Rapid Prototyping in Northern Ireland – The Belfast Telegraph

World leading expert in rapid prototyping, Graham Tromans visited Northern Ireland earlier this month to advise on the potential 3D Printing technology holds for revolutionising manufacturing.

Speaking at a the Centre for Competitiveness (CforC), Factories of the Future event in Belfast, Graham Tromans (who advises companies such as JCB and BMW) outlined the potential of the rapidly developing technology.

Speaking on the importance of 3D Printing technologies, CforC Chief Executive, Bob Barbour stated: ” The decisions made by Northern Ireland manufacturers today will shape the future competitiveness of the local economy, and there is no doubt that 3D printing is going to play a significant role in the future. We are on the cusp of the fourth industrial  revolution in manufacturing, in which 3D printing will be a disruptive force, speeding up manufacturing processes and completely changing how parts of the manufacturing sector operates…Northern Ireland firms need to be at the forefront.”

The event provided NI Manufacturing firms with insight into international developments in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing and UK government investment in R&D around the issue. Companies attending the event also received the opportunity to view Rapid Prototyping technology first hand at local Rapid Prototyping Bureau, LPE.

The workshop was arranged in partnership between CforC and Queens University Technology Centre at the request of local manufacturing businesses.

Read more of this article which first appeared in the Belfast Telegraph at Belfast Telegraph