The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
3D print manufacturer makes Angus its home
Much of the focus in the technology world is on areas such as artificial intelligence and big data.
Getting less publicity, but still set to have a major impact in the future is 3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing.
Layers of material are used to create three-dimensional objects – anything from replacement hips to jet engine parts.
Advantages of additive manufacturing over traditional methods can include significant cost and time savings.
A new company in Brechin aims to make sure small and medium-sized businesses locally and throughout Scotland don’t get left behind.
Angus 3D Solutions was founded at the start of 2017 by managing director Andy Simpson, who saw an opening in the market and has invested more than £100,000 of his own money in the firm.
Andy has 35 years experience in manufacturing and his previous employers included international oil service companies Weatherford, Wood Group and ABB Vetco Gray.
The 51-year-old, who attended Montrose Academy, has been joined in the new venture by his wife, Jacqueline.
Angus 3D Solutions has been supported by Business Angus, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Business Gateway and the Centre of Engineering Education and Development.
Some people may question the logic behind setting up a hi-tech company in Brechin, instead of in a big city, but Andy said the location beside the dual carriageway with easy access to both Dundee and Aberdeen was ideal.
Angus 3D Solutions combines additive manufacturing with traditional manufacturing, which Andy said is a rare if not unique business combination in Scotland.
He added: “We offer 3D scanning, 3D modelling, 3D printing, traditional manufacturing, and consultancy.
“These are not specific services to one industry, and are being used in all areas of business from medical parts, prototypes for aerospace, concept models for the leisure industry and even replacement parts for a 1912 steam truck.
“The aim is to reduce our clients’ time to market, mitigating risk and saving costs on their reverse-engineering, design, rapid prototype and production requirements by using both additive and traditional manufacturing technology.
“We do this by offering tailormade solutions for our clients’ manufacturing requirements as they develop their product through its life cycle.
“One example is the development – from concept – of a new bicycle brake system, where several prototypes have been made and are now under test for commercial sale.
“Throughout Dundee and Angus, we have many innovative companies who have great designs, ideas and potential products, but require support in developing these from an idea to a prototype and then through to a finished manufactured product.”
Andy said his firm produces prototypes and production parts both onsite and through its network of other 3D printing firms, allowing it to print in various plastics and metals.
He added: “We’ve experienced a great start to the business and plan to recruit our first graduate engineer by the end of this year.
“We already have 12 key repeat clients and about 10 ad hoc ones.
“Early next year we will install two further 3D printers, to aid our business growth and support local companies in the development of their products.”