UK Government
We may be a few months behind this side of the pond but the British Government have followed the Obama Administration’s lead and plunged close to £15 million in investment to develop 3D printing projects.
Business secretary Vince Cable launched the initiative during a visit to the Manufacturing Technology centre in Coventry.
"Investing in tomorrow's technology will bring jobs and economic growth throughout the UK.” Mr Cable told the gathered press,
"That's why last month the government announced the biggest ever investment in the work of the Technology Strategy Board. With £440m of funding they will support new manufacturing techniques to maintain the UK's position as a world leader in technology and design."
This is fantastic news for the British 3D printing industry, which already boasts global players like Makielab and Renishaw, who are set to receive part of the backing. As Mr. Cable points out it is essential for the British not to get left behind in a market where the US, Europeans and China are already forging full steam ahead.
The £14.7m of funding could help companies, who perhaps saw the technology as too high of a risk, dip their toe in the additive manufacturing water with the Government’s support.
As well as Renishaw other companies that are set to benefit include JRI Orthopaedics, which will concentrate on 3D printed hip replacements, and FDM Digital Solutions and Burnley based 3D printing firm who have a number of clients in the aerospace and automotive industry.
Why the sudden interest in 3D printing from the UK Government then? Well it can only be this can’t it?...
