Rapid growth for city firm

Exeter-based Rapid Fusion has opened a brand-new 3D printing demonstration centre after a strong year of growth, with revenues rising by 25%.

The company has invested £750,000 to develop two new large-scale 3D printing systems and create a dedicated facility where customers can see them in action.

Located in a 5,000 sq ft unit at Skypark, the centre will showcase Rapid Fusion’s Apollo and ZEUS systems. ZEUS is a breakthrough machine that combines 3D printing with CNC milling, making it easier to produce large, high-quality moulds.

Rapid Fusion is also growing its team, hiring new engineers and specialists to support its expanding technology.

The company is on track to become a major player in large-scale 3D printing, with its Made in Britain-certified machines designed and built in the UK.

Founder Jake Hand said: “Last year was a fantastic year for us, with revenues reaching £1.7m — far beyond expectations.”

He pointed to a growing demand for bigger, more complex 3D prints, not just from the automotive and aerospaceindustries, but also from maritime and construction — including a new partnership with Italian firm Nanoo.

Rapid Fusion’s first custom-built machine, Apollo, launched last year and is 200 times faster than standard 3D printers. The company is now preparing to release ZEUS, which combines 3D printing with CNC milling for a seamless all-in-one production process.

Additionally, the company has developed a new printing algorithm that prevents stringing between parts, allowing multiple objects to be printed in one go, a first for the industry.

For more details, visit www.rapidfusion.co.uk or follow Rapid Fusion on social media.