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Why Are Most Companies Relying On Local Manufacturing?

Speed to market — Quicker production and delivery timelines. Decreased lead times from prototype to product designing. Smooth response to design alteration. Cost efficiency — Decreased logistics and shipping expenses. Reduced import and custom fees. Enhanced control over storage and inventory. For more information visit here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/why-are-most-companies-relying-on-local-manufacturing/281394261

Why is SLS Still the Benchmark of Functional Parts?

Excellent durability and strength for end-use parts. No support structures required — perfect for complex geometries. Trusted across automotive, medical industries, and aerospace industries. Functional testing and performance validation make it cost-effective. Continuous mechanical properties covering all axes. For more information visit here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/922675042413462602

Can Localised Manufacturing Really Solve Supply Chain Risk?

In recent years, global supply chains have faced unprecedented disruptions — from pandemics and geopolitical tensions to natural disasters and logistical bottlenecks. These challenges have prompted businesses to reconsider their reliance on distant manufacturing hubs. Enter localised manufacturing: a strategy that brings production closer to the point of consumption. But does this approach truly mitigate supply chain risks, or does it introduce new complexities? This article explores the potential of localised manufacturing in enhancing supply chain resilience.

Why More Companies Are Turning to Local Manufacturing

As global supply chains face disruption after disruption, businesses are rethinking where and how their products are made. Local manufacturing is emerging as a smarter, more resilient approach, offering real advantages when executed well.

Enhanced Resilience and Responsiveness

Localised manufacturing reduces dependency on long, complex supply chains that are vulnerable to disruptions. By producing goods closer to the end consumer, companies can respond more swiftly to market changes and demand fluctuations. This proximity allows for quicker decision-making and adaptability, essential traits in today’s volatile market environment.

Improved Quality Control

Being geographically closer to production facilities enables better oversight and quality assurance. Companies can implement stricter quality control measures, conduct regular inspections, and foster closer relationships with suppliers. This hands-on approach often leads to higher-quality products and fewer defects.

Sustainability Benefits

Local manufacturing often results in a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation needs. It also encourages the use of local materials and resources, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies. Consumers increasingly value sustainability, making this a competitive advantage.

Economic and Community Development

Investing in local manufacturing can stimulate economic growth and job creation within communities. By fostering local industries, businesses contribute to the development of a skilled workforce and the revitalisation of regional economies. This approach not only strengthens the supply chain but also builds goodwill and brand loyalty among local consumers.

Challenges and Considerations

Cost Implications

While local manufacturing offers numerous benefits, it can also lead to higher production costs. Labour and operational expenses are often greater in developed countries compared to traditional offshore manufacturing hubs. Companies must weigh these costs against the benefits of increased resilience and quality.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/can-localised-manufacturing-really-solve-supply-chain-risk/

Injection Moulding Services

Quickparts’ plastic Injection Moulding services offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, catering to diverse project requirements ranging from rapid prototyping for swift design validation, up to volume production runs, accommodating geometrically complex parts. For more information visit our website https://quickparts.com/gb/injection-moulding-tooling-parts/

#injection moulding

How to Balance Speed With Quality in Tooling?

So, how can companies stay competitive with fast lead times while avoiding the pitfalls of rushed tooling? The answer lies in a more nuanced approach — one that involves strategic planning, the right partnerships, and selective investment in proven processes and materials. To mitigate the risks associated with rapid tooling, manufacturers should consider the following strategies that prioritise both agility and resilience. To read more about visit here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/how-to-balance-speed-with-quality-in-tooling/280811413

#tooling

Why Engineers Are Still Talking About SLS (and You Should Be Too)

In the fast-moving world of additive manufacturing, some technologies fade as quickly as they rise. Others quietly evolve and remain indispensable. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is the latter; and engineers who need performance over flash know exactly why.

Despite being one of the earliest powder bed technologies, SLS continues to set the standard for durability, design freedom, and production reliability. It’s not nostalgia. It’s engineering logic.

