A Greater Manchester manufacturer gained fresh insight into how 3D printing is reshaping production and design after attending a regional showcase hosted by Made Smarter North West.
Hyde Aero Products of Dukinfield, specialists in aerospace components, was among the attendees which gave businesses a hands-on look at how robotic additive manufacturing can transform production processes and open up new opportunities.
The event was hosted by Made Smarter North West, the government-backed adoption programme, and robotics integration specialist CNC Robotics.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is transforming the way manufacturers are designing and producing products. The technology enables rapid prototyping and customisation, by building complex parts layer by layer, accelerates production and reduces waste.
Chris Wiles, Business Development Manager, Hyde Aero Products, said: “As specialists in the design and manufacture of detailed aerospace parts and integrated structural components, we are always looking for new technologies that could move into the defence sector, and it is important to stay aware of what is coming next. What really struck me was the speed of the process and how little material is wasted. It is definitely the future for metal manufacturing.”
The showcase is part of Made Smarter’s mission to help North West manufacturers adopt digital and emerging technologies to drive productivity, growth and innovation. The programme offers fully funded support through transformation workshops, leadership and skills training, and grant funding to accelerate technology adoption.
Commenting on the success of the event, Claire Scott, Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter, said: “Additive manufacturing is no longer an emerging concept. It is a proven, powerful tool that can help manufacturers of all sizes work smarter, faster and more sustainably. Events like this give businesses the confidence to explore what is possible and connect with others on similar journeys. It is fantastic to see so many SMEs coming together to share ideas and see the real-world potential of these technologies.”
Visitors heard from Max Barnett, Sales and Marketing Engineer at CNC Robotics, who outlined the company’s 15-year journey from pioneering robotic automation to becoming a key delivery partner helping UK manufacturers adopt new technologies, as well as its dual role as both a beneficiary of the Made Smarter programme and an advocate for it.
A tour of the state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool included live demonstrations showcasing three robotic additive manufacturing systems using metal, thermoplastic polymer and PU tooling paste.
Madina Barker, Co-Owner and Director, CNC Robotics, said: “Collaborative events like this are about showing small businesses the art of the possible, that we can build resilience in the UK supply chain and do it ourselves. Technologies like additive manufacturing can help manufacturers become more efficient, save time and reduce waste.
“At CNC Robotics, we have been on that journey ourselves. Through Made Smarter, we have had direct support, including funding and internships, and we have seen first-hand the difference it makes. That is why we are such advocates for the programme, it is genuinely transformational for small businesses.”
Earlier this year, the Government praised Made Smarter for its role in driving 3D printing adoption across the North West.
Building on that momentum, the programme is making additive manufacturing the focus of its next Digital Champions Network event on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), University of Lancashire, Preston.
Open to all SME manufacturers in the North West, the event offers a valuable opportunity to network, collaborate and share experiences with peers, industry experts and Made Smarter advisors. Visitors will gain practical insights into emerging tools such as the Additive Companion, hear real-world adoption stories from those already embracing the technology and tour the EIC’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities.
To register your place, visit www.madesmarter.uk/events/
