| Item | Mold Manufacturing Companies | Year Established |
| 1 | 3DPRINTUK | 2013 |
| 2 | TDL Mould | 1995 |
| 3 | Photocentric | 2002 |
| 4 | RPS limited | 2007 |
| 5 | FDM Digital Solutions | 2012 |
| 6 | Additive-X | 1986 |
| 7 | Ricoh 3D | 2018 |
| 8 | BCN3D Technologies | 2012 |
| 9 | Robox (CEL UK) | 2013 |
| 10 | XYZprinting | 2013 |
I. Introduction
The 3D printing industry is gaining a lot of popularity in the UK because of its various advantages and applicability in the cosmetics, automotive and manufacturing sectors. There are many startups offering 3D printing machines, accessories and various services in the UK. This industry is forecasted to expect a growth of more than 100% registering a difference in market cap from 15 billion USD in 2023 to 34 billion USD by 2028. 3D printing services are essential in many industries because it makes it easier and cheaper to produce prototypes and test different products and parts before beginning mass production. Some of the major industries that have adopted 3D printing as part of their production process include automotive, cosmetics, aerospace, pharmaceutical & medical and the education sectors among others. Countries like the UK, USA and Canada have started funding educational research in their universities and research institutions in order to find more uses and applications of 3D printing solutions in other industries. This post is going to look at the top 10 popular 3D printing companies in the UK.
1. 3DPRINTUK
3DPRINTUK is a company that was founded by Nick Allen in 2013 to offer friendly 3D printing solutions in the UK. Nick, who is the director, founded the company with an aim of providing unparalleled 3D printing solutions that are trustworthy and user-friendly. Nick believes that 3DPRINTUK is the best company that can offer additive printing for product development and low volume production to engineers and product designers in the UK. The company is made up of a team of young adults who are enthusiastic about 3D printing and the machining industry. The company offers various solutions such as MJF 3D printing, SLS 3D printing, Finishing and post processing, Low volume productions, CAD design directory, 3D printing prototypes and 3D printing machines and accessories. The 3D printing machines offered by 3DPRINTUK are compatible with various materials such as MJF Nylon PA12, SLS Nylon PA12, SLS Flexible TPU and sample packs. This company offers all its products and services at flexible prices to ensure that every customer is well accommodated and catered for.
Key advantages: Expertise in SLS 3D printing, fast turnaround times, and competitive pricing
Address: 32 Tewkesbury Road, London, N15 6SE, UK
Website: https://www.3dprint-uk.co.uk/
Contact: +44 (0)20 8801 2010
Founded: 2013
2. TDL Mould
TDL Mould is a global 3D printing and plastic injection molding company that has established itself worldwide, particularly in the UK. The company offers complete solutions in additive manufacturing from product design and modeling to 3D printing and rapid prototyping. The company’s services extend to various sectors such as jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, automotive, aerospace, medical and dental, and education.
The 3D printing process at TDL Mould starts by preparing a design using 3D modeling software. This software helps create a detailed digital plan. Next, the model is sliced into thin layers that serve as guides for the printer. The printer then lays down materials like plastic, resin, or metal layer by layer to create the part. Afterward, post-processing steps like removing support structures and finishing the surface are performed to ensure the part meets quality standards. TDL provides a wide range of available materials for printing. They use advanced technology and design strategies. Their expertise includes medical molds, automotive solutions, aerospace components, industrial molds, and precision solutions for automation, robotics, electric, and electronics applications. TDL Mould is known for its commitment to quality control in 3D printing. As a result, they are a leader in the field and contribute significantly to the UK’s 3D printing landscape, supporting local businesses.
