Laser Additive Solutions (LAS) is targeting customers in the UK’s space sector following its investment in a Trumpf metal 3D printer.
It things go according to plan, the TruPrint 3000 additive production system could be the first of many metal 3D printers at the company.
Founded in 2015, the team at LAS has over 50 years of combined experience in precision laser repair, manufacture and joining processes. Customers include those operating in the general engineering, fusion energy, aerospace and military sectors. LAS also has close ties to a number of UK universities and research organisations.
“Our core expertise is LMD [laser metal deposition], although like most in the industry we’re now referring to this process as laser DED [direct energy deposition],” explains Managing Director Peter Brown. “We have two very good systems that undertake laser DED, both of which use Trumpf lasers. While these machines can support our steady growth moving forward, to drive faster progress I felt we needed a complementary process, hence our interest in a powder-bed machine.”
Another major driver of the investment was a surprise new contract secured by LAS involving a long-term production welding job on its laser DED machines. The company has had Trumpf laser and welding systems on site since its formation in 2015.
“Our number one target for the TruPrint 3000 is the UK’s space sector,” states Mr Brown. “The space sector is constantly seeking manufacturing solutions for lightweight structures that are not easy to build with other technologies.”
The TruPrint 3000, which is the first such model installed in the UK for job shop applications, can run 24/7, unmanned overnight and at the weekends.
“The machine is very production-oriented and, if we find the right jobs, I’m sure we can keep it running around the clock,” he says. “In 10 years’ time we could have multiples of these machines, potentially a unit filled with banks of them. Broadening our customer database into 3D metal printing may also lead to additional laser DED and laser welding opportunities.”
Business growth at LAS, which today occupies three industrial units, is presently robust, prompting the company to double its headcount in recent years. The future is also looking bright, with LAS currently bidding for what will be its biggest ever contract at a value in excess of £1 million.
“If we win, we’ll invest in another laser DED system and hire more people,” concludes Mr Brown. “We’re very heavy investors and plough everything back into the business. Obviously that can’t go on forever, but my ambition for now is to continue building our technological capability.”