SLS is Still the Benchmark for Functional Parts

If you’re building for real-world conditions — heat, stress, wear, chemical exposure — there are many instances where SLS still leads the pack. It builds in true thermoplastics like PA12, PA11, and filled nylons, not UV-cured resins or thermoplastic fusions that can compromise under load.

Even next-gen competitors using inkjet-based fusing and thermal agents are still chasing the level of material maturity and consistency that SLS has delivered for over two decades. And what about resin-based processes like DLP? While great for dental and design work, they run up against a few issues such as brittleness and UV sensitivity despite some being created specifically for production, and this means they’re simply not in the same category when it comes to engineering-grade strength or longevity.

Strength Without Supports

Everyone knows SLS builds without support structures — no post-processing scars, no restricted geometries, no compromised weak points. But it’s worth remembering that, for engineers working with internal ducting, lattice structures, or snap-fit assemblies, this is a non-negotiable advantage.

Compare that to even the most advanced FDM processes, where support material removal and anisotropic strength are constant design headaches, or to inkjet-fused powder systems, where fusing consistency can vary across part geometries or build orientation.

Repeatability at Scale

Whether you are making one, dozens or hundreds of parts, SLS can be trusted to deliver consistent mechanical properties across the entire batch — build after build.

Some newer polymer fusion technologies use thermal energy in combination with binding agents to produce parts faster — and they offer compelling speed and surface aesthetics. But, they can also face challenges in powder recyclability, internal porosity, and surface finish consistency, especially over larger builds or longer production runs.

Because SLS has matured alongside industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical, it’s better documented, better certified, and better understood — reducing validation risk and speeding up time to market.

Material Versatility That Drives Design

No other polymer process offers the same depth of material choice and real-world resilience. From glass-filled nylons for structural brackets to flexible PA11 offering high impact resistance, SLS is the platform engineers can spec with confidence — and build parts that stand up to heat, chemicals, fatigue, and friction.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/why-engineers-are-still-talking-about-sls-and-you-should-be-too/

#SLS

From CAD to Cut in 48 Hours – Is On-Demand CNC Finally Delivering?

In the race to reduce production timelines, “from CAD to cut in 48 hours” has become more than just a tagline — it’s the new benchmark in modern manufacturing. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining has long been trusted for precision, but the surge in on-demand manufacturing services has raised expectations. Can CNC providers truly deliver at this pace without compromising on quality, complexity, or cost? In this blog, we examine how the CNC landscape is evolving to meet these demands, identify potential risks, and discuss how businesses can strike a balance between speed and performance.

The Rise of Rapid CNC Machining

Speed has always been a competitive advantage in manufacturing. But today, the pressure is not only to produce quickly — it’s to deliver high-precision, production-ready parts in a matter of hours. Thanks to digital manufacturing platforms, what once took weeks can now be done in days or even less. Here’s what’s driving this acceleration:

1. Digitally Integrated Workflows

The shift from traditional machining to digitally enabled production workflows has been instrumental. CAD files can now be uploaded directly into production pipelines, with instant quoting, toolpath generation, and even materials sourcing streamlined through software platforms. This eliminates manual intervention, reduces lag, and supports automated job scheduling for maximum efficiency.

2. Advanced CNC Equipment and Automation

Next-generation CNC machines now feature automated tool changers, live monitoring systems, and self-calibrating spindles. This allows manufacturers to run complex jobs with less operator intervention and fewer pauses between steps. These machines are also capable of multi-axis movements, allowing for the handling of more intricate geometries in a single setup, which further saves time.

3. Cloud Manufacturing and Localised Production

With cloud-based manufacturing networks and distributed production hubs, CNC machining has become more decentralised. Businesses can route jobs to the nearest or fastest available facility, thereby reducing transport lead times and enabling responsive adjustments to production. This is particularly useful for companies operating in fast-moving sectors such as medical devices or consumer electronics.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/from-cad-to-cut-in-48-hours-is-on-demand-cnc-finally-delivering/

