Rapid Fusion invests £500,000 into ‘Apollo’ 3D printing system

Have you ever wondered how the latest advancements in 3D printing and robotics can revolutionize industries like automotive, aerospace, and furniture manufacturing?

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Rapid Fusion’s Investment in the ‘Apollo’ 3D Printing System

The Big Investment

Rapid Fusion, based in the UK, has made a ground-breaking move by investing over £500,000 into the development and market launch of its ‘Apollo’ 3D printing system. This innovative system leverages the power of robotics to produce large components and molds, making it a game-changer in the world of additive manufacturing.

A Little Background About Rapid Fusion

Rapid Fusion is not a newcomer to the industry. As a sister company to EVO 3D, a pioneer in 3D printing hardware, Rapid Fusion brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the table. This investment marks a significant milestone in their journey, aimed at capturing market share and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing technology.

Why ‘Apollo’ is a Game-Changer

The ‘Apollo’ system is not just another 3D printer. According to Jake Hand, the Founder of Rapid Fusion, this system is designed to disrupt the status quo. It features a world-class, award-winning pellet extruder, a tailored control system, and a robotic Kuka arm that extends nearly 4 meters. This allows for the creation of products on a print bed measuring 2 meters x 3 meters squared—perfect for producing bespoke furniture pieces, large automotive parts, and intricate aerospace components.

Financial Projections

Jake Hand is optimistic about the financial prospects tied to ‘Apollo’. He predicts sales worth more than £4 million in the first year alone. This optimism is backed by the creation of six new jobs and the establishment of a purpose-built R&D and demo center in Skypark, Exeter.

Unique Selling Points

The system stands out not just for its size and capabilities but also for its speed. Compared to traditional FDM printers, the Apollo is nearly 200 times faster. It also offers the advantage of using hundreds of different engineering-grade polymers. Additionally, the cost savings are significant—polymer pellets can be 65% to 90% less expensive than the filament of the same plastic.

Features and Capabilities of the ‘Apollo’ 3D Printing System

Cutting-Edge Technology

The Apollo is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Kuka robotic arm, nearly 4 meters long, can precisely and efficiently handle large-format printing tasks. This makes it ideally suited for industries requiring meticulous detail and robust build sizes, like aerospace and automotive.

Wide Range of Materials

One of the best features of Apollo is its ability to utilize a variety of engineering-grade polymers. This versatility makes it highly adaptable to different project requirements, offering users a broad range of material options.

Speed and Cost Efficiency

With speeds nearly 200 times faster than traditional FDM printers, Apollo ensures that projects are completed in record time without compromising on quality.

Consider the following table that shows cost savings when using pellets compared to filaments:

Material	Cost of Filament	Cost of Pellets	Percentage Savings
PLA	£20/kg	£7/kg	65%
ABS	£25/kg	£8/kg	68%
PETG	£30/kg	£10/kg	67%

Applications Across Multiple Industries

Apollo is versatile enough to meet the needs of various sectors:

• Automotive: Ideal for producing large car parts quickly and cost-effectively.
• Aerospace: Capable of creating complex and detailed components.
• Furniture Manufacturing: Perfect for designing and producing bespoke furniture pieces.

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Market Reception and Future Prospects

Reseller Agreements and International Reach

Apollo has already generated significant interest. Rapid Fusion has signed reseller agreements with international clients, including CNC World (UK), Hyperion (Australia), Maptec (Dubai), and ACCUFACTURE (USA).

Domestic Opportunities

Beyond international partnerships, there are ample domestic opportunities. Rapid Fusion is deeply focused on seizing these prospects, which could further propel its growth and market share.

R&D and Future Innovations

Rapid Fusion is not resting on its laurels. The R&D team is already working on next-generation systems with even more advanced capabilities. This includes the potential integration of CNC machining and an Innovate UK-backed project that will lead to the launch of Evo 1.

Job Creation and Facility Expansion

Rapid Fusion’s Skypark facility in Exeter is set to open in October. If the current pipeline of orders materializes, the company plans to create an additional seven positions over the next 12 months.

The Larger Context: 3D Printing Industry Trends

Market Growth and Projections

The consumer products additive manufacturing (AM) segment generated $2.6 billion in 2023. This is expected to explode to $28 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 26.8%.

Innovators and Trends

Rapid Fusion isn’t the only player making waves. Companies across the globe are pushing the boundaries, each contributing to the massive growth expected in this industry.

Key Market Segments

The most notable segments include:

• Medical AM: Innovations in implants, models, and devices.
• Construction: AM solutions for building and infrastructure projects.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly printing solutions gaining traction.

Future Outlook

The future of the 3D printing industry looks incredibly promising. With companies like Rapid Fusion leading the charge, we can expect continuous innovation and higher adoption rates across various sectors.

The Importance of Investing in Cutting-Edge Technology

Competitive Advantage

Investments in cutting-edge technology, like Rapid Fusion’s investment in the Apollo system, provide a significant competitive advantage. Companies adopting these advanced systems can offer superior quality products at reduced costs and shorter timeframes.

Customer Satisfaction

Higher speed, versatility, and cost-effectiveness lead to increased customer satisfaction. When companies can meet the varying demands of their clients more efficiently, it strengthens their market position and brand loyalty.

Adaptability and Future-Proofing

Advanced 3D printing systems like Apollo offer adaptability that is crucial in today’s fast-paced market. This future-proofing ensures that companies can quickly pivot to meet new market demands and integrate additional functionalities like CNC machining, as Rapid Fusion plans to do.

Conclusion: A Revolutionary Step in 3D Printing

Rapid Fusion’s £500,000 investment in the Apollo system marks a revolutionary step in the realm of 3D printing. With its cutting-edge technology, significant cost savings, and versatile applications, Apollo is poised to disrupt multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, and furniture manufacturing.

The market reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant international and domestic interest. The continuous innovation from Rapid Fusion’s R&D team promises even more advanced capabilities in the near future.

In summary, the Apollo 3D printing system is not just a product; it is a powerful tool that can transform how companies approach manufacturing, offering unprecedented speed, quality, and cost efficiency. As the 3D printing industry continues to grow rapidly, investments like these will undoubtedly pave the way for significant advancements and innovations.

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