Futuristic 3D printing service opens in Burnley

An innovative manufacturing firm has opened up in Burnley.

FDM Digital Solutions provides a rapid 3D prototyping service to produce physical plastic models. The company’s state of the art 3D scanners can create three dimensional objects as easily as a paper printer can create a document. 3D printing is a new, emerging technology and is predicted to be the future of manufacturing.

The technology is able to meet the requirements of a variety of industries, such as medical, military, architectural, motorsport, aerospace, art, sculpture, general design. It is also ideal for inventors requiring a prototype, as trial runs are inexpensive.

FDM was setup by James Saunders who benefited from a free Start Up Boot Camp through Regenerate. He was also given access to an experienced business mentor and received free technology advice and partial funding to help the company become more competitive.

James said: “I was given expert guidance at the specialist workshops to help me update my business plan and my legal requirements. I also received funding assistance for an online system through Regenerate. It is good to see that there is help out there for small businesses in Lancashire.”

Rona McFall, Enterprise and Employment Manager at Regenerate, said: “The technology that James uses will also benefit businesses across Lancashire that require specialised components or prototypes." All of the assistance received by James was supported by the European Regional Development Fund, through Regenerate’s Pennine LEAP and Lancashire Innovation Network programmes.