BUSINESS DOUBLES AS 3D PRINTING TAKES OFF

A British company has doubled in size in the past year and is now shipping products to more than 12 countries as its affordable 3D printing machines have captured interest worldwide.

Bits from Bytes, based on the Hither Green Industrial estate, Clevedon, North Somerset has grown from five staff to 12 in the last year and sales of 3D printers look set to top £2 million in 2010.

The company’s production line in Clevedon has doubled in size and an office expansion is now planned. Bits from Bytes has exhibited its products at two shows in the USA and has forged links with 12 distributors worldwide.

Andy McLaren, sales director for Bits from Bytes said: “We now need more than 24 hours in the day to stay ahead of the rapid growth of the business. The products we produce have taken major technical steps forward in the last year and we believe that 3D printing is about to take off in a big way.

“There is huge excitement all around the world and we are shipping to USA, Hong Kong, Canada, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand on a regular basis.”

Bits from Bytes developed the RapMan 3.1 which is a kit form rapid prototyper used in many schools and colleges. The machine is a development of RepRap, which was conceived at Bath University.

In May the company launched the first fully assembled 3D printer to be put on the market for less than £2,000 at a conference in California, USA.

A 3D printer will allow people to print a solid object they have designed using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.

Bits from Bytes continue to develop and refine products, which are suitable for professional use by architects, product designers and commercial designers and by hobbyists who want to make models or create an object for fun.

Says Andy McLaren: “The uses for 3D printing are almost endless and there will be a day in the future when everyone has a 3D printer in the same way that they have printers now for a letters or documents.

“It is incredibly exciting to be helping to develop and improve these products and to see the enthusiasm for them spread around the world.”

For more information see www.bitsfrombytes.com                                              

Issued on behalf of Bits from Bytes by Empica. For further information contact Martin Powell or Laurence Phillips (01275) 394400.