Lancashire manufacturers explore the future of 3D printing at Made Smarter showcase

Lancashire manufacturers gained fresh insight into how 3D printing is reshaping production and design after attending a regional showcase hosted by Made Smarter North West.

Among the attendees was Darwen Terracotta of Blackburn, a leading manufacturer of architectural terracotta for restoration and new construction, and NSG Group, the Ormskirk-based glass manufacturer.

The event was hosted by Made Smarter North West, the government-backed adoption programme, and robotics integration specialist CNC Robotics, and gave businesses a hands-on look at how robotic additive manufacturing can transform production processes and open up new opportunities. 

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is transforming the way manufacturers are designing and producing products. The technology enables rapid prototyping and customisation, by building complex parts layer by layer, accelerates production and reduces waste.

Siddique Rasul, digital project manager at Darwen Terracotta, said: “The event was incredibly valuable. We are constantly looking at how digital technology can enhance craftsmanship, and this experience gave me a clearer view of how additive manufacturing could complement our traditional methods and open up new possibilities for architectural and exterior products in the UK and overseas.

"As the UK’s largest manufacturer of architectural terracotta, we are keen to be among the first in our sector to embrace these kinds of digital advancements.”

John Lee, lead technologist at NSG Group, said: “We are in a transition phase at the moment, taking our traditional glass manufacturing processes and exploring how new technologies can work for us.

"Seeing the systems at CNC Robotics in action really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Now that I have seen what is achievable, I can already think of a number of ways we could apply this technology within our own operations.”

Visitors heard from Max Barnett, sales and marketing engineer at CNC Robotics, who outlined the company’s 15-year journey from pioneering robotic automation to becoming a key delivery partner helping UK manufacturers adopt new technologies, as well as its dual role as both a beneficiary of the Made Smarter programme and an advocate for it.

A tour of the state-of-the-art facility included live demonstrations showcasing three robotic additive manufacturing systems using metal, thermoplastic polymer and PU tooling paste. 

The showcase is part of Made Smarter’s mission to help North West manufacturers adopt digital and emerging technologies to drive productivity, growth and innovation.

The programme offers fully funded support through transformation workshops, leadership and skills training, and grant funding to accelerate technology adoption.

Claire Scott, technology adoption specialist for Made Smarter, said: “Additive manufacturing is no longer an emerging concept. It is a proven, powerful tool that can help manufacturers of all sizes work smarter, faster and more sustainably.

"Events like this give businesses the confidence to explore what is possible and connect with others on similar journeys. It is fantastic to see so many SMEs coming together to share ideas and see the real-world potential of these technologies.”

Earlier this year, the government praised Made Smarter for its role in driving 3D printing adoption across the North West. 

Building on that momentum, the programme is making additive manufacturing the focus of its next Digital Champions Network event on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), University of Lancashire, Preston.

Open to all SME manufacturers in the North West, the event offers a valuable opportunity to network, collaborate and share experiences with peers, industry experts and Made Smarter advisors. Visitors will gain practical insights into emerging tools such as the Additive Companion, hear real-world adoption stories from those already embracing the technology and tour the EIC’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities.

To register your place, visit www.madesmarter.uk/events/north-west-digital-champions-network