Website: https://tdlmould.com/
Contact Information: +86-769-82288296
Email: jason@tdlmould.com
Year Founded: 1995
Advantages: Offers personalized 3D printing and rapid prototyping services for low volume-production runs
3. Photocentric
Photocentric was founded in 2002 by Paul Holt who invested the first sachet of photopolymer. This photopolymer quickly gained popularity as it boosted Photocentric to the first spot as a world leader in photopolymer stamp making. After the sale of photopolymer stamps took off, Paul Holt decided to invent an LCD Printer and a 3D printer. Paul believed that there are better viable solutions to molding. Today, Photocentric offers some of the best solutions in autonomous digital manufacturing. This company offers different 3D printing machines such as Liquid Crystal Opus 3D printer, Liquid Crystal Magna and their latest invention, Liquid Crystal Titan, which will be released in 2023. This company offers parts production services which are highly flexible, producing high volume of parts at exceptional speeds. Photocentric solutions are applied in various industries such as dental & medical industries, cosmetics & jewelry, automotive, education and arts & design among others.
Key advantages: Innovative photopolymer-based 3D printing technology, customization options, and a strong commitment to sustainability
Address: Cambridge House, Oxney Road, Peterborough, PE1 5YW, UK
Website: https://www.photocentricgroup.com/
Contact: +44 (0)1733 349937
Founded: 2002
4. RPS Ltd
RPS limited is a British-owned company that takes pride in providing expert industrial 3D printing solutions. The company was founded in 2007, with over ten years of experience in additive manufacturing, and offering other industrial 3D printing services to its global customers. RPS Limited has a team of engineers with vast experience in working with laser Sintering and stereolithography machines. The team. The team offers different services such as 3D printing, electronic and engineering design and computer aided engineering to ensure they offer solutions that align with the specific customer requirements and needs. RPS Ltd has a new technology used in the Neo® stereolithography 3D printer, which cuts the build time of all the 3D models by 50%. This Printer has very versatile functionalities and ensures quality control by the use of its Titanium software. The company also ensures easy accessibility and excellent customer service to all its customers.
Key advantages: High-quality industrial 3D printers, excellent customer support, and training services
Address: Unit 3, Premus Brunel Park, Coldharbour Way Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8AP, UK
Website: https://rps.ltd/
Contact: +44 (0)1296 425 665
Founded: 2007
5: FDM Digital Solutions
FDM Digital Solutions was established in 2012 having only 2 employees and 1 3D printing machine. The company has seen steady growth since its establishment with a current staff of 9 employees and 10 machines as of 2019. This company is one of the leading companies in additive manufacturing specializing in thermoplastics and MJF power-based 3D printing technology. FDM Digital Solutions are helping change the direct digital printing industry with an investment of more than 1 million euros dedicated to the latest 3D printing and production technologies. This company has several various benefits of working with them, including:
- Full outsourcing of all your 3D printing needs
- Largest 24 hour production factory in the UK
- Special formula 1 soluble core technology
- Tier 1 aerospace supplier
- Quality standards certified by ISO 9001/AS 9100
- Indepth engineering and applications across various sectors.
This company has proved its efficiency in rapid prototyping and fast concept creation while reducing the upfront tooling costs and increasing the accuracy of the finished products
Key advantages: Expertise in Fused Deposition Modelling, strong focus on customer needs, and end-to-end support
Address: 10 Pendle Court, Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, Padiham, Lancashire, BB12 7NG, UK
Website: http://www.fdmdigitalsolutions.co.uk/
Contact: +44 (0)1282 838000
Founded: 2012
6: Additive-X
Additive-X was formed in 1986 by four partners. The company was first known as computer printing specialists with experience in computer printing services for various industries such as the automotive prototyping of various parts and fixtures and other industries such as art, cosmetics and medical sectors. The company was renamed to Additive-X in 2020 after incorporating additive manufacturing and 3D printing solutions in 2013. Additive-X focuses on providing tailor-made solutions to various individuals and companies with great customer service and technical support. Additive-X has partnered with other 3D printing companies in the UK to offer added value to all its global customers. Additive-X also promotes sustainability and a green environment with their plastic banks that is responsible for plastic recycling which prevents ocean pollution by plastic wastes. This company also contributes to decarbonization by funding decarbonization projects which ensure low carbon emissions. The company has a digital parts department that provides high-quality and efficient 3D printer parts and other accessories.
