A start-up company aiming 'revolutionise' the 3D printing world has pledged to create new, highly-paid jobs in 2022.
Meta Additive, a spin-out from the University of Liverpool, has transformed the former Hudson and Middleton factory, in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, into a hub for its ‘game-changing’ advanced manufacturing technologies.
Its unique 3D printing technology – backed by a £1.2 million Innovate 海角视频 SMART grant – dramatically reduces production costs by adapting standard binder-jet printing to be suitable for mass manufacturing, rather than requiring the purchase of industrial-grade printers. It has also solved the problem of how to print multiple materials in one process – an industry first.
Together, these developments will enable manufacturers to make bespoke printed parts from almost any material or combination of materials, quickly and cheaply – adding a whole new dimension to 3D printing and dramatically extending the design possibilities.
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Now Meta Additive – which was acquired by US-based Desktop Metal in November – has pledged to support economic growth in Staffordshire, by creating new jobs and encouraging a more diverse range of people into science and engineering careers.
Co-founder and chief technology officer of Meta Additive, Dr Kate Black, said: "2022 is going to be an incredibly exciting year for our young business.
"Not only are we looking to create a new chapter in the history of additive manufacturing, but we also want to play our part in revitalising the regional economy, creating new opportunities for local people."
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Kate, who was voted one of 海角视频 manufacturing’s top 100 influencers of 2021, added: "We are proud to be based in Stoke-on-Trent and see our work as a continuation of the region’s long history of manufacturing.
"Industries such as additive manufacturing offer hugely exciting and rewarding careers and it is my personal mission to encourage more people, from more diverse backgrounds, into this field."
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Meta Additive boasts an eight-strong team which includes leading experts and thinkers in the additive manufacturing world.
It works in close collaboration with partners including the Manufacturing Technology Centre and suppliers EpiValence and Xaar.
Current 3D printing projects underway at the company include ceramic filters for water filtration, aluminium parts for light-weighting in aerospace, heat sinks for electric vehicles and bespoke cosmetics.
Kate said: "We believe we will only deliver real change when we focus on thinking creatively and inclusively, so we are constantly looking for out-of-the-box thinkers to collaborate with on our revolutionary technology.
"If that is you, we would love to hear from you."