On September 24, 2024, UK-based Rapid Fusion unveiled Apollo, a pioneering technology in large-format additive manufacturing specifically aimed at the automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries. This new technology supports the swift creation of sizable components and molds. Rapid Fusion, which operates alongside its sibling company, the 3D printing equipment provider EVO 3D, has infused over 500,000 GBP into Apollo’s development to address the market’s demand for automated, large-scale 3D printing capabilities.
The need for this technology was articulated by founder Jake Hand, who stated, “There was a consistent demand for an automated large-format solution that no one in the UK was addressing. We decided to take on the challenge and developed the Apollo system, a significant leap forward that is set to revolutionize the industry.”
Manufactured in the UK, Apollo integrates pellet extrusion printing with a Kuka robotic arm, achieving remarkable build capabilities within a voluminous 2 x 3 x 3 meter space. The system incorporates the TCT Award-winning PE320 Pellet Extruder from Rapid Fusion, which accommodates a wide range of engineering-grade polymers. This allows Apollo to produce parts as much as 200 times faster than standard FDM printers, drastically cutting down manufacturing times.
An additional benefit of Apollo’s pellet feedstock lies in its cost-effectiveness. Pellets are known to be between 65% and 90% less expensive than filament, making them a more budget-friendly option for manufacturers. This price reduction facilitates a decrease in both time and material expenses, establishing Apollo as a significant advancement for sectors needing large, quality 3D-printed parts.
Positioned at a retail price of 250,000 GBP, Apollo is set to thrive, with Rapid Fusion projecting sales of 4 million GBP in its initial year. The firm has already established reseller partnerships worldwide, including with CNC World in the UK, Hyperion in Australia, Maptec in Dubai, and ACCUFACTURE in the USA, indicating a substantial global interest in large-scale 3D printing technologies.
Rapid Fusion’s commitment to innovation in additive manufacturing continues as its research and development team explores future enhancements. These improvements include the potential integration of CNC machining and a promising endeavor supported by Innovate UK, which aims to launch the Evo 1 system, further augmenting the company’s product line.
With the introduction of the Apollo system, Rapid Fusion has boldly advanced in the realm of large-format 3D printing by offering a product that merges rapid production, affordability, and scalability. As the enterprise gears up for additional innovations and growth, its stature within the field of additive manufacturing is likely to enhance further.
Source: tctmagazine.com
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