Enable Manufacturing, the English-based import metal 3D printing service, has received part of a combined $1.48 million investment. This is from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It would be to develop what is the “next big thing” in zero-emission tailpipe technology for the automotive industry.

Enable Manufacturing Award

As part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC) Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP), the firm was awarded the funds. They will use its Additive Casting technology to produce lighter and more cost-competitive metal parts for cars, buses, and heavy-duty vehicles. Great Britain is looking to achieve a net-zero emissions future.

COVID-19 and its Challenges

“Moreover, we are so happy to be working with Enable Manufacturing as part of our Technology Developer Accelerator Programme,” said Josh Denne, Head of SME Programmes at the APC. “In fact, the past 12 months have been really hard for the automotive sector. That is because of COVID-19 and the shortages of some key materials. Therefore, it’s been challenging for all parts of the supply chain. The least of all for those small to medium enterprises that are trying to turn their green automotive innovation into what is a commercially viable product.”

Enable Manufacturing: 3D Printing with Traditional Casting Techniques

Enable’s Additive Casting technology, which was conceived in 2019, combines 3D printing and traditional casting techniques. Thereby manufacturing complex metal parts of many sizes more cost-effectively.

The firm can offer material choices of traditional castings because of the 3D printing molds. In essence, without the limitations and high costs that are knowing to go with tooling. Moreover, technology is able to produce parts in over 130 different metals. They supposedly come at a lower cost than both direct 3D printing and conventional manufacturing techniques.

Casting for Parts

Investment Additive Casting for parts is offering by the company. That is with fine detail up to 250 x 250 x 250 mm. The Sand Additive Casting is for large parts up to 60 tonnes. Then in May, the company did unveil its latest process, Vacuum Additive Casting. This casting uses a vacuum casting technique to draw metal materials into fine structures. Thereby producing highly complex and small parts with thinner walls.