Staffordshire Precision Engineering launches 3D pr...

An engineering specialist has expanded its manufacturing base as part of its plans to launch a new business venture.

Newcastle-based Staffordshire Precision Engineering has teamed up with Simon Scott to launch Eclipse AM – a new company which specialises in additive manufacturing (AM) – or 3D printing as it is better known.

The £1 million investment has seen innovative technology, created by Stone-based AM specialists Renishaw, installed at the company's Parkhouse Industrial Estate headquarters.

Now the newly-formed venture has been officially launched and is open for business.

Phil Smith, who runs Staffordshire Precision Engineering with his brother Gary, said: “This company has always been a forward-thinking company.

“When 3D printing was first introduced it was largely unknown and ignored, but we jumped at the chance when we were given the opportunity to create this great new company alongside Simon Scott.

“Adopting additive manufacturing as a process within our business makes complete sense and is a move which will give Staffordshire Precision a competitive edge against other additive manufacturing suppliers."

Phil, Gary and Simon decided to launch the business after spotting a gap in the marketplace. They want to support companies which require the complex solutions provided by specialised additive manufacturing, but who do not have the capacity to install their own machinery.

Now the partnership will give companies – across all industries including aerospace, automotive and pharmaceutical – access to additive manufacturing technology through Eclipse AM and the option for end-to-end engineering solutions.

Managing director at Eclipse AM, Simon Scott, who is a pioneer in metal additive manufacturing, said: “I spoke to many companies about becoming involved with additive manufacturing and it was only when I was introduced to Staffordshire Precision Engineering that I had that light bulb moment. Now that vision has become possible thanks to bucket loads of determination and the help of many different people.

“We want to be recognised as the industry leader in the supply of additive manufacturing components and this new technology is one way in which we are going to try to achieve that."

Additive manufacturing is the process of creating a 3D object from a CAD model, building up in layers of fused metal powder. The new 3D printing technology has also been used to manufacture parts for cars used in F1 racing.

Stone-based Renishaw is one of the pioneers of AM technology.

Stephen Crownshaw, AM business manager at Renishaw, has welcomed the launch of Eclipse AM.

He said: “Staffordshire Precision Engineering and Simon Scott have come together to form a company and have grasped the opportunity to use and invest in additive manufacturing to take that company forward. It's nice to see a business that is looking to take it on as a lot of people are talking about it but not many people are actually doing it.

“We have worked with Staffs Precision for many years, so it's nice to be able to support this new business. We wish them all the best."

In addition to the new venture, Staffs Precision – which boasts a 52-strong workforce – has pledged to create 10 jobs before the end of the year.

It is part of the firm's ambition to grow its £4 million turnover to £7 million by 2020.