Rapid Fusion aims for transatlantic expansion with first US deal

The Exeter-based business, which employs 10 people at its state-of-the-art Skypark demonstration centre, has joined forces with Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) to sell its robotic additive manufacturing systems to customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Bosses at the technology expert believe there are almost £2m worth of opportunities to be enjoyed in the first year across the Western half of the country and have earmarked its Apollo, Zeus and Medusa solutions as offering significant time and cost savings compared to existing models.

The company will initially target PADT’s existing client base, whilst leveraging the US firm’s unrivalled technical knowledge, manufacturing networks and 30-year track record to make inroads into a market that is estimated to be worth $619.3m globally by 2030.

Jake Hand, Managing Director at Rapid Fusion, commented: “We have had significant success disrupting the large format additive manufacturing (LAFM) arena in the UK and Europe and felt it was time to push into the United States – a sector that is the biggest in the world for our technology.

“We needed to find the right partner who not only understood our values and our products but also had immediate access to clients who would benefit from our solutions. Initial conversations with PADT founder Rey Chu got us really excited, and we’re delighted to sign the deal that makes the company our first US reseller.

“Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies will have access to our full portfolio, including Apollo (a full turnkey 3D robotic printer), Zeus (a 3D printing robot that incorporates a unique CNC milling capability) and Medusa.

“The latter is a real LFAM gem and is three times faster than conventional machines, twice as accurate and promises to reduce training and maintenance costs by 30%.”