Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process of building parts, tools, and components layer by layer from digital 3D models – without the material waste associated with conventional subtractive methods. Commonly known as 3D printing, it encompasses a family of technologies that deposit material in liquid, powder, molten, or solidified form to create precise, complex geometries that traditional manufacturing cannot easily produce.
GTMA’s additive manufacturing suppliers are established UK-based companies offering a range of AM processes, materials, and applications – from prototyping through to end-use production parts.
Additive Manufacturing Suppliers
Browse GTMA member companies below providing additive manufacturing services and products. View individual profiles for full company information and to make direct contact.
Pentagon Plastics Group
- West SussexPentagon provides extensive plastic injection moulding services and are a centre of excellence for mould tool servicing, repair, modification, pre-production development and production mould tools. Through our generous machine selection,…
ABR (Specialist Welding) Ltd
- West MidlandsWidely acknowledged as market leaders in our field, the name ABR has been synonymous with the precision welding of plastic injection, pressure die casting and press tools for over 40…
Tri Tech 3D Printing
- StaffordshireTri-Tech 3D is the UK’s leading expert in 3D printing. We offer the complete range of Stratasys Polyjet, FDM, SL & SAF 3D printing technologies, as well as resellers for…
Protolabs
- ShropshireWho is Protolabs? We are a quick-turn manufacturer that helps product development teams minimise design risk, accelerate time to market and reduce production costs. We do this through rapid production…
Rutland Plastics
- LeicestershireRutland Plastics has been in the plastics business for 70 years. We certainly look different today from when the company first started out injection moulding back in 1956. We have…
Tekniplaz Limited
- NottinghamshireTekniplaz is your product development, toolmaking and precision engineering partner. Many factors have to come together to produce parts which are world class in their quality and commercially viable: High-calibre…
REM Systems Ltd
- WorcestershireREM Systems – Your Expert Partner for Complete Manufacturing Solutions At REM Systems, we specialise in providing customised, modular solutions for workpiece clamping, presetting, measuring, automatic loading, and data transfer.…
Renishaw Plc
- GloucestershireOur Metrology products help manufacturers to maximise production output, significantly reduce the time taken to produce and inspect components, and keep their machines running reliably. In the fields of industrial…
DaceCrown Ltd
- West MidlandsAbout Dacecrown Taking over on October 1st 2023 Jake and Tom looking to embark on an exciting story together to build on the already founded success of Dacecrown, taking in traditional…
RARUK Automation
- BedfordshireRARUK Automation is a leading automation equipment provider from sister company RA Rodriguez , that specialises in the supply of cutting-edge automation and robotic solutions, dedicated to enhancing productivity and efficiency across…
TriMech Manufacturing Solutions
- WarwickshireFrom tooth-sized objects to complete cars and more, Central Scanning Ltd now part of TriMech Manufacturing Solutions (TMS) provides 3D Scanning for reverse engineering and/or inspection. We also offer a…
Morson Praxis
- Greater ManchesterMorson Praxis are a reputable multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy with over 40 years’ experience across the UK and overseas.Their highly qualified engineering teams deliver capability and experience across numerous engineering disciplines,…
Apex Additive Technologies
- GwentAt Apex Additive Technologies, we believe that strong partnerships across the supply chain are crucial for driving innovation and operational excellence. By building meaningful relationships with equipment and software OEMs,…
What is Additive Manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing refers to any process that builds a three-dimensional object by adding material layer by layer, guided by a digital model. The term covers multiple technologies distinguished by the type of material and the method used to bind or fuse each layer.
Common AM processes include:
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – powder-based, suitable for nylon and composites
- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) – thermoplastic filament, widely used for functional prototypes
- Stereolithography (SLA) – UV-cured resin, high surface accuracy
- Metal Powder Bed Fusion – laser or electron beam fused metal powder, used in aerospace and medical applications
- Direct Energy Deposition (DED) – used for metal repairs and large-format structural parts
AM materials span polymers, metals (including titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, and Inconel), ceramics, and composites. The range of available materials continues to expand as the technology matures.
Applications of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing companies across the GTMA membership support a wide range of applications:
- Rapid prototyping and design validation
- Tooling, jigs, and fixtures
- Low-volume end-use production parts
- Complex geometries not achievable through machining or moulding
- Spare parts on demand, reducing inventory requirements
- Lightweight structural components in aerospace and automotive
For product development teams at the earliest stages of development, AM is often used alongside rapid prototyping services – many GTMA suppliers offer both capabilities under one roof.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing offers:
- Reduced material waste – only the material needed is deposited
- Faster lead times from design to physical part
- No tooling investment required for low-volume runs
- Greater design freedom, including internal lattice structures and complex channels
- Cost-effective customisation for bespoke or patient-specific applications
These advantages make AM particularly suited to sectors where part complexity and low volumes are common requirements. GTMA members serving the aerospace and defence sector are among the most active adopters of certified metal AM for flight-critical and structural components.
Additive Manufacturing FAQs
The terms are often used interchangeably. 3D printing typically refers to desktop or consumer-grade processes, while additive manufacturing is the broader industrial term covering all layer-by-layer fabrication methods, including high-precision metal and polymer systems used in production environments.
GTMA additive manufacturing suppliers work with a wide range of materials including engineering-grade polymers (nylon, PEEK, ABS), metals (titanium, aluminium, stainless steel, Inconel), elastomers, and composite-filled materials. Material selection depends on process, application, and performance requirements.
Yes. While AM has its roots in rapid prototyping, many additive manufacturing solutions are now used for certified end-use components in aerospace, medical devices, and motorsport – particularly where complexity, weight reduction, or small batch sizes make traditional production uneconomical.
Key factors include process capability (metal vs. polymer, resolution, build volume), material certifications, industry accreditations (such as AS9100 for aerospace), finishing services, and lead times. Reviewing individual GTMA supplier profiles gives a direct comparison of each member’s capabilities and contact details.
GTMA member additive manufacturing companies serve aerospace and defence, automotive, medical, motorsport, industrial, and general engineering sectors across the UK.
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