The Company
Metron Advanced Equipment Ltd is a engineering consultancy based in Beeston, Nottingham
What They Do
Metron provide composites design and engineering services to a range of sectors including aerospace, industrial machinery, medical equipment, motorsport and cycling.
Utilising 3D CAD and FEA stress analysis techniques as well as external resources for CFD and wind tunnel testing, they aim to improve all aspects of composites structures down to the finest detail.
The Challenge
Metron carry out the design activities in-house and subcontract out any prototype manufacturing. However, many of the components they use could be manufactured in-house using additive manufacturing processes. Being able to manufacture their own prototypes would give them more control over the quality and time scales and reduce their costs.
The Solution
In order to be able to manufacture their own components they needed to purchase a 3D Printer. This would also significantly extend their capabilities enable them to offer additional services.
Metron secured an ERDF Transport iNet SME Grant towards the purchase of a 3D Printer capable of printing plastic models and parts.
The Outcome
The 3D printer enabled Metron to move from subcontracting to in-house manufacturing of prototypes. This was their first use of 3D printing and has given them a good introduction to the new technology, including making prototypes and jigs for the bike that Bradley Wiggins used for his ‘Hour Record’ attempt on 7th June 2015.
With the addition of the 3D Printer Metron were able to employ an additional full time Design/Mechanical Engineer.
Key impacts: New product, New service, Growth in employment, New in-house technology
Quote
‘The support we received from the iNet team during the application and claim process was excellent. With this new 3D printer we have been able to undertake several projects which would simply not have been possible if we didn’t have the technology in-house.’
Dimitris Katsanis, Director, Metron Advanced Equipment Ltd
“The support we received from the iNet team during the application and claim process was excellent. With this new 3D printer we have been able to undertake several projects which would simply not have been possible if we didn’t have the technology in-house”
Dimitris Katsanis, Director, Metron Advanced Equipment Ltd
