SPE’s commitment to accelerate into Direct Digital Manufacturing see’s us taking the first step and investing in a new  Fortus 450mc. The new machine enables multiple high performance material options and the strength of carbon fibre enabling the build of complex parts needed for today’s manufacturing.  “During the most unprecedented times it’s more important than ever to ensure that the company continues to move forward with it’s technology and innovation plan. The investment will enable SPE and iSPE to provide innovative solutions for internal  and external customers with the ambition to be match ready for additive longer term.” said Sam Handley.  The investment of the new machine and capability is a result of as 9 month internal R&D  project with Stratasys  who we have partnered with to help us take forward our DDM capability.

During the last 12 months SPE have also recently participated in R&D project DRAMA (Digital Reconfigurable Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace) across the Midlands, a £14.3m three year, collaborative research project which is part of the UK’s Aerospace  Technology Institute’s (ATIs) programme. The project has been a fantastic opportunity for SPE to upskill our engineers and enhance our learning drawing on the resource from experts in additive machining