#cnc machine

Understanding the Ability of DFAM in Metal Manufacturing

Introduction to DFAM — DFAM stands for Design for Additive Manufacturing, Customise design for 3D printing procedure. Optimises function, geometry and material used, Main component to unlock AM’s complete potential. Benefits of DFAM in metal manufacturing — Strong but lightweight metal parts, Reduced material waste, Enhanced performance with complex geometries, Faster production and prototyping. For more information visit here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/understanding-the-ability-of-dfam-in-metal-manufacturing/280147323

Design Strong & Durable Parts With SLS

Use of high-performance nylon materials such as PA12, PA11. Trusted partner of global manufacturers across industries. Create complex geometries without any support structure. Exclusive strength-to-weight ratio. Gain impact, heat and chemical resistance. Consistent surface finish and part accuracy. For more information visit here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/922675042411870486

#3d printing

Tooling Lead Times Are Shrinking — But at What Cost?

In today’s race for faster production and quicker market launches, tooling lead times are becoming shorter than ever. Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce turnaround without sacrificing quality or precision. While this acceleration supports demand for agility and responsiveness, it raises a critical question: What is the hidden cost of speed? In this blog, we’ll explore the implications of shortened tooling timelines and examine whether the trade-off is sustainable in the long term.

The Acceleration Game in Modern Tooling

The pressure to innovate quickly and reduce product development cycles is no longer confined to startups or tech firms. It has spread across manufacturing sectors, from automotive to aerospace. Companies are seeking tooling solutions in days rather than weeks, often expecting full production readiness within impossibly tight timelines. This shift reflects broader industry dynamics — agility is king.

What’s Driving Shorter Lead Times?

Several key trends are influencing this drive towards rapid tooling:

Global competition means the first to market often wins. There’s little room for delay.

Advances in additive manufacturing and digital workflows have made it easier to prototype and iterate faster.

Consumer expectations have evolved. Shorter product cycles and customisation demands force manufacturers to reduce development time.

Yet, the tools that make this speed possible — including 3D printed moulds, rapid injection moulding, and digital twins — come with compromises. While initial production might be quicker, long-term reliability and quality control can suffer if not managed carefully.

Risks Beneath the Surface

Shorter tooling lead times might look like a win, but they introduce several hidden risks:

Material durability: Quick-turn tools often use lower-grade materials which wear out faster.

Testing constraints: Compressed timelines leave little room for thorough validation and testing.

Cost escalation: While front-end costs seem lower, repeated tool replacements or failures can drive up long-term expenses.

Supply chain stress: Suppliers trying to meet aggressive timelines might overextend or skip quality checks.

This illustrates that the true cost of faster tooling may not show up until production is already underway — when it’s most expensive to fix.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/tooling-lead-times-are-shrinking-but-at-what-cost/

SLA Printing

Your SLA printing needs require advanced technology delivered at rapid speeds. But even state-of-the-art equipment will fail without a skilled operator, communicative project manager, and customer-centric logistics. Quickparts has the experience, expert engineers, and well-equipped facilities to support SLA printing services that deliver everything from intricate prototypes to large-volume production. For more information visit our website https://quickparts.com/gb/sla-printing/

#sla printing

How DfAM is Reshaping What We Make — and Who Makes It

For decades, design has been limited by what machines could manufacture. But with Direct Metal Printing (DMP) and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), those limits are vanishing fast. Engineers, innovators, and even startups are discovering that parts once deemed “impossible” to produce — due to complexity, cost, or constraints — are now fully within reach. More than a new toolset, DfAM represents a shift in who gets to innovate, not just what they can build. It’s democratising product development, levelling the field between legacy players and bold new thinkers. At Quickparts, we’re watching that transformation unfold every day. For more information visit here: https://www.slideserve.com/George125/how-dfam-is-reshaping-what-we-make-and-who-makes-it

Beyond the Build: Solving Post-Processing Bottlenecks in Metal 3D Printing

Metal 3D printing has revolutionised component part manufacturing, enabling parts with intricate geometries, consolidated assemblies, and custom internal features. Ask any engineer or production lead, though, and they’ll tell you: the real bottleneck often begins after the printer stops.

