Goprint3D have been one of the main driving forces in expanding 3D printing in the UK. They are based in the Rippon Valley in Yorkshire and stock a wide range of 3D printers, from smaller desktop machines to industrial machines such as the 3D platform and now the first sub $100,000 Markforged metal x 3D printer. As well as selling 3D printers, they are our UK premium partner and resell our learnbylayers curriculum with their desktop 3D printers when helping schools get setup.

We met with their business development manager Kevin Askew, who has a wealth of unrivalled knowledge about all types of 3D printers. In their headquarters they have an impressive customer showroom where they showcase all their machines and also what they are 3D printing (which is extensive and they are working on some amazing projects,  TCT watch this space). They also have  state of the art conferencing facilities. During the tour Kevin showed us the new metal 3D printer from Markforged which is currently making waves in the world of 3D printing (back to Markforged later).

Markforged reduces costs by up to 98%

During the tour we were shown how 3D printing is developing, especially in terms of large format 3D printing and nozzle size development. The picture below shows the same model 3D printed at different scales, but with altering the type of nozzle you can print big and fast. Each one of the examples was printed in 30 minutes just with different nozzles. If you need rapid prototyping then this is truly rapid. On a standard type machine desktop FFF machines, designs like this would take in excess of 8 – 10 hours to print (the larger print). On the 3D platform with a 0.6mm nozzle you can print the design in a fraction of the time (30 minutes to be precise). In terms of producing fast iterations during the design and development stage, time is money in business and this can drastically reduce your lead time from concept stage to final prototyping stage.

We also got to see the new metal X Markforged machine, which is an impressive piece of kit and one that is set to revolutionise metal manufacturing and development. The Markforged works on FFF method of 3D printing and produces structurally sound, fully functional metal parts. According to Markforged, their machines can reduce the cost of manufacturing by up to 98%. In terms of cost effectiveness this is something that will change manufacturing like nothing else. There’s a reason why 3D printing is called ‘Industry 4.0’ and this machine reinforces this. Another advantage is the ability to produce complex geometric parts that can now be made from metal, previously they would have been made from casting or forged. A true game changer for 3D printing.

Another interesting machine they had one show was the Formbox vacuum former that can be operated from a vacuum cleaner. This is more aimed at smaller makerlabs or start up businesses that want to experiment with the method. It’s a great addition to the 3D printing process and could be used to make anything from blister pack style packaging to experimental moulds.

From a knowledge point of view Goprint3D know what they are talking about. Their team are leading the way in 3D printing and if you are thinking of starting out they should be first on your list and be sure to check out the Markforged metal x. Thanks for a great visit today, highly enjoyable. To find out more click their logo below;