative field.
