For years, the biggest bottleneck in manufacturing has been tooling. Whether it’s a mould for composites, a jig for assembly or a pattern for casting, traditional methods often mean waiting weeks, sometimes months, to get production up and running. That wait can hold up entire projects and slow down innovation.
Now, things are starting to shift. With hybrid manufacturing platforms like those developed by Rapid Fusion (Medusa & Zeus), it’s possible to 3D print near net shape tooling and finish it with CNC milling, all within a single system.
Take our new high performance milling tool, for example. Designed and built in the UK, it’s been developed specifically to work alongside our pellet extrusion systems, giving manufacturers a seamless route from concept to finished tool. Instead of outsourcing moulds and waiting on delivery, teams can now produce them in-house, with a turnaround time of just five days in some cases. That’s a huge step forward.
More than just speed, it’s about precision. 3D printing can get you to within a few millimetres of your final shape. CNC milling tool finishes the job, removing excess material to achieve the accuracy required for high-end parts, whether in aerospace, automotive or marine applications.
This kind of setup also brings flexibility. With the ability to switch between printing and milling on the same system, teams can adapt quickly to changing requirements without needing multiple machines or setups.
It’s a smarter, faster approach to tooling that doesn’t compromise on quality and it’s helping British manufacturers respond more quickly, reduce costs and bring production back in-house.
Contact us if you’d like to learn more about additive manufacturing and large format 3D printers.
Find out more about Rapid Fusion on their member profile page here
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