Public Funding for Stage One Creative Services Limited

The aim of the Freeform Printing project is to commercially develop a unique, large-scale additive manufacturing (AM) technology for architectural and scenic applications within 10 months. AM is being used in a range of industries, such as automotive and aerospace, however, the capability to commercially produce large-scale structural elements for architectural and scenic applications using 3D printing currently does not exist. Freeform Printing will bring the benefits of AM to the architecture and event sectors and, in doing so, will bring the UK to the forefront of this emerging and revolutionary technology by providing both the know-how and means to produce large-scale 3D printed structures. Freeform Printing will produce complex geometry elements more cost-effectively, faster and with less environmental impact – less waste, less embodied energy and less embodied CO2 – than traditional, subtractive manufacturing methods. One-off, complex geometry, elements, such as façade panels, currently cost approximately £1,500/m2 to produce. Equivalent panels produced by Freeform Printing will cost approximately 46% less to produce (£800/m2). This will act as a catalyst for the creative design industries to realise more designs. It will also increase UK export income, as the biggest commercial opportunities are with projects overseas. Stage One is at the forefront of both digital manufacturing for architectural and scenic applications, which was recently recognised with a Queen's Award for Innovation 2013. These factors place Stage One in the ideal position to realise the enormous market opportunity presented by large-scale AM. We project that Freeform Printing will turnover £1m in year 1, rising to £6m by the end of year 5. Please refer to Appendix A for further details about the market dynamics and the exploitation plan.