Key advantages: Wide range of 3D printing solutions, comprehensive materials selection, and dedicated customer support
Address: Unit 8, St George’s Court, St George’s Park, Kirkham, Preston, PR4 2EF, UK
Website: https://www.additive-x.com/
Contact: +44 (0)845 226 3086
Founded: 1986
7: Ricoh 3D
Ricoh 3D was originally founded in 1936 focusing on the injection molding industry. In 2018, the company introduced the Ricoh 3D division which specializes in SLS 3D printing, MJF 3D printing, FDM 3D printing and Injection molding. The company has a group of young engineers who are focused in running research and development in different divisions of the company. Some of the main services offered by Ricoh 3D include 3D printing services, CAD design consultancy, Post-Process solutions, metrology services and material testing services. The company offers in-house services which ensure that it takes time to understand the customers requirements and needs for better and quality services. Ricoh 3D can help you eliminate the upfront tooling costs and reduce the delivery time whether you are a small business or an experienced company in the additive manufacturing sector.
Key advantages: Strong corporate backing, extensive materials library, and advanced 3D printing technologies
Address: Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE, UK
Website: https://rapidfab.ricoh-europe.com/
Contact: +44 (0)24 7630 3312
Founded: 2018 (Ricoh 3D division)
8: BCN3D Technologies
BCN3D Technologies was founded in 2012 as a non-profit organization looking to make advancements in the industry of additive manufacturing. The company started researching on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) until it released the first ReRap Printers for 3D printing in 2014. The company then transformed to BCN3D in 2015 releasing its flagship 3D printer that uses Independent Dual Extrusion Technology (INDEX) that produces multi-colored and multi-material products doubling your productivity rate. The company has a strong focus on research and development using its team of experienced engineers who offer their skills in different industries such as engineering, product design, manufacturing, architecture and professional individuals among others.
Key advantages: High-quality 3D printers, open-source philosophy, and a strong focus on research and development
Address: Unit 2, Matrix Point, 4th Way, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0YJ, UK
Website: https://www.bcn3d.com/
Contact: +44 (0)20 8902 4482
Founded: 2012
9: Robox (CEL UK)
Robox (CEL UK) is an innovative partnership that was founded in 2013 with the partnership between CEL and ROBOX to offer innovative solutions in the 3D printing hardware and software field of additive manufacturing. The company features in-house manufacturing of all 3D printing parts and accessories for faster delivery time giving you a competitive edge in your market. All the 3D printers from Robox are highly accurate with precise material positioning for a reliable usability of the finished products. The company offers user-friendly printers that are cost-effective and it also offers training and educational materials for all its products.
Key advantages: User-friendly 3D printers, affordability, and focus on education and training
Address: Portishead Business Park, Old Mill Road, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7BX, UK
Website: https://www.cel-robox.com/
Contact: +44 (0)1275 846464
Founded: 2013
10: XYZprinting
XYZprinting is a company that was founded in 2013 with the aim of integrating 3D printing to our modern way of life such as in schools and for every-day home use. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of easy to use 3D printers and peripherals covering a fifth of all the market supply. The company has more than 8500 engineers, all focused on the vision of creating 3D printers which can be easily integrated in our daily lives. The company offers different products which are custom made for various users such as explorers, educators and manufacturers. Each of XYZprinters 3D printers comes with its own specialized software for easy and efficient use.
Key advantages: Wide range of affordable 3D printers, materials, and software solutions
Address: 1 Bell Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1BU, UK
Website: https://www.xyzprinting.com/
Contact: +44 (0)1628 947 770
Founded: 2013
XII. Conclusion
3D printing is a rapidly growing industry with different manufacturers and product designers looking for alternative ways to produce quality products while reducing costs and increasing reliability. This article has explored the top 10 3D printing companies each with its own 3D printing homepage. These companies are constantly researching on more efficient technologies in additive manufacturing. Knowing the different trends and advancements in the field of 3D printing can help you make informed decisions on the best company for your 3D printing projects.
