UK-based Rapid Fusion has introduced Apollo, an innovative large-format additive manufacturing technology. Designed to cater to industries such as automotive, aerospace, and furniture manufacturing, Apollo enables the rapid production of large parts and molds. As a sister company of 3D printing hardware supplier EVO 3D, Rapid Fusion invested more than 500,000 GBP into this project, aiming to fill a gap in the market for automated, large-format 3D printing solutions.
Founder Jake Hand explained the market need: “Companies were continually asking for a product that offered them an automated large-format solution. Nobody was doing anything like this in the UK, so we thought…you know what, let’s see what we can do, and our Apollo system represents a massive innovation that promises to disrupt the status quo.”
Advanced Pellet Extrusion and Cost Efficiency
Built and assembled in the UK, Apollo uses pellet extrusion printing combined with a Kuka robotic arm, allowing it to deliver impressive production speeds within its 2 x 3 x 3 metre build volume. The system features Rapid Fusion’s TCT Award-winning PE320 Pellet Extruder, which enables the use of hundreds of different engineering-grade polymers. This innovation allows Apollo to produce parts at speeds up to 200 times faster than traditional FDM printers, significantly reducing production time for manufacturers.
An additional advantage of Apollo’s pellet feedstock is the potential for cost savings. Pellets are estimated to be 65% to 90% cheaper than filament, providing a more economical solution for manufacturers. By reducing both time and material costs, Apollo represents a breakthrough for industries requiring large, high-quality 3D-printed components.
Global Demand and Future Innovation
With a retail price of 250,000 GBP, Apollo is poised for success, with Rapid Fusion anticipating 4 million GBP in sales in its first year. The company has already secured reseller agreements with partners across the globe, including CNC World in the UK, Hyperion in Australia, Maptec in Dubai, and ACCUFACTURE in the USA, signaling strong international demand for large-format 3D printing technology.
As Rapid Fusion continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, its R&D team is already working on future advancements. These include potential CNC machining integration and an exciting Innovate UK-backed project that will introduce the Evo 1 system, further enhancing the company’s offering.
With the Apollo system’s launch, Rapid Fusion has taken a bold step forward in large-format 3D printing, offering a solution that combines speed, cost savings, and scalability. As the company prepares for further innovation and expansion, its position in the additive manufacturing industry looks set to grow.
Source: tctmagazine.com
