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Norco Composites & GRP (Poole, Dorset, U.K.) announces that is taken a step in advancing its technological capabilities through the investment of several additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing technologies. This effort will enhance Norco’s existing production capabilities and open new market opportunities for the company which specializes in glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) molding and development of small- and large-scale composite structures.

To support this expansion, Norco is enhancing its dedicated CNC facility with equipment specifically designed for large-format AM (LFAM). Upgraded plant and equipment now include:

• Flexbot, a robot-based six-axis 3D printer from CEAD (Delft, Netherlands). This setup is equipped with an S25 extruder, ensuring versatility and precision in LFAM operations.
• Subtractive five-axis machining which complements Norco’s additive processes. This technology will be used to refine and finish printed parts, creating smooth surfaces and integrating fixings or branding as required.
• Advanced software solutions like Ai-Build’s AiSync and Adaxis AdaOne to streamline design workflows, optimize production processes and unlock creative potential.

These additions to Norco’s facility will enable it to meet diverse industry needs, such as rapid prototyping (iterating and testing designs with reduced lead times, moving from concept to production in days or weeks), material versatility (ability to work bio-based materials, tailored to specific requirements), customization and complexity (creating intricate geometries and custom parts) and addressing sustainable operations (minimizing waste and reduce the environmental impact through circularity-focused practices and the use of recyclable materials).

As part of this expansion, 12 new team members will be joining Norco, all of whom have extensive experience in 3D printing and related fields. Norco says this talent will strengthen its capabilities in key areas. “We are not only enhancing our production processes but also creating new opportunities to serve a wider range of industries with innovative and customized solutions,” highlights Mark Northey, managing director at Norco.

The company’s CNC facility, now decked out with LFAM equipment will cater to a variety of applications such as patterns and molds, jigs and fixtures, end-use products and life-size prototypes.