A north-east firm has received a £175,000 grant that will allow it to purchase the world’s most advanced 3D metal printing machine.
Brechin-based Angus 3D Solutions will use the Zero Waste Scotland award to become the first firm in the country to purchase a Markforged Metal X machine.
It’s thought the only machines currently in the UK are owned by a Formula One team and universities, with none available for commercial use.
Company managing director and global oil and gas manufacturing veteran, Andy Simpson, received the award after he presented to Zero Waste Scotland on how additive manufacturing can aid the circular economy.
He explained this can be done by reducing waste in the design process and extending the lifespan of machinery by allowing obsolete parts to be manufactured from 3D scans.
The firm’s grant is one of three cited by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as being part of a programme which could unlock up to £1 billion potential value in the economies of Aberdeen,
Aberdeenshire and Tayside by boosting the circular economy.
Ms Sturgeon said: “These reports show the exciting potential of a circular economy where reducing waste and investing in keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible can release an estimated £1 billion of economic opportunities for Tayside, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. This demonstrates the overall scale of the opportunity for Scotland.”