Wall Colmonoy installs first Desktop Metal 3D printer in U.K.

Standing in front of Wall Colmonoy’s new binder-jet 3D printer are (from right) technical director Chris Weirman and AM team members Lewis Morgan and Sam Melmoth. Wall Colmonoy

Wall Colmonoy Corp., a global materials engineering group based in Madison Heights, Mich., reports that its facility in Wales recently took delivery of the first Desktop Metal Shop System in the U.K.

The binder-jetting 3D printer, designed for low- to medium-sized production runs, augments the division’s precision components business. The system will be used in situations where a prototype or part can be additively manufactured more quickly than would be possible by conventional subtractive techniques.

The company’s technical director, Chris Weirman, said, “It’s exciting to be able to offer this route for customers who have smaller volumes or have parts that are difficult to cast.”

The printer can build parts up to 350 by 220 by 100 mm. Initial production runs will involve the use of 17-4 PH stainless steel, with Wall Colmonoy’s nickel and cobalt alloys expected to follow.

The division operates a 23,500-sq.-ft. machine shop and 19,000-sq.-ft. casting foundry. Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Cardiff, Wales, it has been casting wear-resistant alloys for 50 years.