With further investment in our 3D modelling and prototyping capabilities, RGE are now able to offer an inhouse 3D printing service. This has enabled us to supply samples to our customers much faster, printing parts and components from our Alconbury Head Office. Customers within the UK are able to enjoy the benefits of a vastly reduced shipping time. With three 3D printing machines at the site, we are able to produce parts up to a maximum build volume of 800mm x 800mm x 1000mm.

We are able to produce 3D prints via two methods that use completely different technology:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)
Molten plastic is extruded and cooled to form the model layer-by-layer. This is our most robust method of producing prototypes which we can use as functional/mechanical components, such as full-scale chair bases and shells. We can produce prototypes made out of PLA, PETG, TPU, Nylon/PA, ABS and ASA. Using this method, a chair base, for example, would take at least a week to produce, although it depends greatly on the resolution (quality) chosen.

SLA (Stereolithography)
Liquid photopolymer resin is selectively cured (hardened) by firing UV light layer-by-layer. This is used for producing extremely detailed and complex parts, mostly for aesthetic purposes, although there is a potential for mechanical applications. With this, we can produce prototypes made from a range of photopolymer resins, each with their own mechanical properties from "ABS-like", to more flexible and rubbery. A prototype on this printer usually takes no more than 2 days.


3D printed parts are mainly used to validate dimensions of any given assembly that they will end up being a part of. For example, if we produce an office chair base, 3D printing is used to make sure that when injection moulded, this part would ensure the overall dimensions (sitting height etc.) adhere to the standards we are aiming to be certified against.

In the context of tool-making, 3D-printed parts and be used to ensure proof-of-concept on complex parts that we might not otherwise have progressed to tooling - this means we can be more ambitious with the components we are designing and delivering to the customers. The models we can now produce in-house are largely the same as those we would have previously produced with our prototype supplier, with a quicker lead time and lower cost.