Made Smarter event focuses on 3-D printing

SME manufacturers recently gathered in Bootle to explore how 3-D printing is accelerating innovation across UK industry. The showcase, hosted by CNC Robotics in partnership with Made Smarter North West, offered a hands-on look at robotic additive manufacturing (AM) and its potential to transform production processes. AM is reshaping design and production by enabling rapid prototyping, customisation, and reduced waste through layer-by-layer construction of complex parts.

Visitors heard from Max Barnett, sales and marketing engineer at CNC Robotics, who outlined the company’s 15-year journey from robotic automation pioneer to key delivery partner for UK manufacturers adopting new technologies. CNC Robotics is both a beneficiary and advocate of the Made Smarter programme.

Delegates toured CNC Robotics’ facility, where live demonstrations showcased three robotic additive manufacturing systems using metal, thermoplastic polymer and PU tooling paste. They saw the technology in action and discussed applications within their own operations. Claire Scott, technology adoption specialist for Made Smarter, said: “AM is no longer an emerging concept. It is a proven, powerful tool that can help manufacturers of all sizes work smarter, faster and more sustainably. Events like this give businesses the confidence to explore what is possible and connect with others on similar journeys.”

Madina Barker, co-owner and director of CNC Robotics, added: “Collaborative events like this are about showing small businesses the art of the possible, that we can build resilience in the UK supply chain and do it ourselves. Technologies like AM can help manufacturers become more efficient, save time and reduce waste. At CNC Robotics, we have been on that journey ourselves. Through Made Smarter, we have had direct support, including funding and internships, and we have seen first-hand the difference it makes. That is why we are such advocates for the programme, it is genuinely transformational for small businesses.”

Enhancing craftsmanship
Manufacturers praised the workshop for deepening their understanding of how 3-D printing could streamline processes and unlock new design possibilities. Siddique Rasul, digital project manager at Darwen Terracotta, said: “The event was incredibly valuable. We are constantly looking at how digital technology can enhance craftsmanship, and this experience gave me a clearer view of how AM could complement our traditional methods and open up new possibilities for architectural and exterior products in the UK and overseas.”

Chris Wiles, business development manager at Hyde Aero Products, said: “As specialists in the design and manufacture of detailed aerospace parts and integrated structural parts, we are always looking for new technologies that could move into the defence sector, and it is important to stay aware of what is coming next. What really struck me today was the speed of the process and how little material is wasted. It is definitely the future for metal manufacturing.”

Andy Knowles, director of Magnum Motorsport Composites, said: “In motorsport, everything is about speed, not just the cars, but how fast we can get from a drawing to a finished part. As specialist manufacturers of lightweight, high-performance solutions, we are looking at ways to cut out steps in the process, go straight from digital design to 3-D printed moulds, and make better use of materials along the way. CNC Robotics and Made Smarter showed how AM could help us turn projects around quicker, reduce waste and keep up with the pace this industry demands.”

John Lee, lead technologist at NSG Group, added: “We are in a transition phase at the moment, taking our traditional glass manufacturing processes and exploring how new technologies can work for us. Seeing the systems at CNC Robotics in action really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Now that I have seen what is achievable, I can already think of a number of ways we could apply this technology within our own operations.”

Earlier this year, the Government praised Made Smarter for its role in driving 3-D printing adoption across the North West. Building on that momentum, the programme will make AM the focus of its next Digital Champions Network event in Preston on 28 January 2026, to be held at the University of Lancashire’s Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC). Open to all SME manufacturers in the region, the event will offer networking opportunities, practical insights into emerging tools such as the Additive Companion, and tours of the EIC’s ‘state of the art’ facilities.