Digital Manufacturing Centre partners with Produmax to advance AM in the UK
December 16, 2020
The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), a metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing facility based within the Silverstone Technology Cluster in the South East Midlands region of the UK, has entered a partnership with Produmax, headquartered in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, a high-precision engineering company specialising in the aerospace sector, to advance the automated and digital future of Additive Manufacturing.
The agreement will enable the DMC to offer end-to-end component development and production for companies operating in the aerospace, space, motorsport and automotive industries. From engineering consultancy and design-for-manufacture to final machining and inspection, the centre promises a complete, collaborative, and connected manufacturing solution. Combining the best in additive and subtractive manufacturing, alongside comprehensive engineering support and secure supply chains, the partnership is set to redefine UK manufacturing, states the DMC.
Alongside its AS9100 certification, Produmax brings its experience of working with leading aerospace companies to the partnership and will operate a satellite site at the DMC, including extensive machining and inspection services supported by engineering expertise from its headquarters. Capable of providing full inspection reports, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), the company will support DMC’s engineering and range of metal and polymer AM soultions.
Aligning with the UK Government’s innovation and manufacturing strategy, the partnership is said to form a critical part of the build-up towards the DMC’s commercial launch in March 2021. The 2,000 m2 centre aims to realise the potential of additive and connected manufacturing. Providing serial production parts and technology solutions, the DMC was created by engineering company KW Special Projects and received significant investment from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).
“The partnership between the Digital Manufacturing Centre and Produmax signifies the coming together of two experienced teams and industry players, both investing in disruptive technology and the future of British manufacturing,” stated Kieron Salter, Chief Executive Officer at the DMC. “The facility itself will be unique and a pioneer for many connected engineering and production technologies, but it is our key partnerships with highly regarded companies like Produmax that will help to fulfil the DMC’s true potential.”
“With a well-earned reputation and an impressive track record within space and aerospace manufacturing, Produmax is an ideal technical partner as we work towards our 2021 launch,” Salter continued. “Their provision of on-site precision engineering, machining and inspection services will help us to deliver a complete end-to-end engineering-led solution for customers across a range of industries, with fully connected digital support and an uncompromising dedication to quality.”
Jeremy Ridyard, Managing Director at Produmax, commented, “Partnering with the DMC was an easy decision for us to make. We share a vision and values, from encouraging young people into STEM fields to promoting advanced manufacturing. We see connected, Additive Manufacturing as a cornerstone of precision engineering’s future and the DMC is set to be a UK leader.”
“For our customers, the partnership brings a wealth of additional expertise and innovative capabilities that will ensure we continue to exceed their expectations. Industry 4.0 and the almost limitless potential of Additive Manufacturing have come together in the DMC, creating a facility that will pioneer the future of British industry. We are thrilled to be an integral part of the DMC’s future and are eagerly anticipating the facility’s commercial launch early next year,” Ridyard concluded.
