£14.7m share for 3D printing in energy sector

Businesses in the UK will benefit from a £14.7 million investment to develop 3D printing projects for the energy and healthcare industries. The Technology Strategy Board and Research Councils are […]

Businesses in the UK will benefit from a £14.7 million investment to develop 3D printing projects for the energy and healthcare industries.

The Technology Strategy Board and Research Councils are investing £8.4 million for 18 research and development projects – which will last between one and three years – while the rest will be provided by private firms.

3D printing is a way of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital model, where the printers build products by adding tiny layers of materials that copy a digital blueprint. Also known as additive manufacturing, it is already being used in a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, automotive and metals manufacturing.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Investing in tomorrow’s technology will bring jobs and economic growth throughout the UK. That’s why last month the Government announced the biggest ever investment in the work of the Technology Strategy Board. With £440 million of funding they will support new manufacturing techniques to maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in technology and design.

“This joint investment with the Research Councils highlights the commitment from across the sector to boost manufacturing in the UK.”

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