SPE Open Day: Launching a new 3D printing business!

Staffordshire Precision Engineering launches innovative 
Metal Additive Manufacturing through its partnership with Eclipse AM.

On Thursday 13th July Staffordshire Precision Engineering launched its new business venture Eclipse AM through expansion at its manufacturing base in Newcastle under Lyme. This multi-million pound investment capitalises on one of the most forward thinking manufacturing bases in the UK.

Technology created by Renishaw through the partnership of Simon Scott, a global pioneer in Metal Additive Manufacturing has led to the formation of Eclipse AM.

The launch was attended by over 80 manufacturers and industry experts who want to embrace 3D additive manufacturing in their product production. There were key note speakers including Staffordshire Precision, Simon Scott, Professor C Sutcliffe, a leading authority on AM Mechanical, Materials and Aero Space Engineering, Renishaw, WWT and Mazak to name but a few.

Staffordshire Precision Engineering, a family run business started by professional footballer Stan Smith over 30 years ago has grown into a leading innovator within Staffordshire in CNC manufacturing employing 52 people with plans through its additive manufacturing to invest in 10 more employees over the next 12 months.

Through the ongoing investment and expansion by his sons Gary and Phil Smith, additive manufacturing or better referenced as 3d manufacturing was the next step for this award winning company.

Phil, Gary and Simon have seen a gap in the market place to support companies who need the complex solutions provided by specialised additive manufacturing but do not have the capacity to install their own machinery.

This partnership will give an option for national and international companies within all industries to access additive manufacturing through Eclipse AM providing end to end engineering.

Phil Smith, who runs Staffordshire Precision Engineering with his brother Gary, said:

This company has always been a forward-thinking company.

When 3D printing was first introduced it was largely unknown and ignored, but we jumped at the chance when we were given the opportunity to create this great new company alongside Simon Scott.

Adopting additive manufacturing as a process within our business makes complete sense and is a move which will give Staffordshire Precision a competitive edge against other additive manufacturing suppliers.

Managing director at Eclipse AM, Simon Scott, who is a pioneer in metal additive manufacturing, said:

I spoke to many companies about becoming involved with additive manufacturing and it was only when I was introduced to Staffordshire Precision Engineering that I had that light bulb moment. Now that vision has become possible thanks to bucket loads of determination and the help of many different people.

We want to be recognised as the industry leader in the supply of additive manufacturing components and this new technology is one way in which we are going to try to achieve that.