Post-processing is everything from support removal to surface finishing and heat treatment — and it’s where timelines stretch and costs spike. At Quickparts, we take a great deal of time working with our customers to ensure they understand just what’s involved; and to reiterate that the more complex the part, the greater these costs are going to be. Solving these bottlenecks isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about unlocking the full value of Direct Metal Printing (DMP) for every customer, from startups to aerospace primes.

Why Does Post-Processing Slow Everyone Down?

For all its innovation, metal 3D printing doesn’t deliver production-ready parts straight off the build plate. That’s especially true for DMP, which, while excellent for producing highly detailed, structurally complex components, often requires several additional steps before a part can meet real-world requirements.

Common Post-Processing Bottlenecks

Support RemovalDMP parts typically require extensive, material-heavy support structures. Removing these, especially on intricate or internal features, can be labour-intensive and time-consuming.

Heat TreatmentStress relief and thermal treatments are critical to ensuring material performance. But scheduling, equipment availability, and validation can prolong this step.

Machining and TolerancingWhile DMP offers excellent accuracy, many parts still require secondary machining to achieve critical dimensions or surface finishes.

Surface FinishingWhether for aesthetics, corrosion resistance, or improved fatigue life, finishing techniques such as polishing, bead blasting, or coating can become significant chokepoints.

The problem isn’t just time, it’s coordination. While Quickparts carries out the majority of its post-processing in-house, many manufacturers outsource post-processing steps to different suppliers, creating logistical complexity and increasing the risk of delays or inconsistencies. Each handoff adds friction, and even small miscommunications can set a project back days or weeks.

According to a study by Wohlers Associates, post-processing accounts for up to 55% of the total production time and cost in metal additive manufacturing. (Source: Wohlers Report 2023)

That’s why solving the post-processing puzzle is critical to scaling DMP and why Quickparts has made it a key part of our integrated service model.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/beyond-the-build-solving-post-processing-bottlenecks-in-metal-3d-printing/

Quickparts Announces New Regional Leadership

High Wycombe, UK – [May 8, 2025] – Quickparts, a global leader in on-demand manufacturing and supply chain solutions, today announced the appointment of two regional presidents as part of a broader strategic initiative to accelerate growth, enhance customer responsiveness, and strengthen its global operations.

Peter Jacobsen has been appointed President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and Aidan O’Sullivan has been named President, Americas. Both executives bring extensive leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, operational excellence, and strategic business transformation, positioning Quickparts to meet the evolving needs of customers across industries.

“Quickparts has always been at the forefront of helping companies innovate and scale their manufacturing operations quickly and reliably,” said Avi Reichental, Chief Executive Officer of Quickparts. “With Aidan and Peter leading our regional organisations, we are empowering our teams to deliver faster decision-making, deeper customer partnerships, and greater operational agility. Their leadership will help drive the next phase of growth for Quickparts as we continue expanding our capabilities and market reach.”

Peter Jacobsen, based in Denmark, brings over 15 years of experience managing complex operations, strategic growth initiatives, and business transformations across Europe and the United States. Before joining Quickparts, Jacobsen served as General Manager for Nexa3D’s EMEA operations and was previously Chief Operating Officer at Addifab. His deep expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies and operational leadership will be instrumental in driving Quickparts’ continued success across the EMEA region.

“I am honoured to lead Quickparts’ EMEA operations and help strengthen our global capabilities,” said Peter Jacobsen. “Quickparts has a powerful reputation for innovation, customer service, and manufacturing excellence. I am eager to collaborate with our teams and customers across the region to unlock new opportunities and deliver exceptional value.”

Aidan O’Sullivan, based in the United States, brings more than 20 years of manufacturing, operations, and commercial leadership experience. Most recently, O’Sullivan served as Quickparts’ Chief Transformation Officer, where he played a key role in optimising operations and spearheading strategic growth initiatives. Prior to Quickparts, he held senior roles at Shapeways, including General Manager of E-commerce and Enterprise Sales and Vice President of Operations. Earlier in his career, O’Sullivan held operational leadership positions at Kerry Group, overseeing multiple manufacturing sites and driving significant operational improvements and acquisition integrations.

This announce is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/quickparts-announces-new-regional-leadership/

The strategic advantages of SLA printing in product development

Speed to market – SLA or Stereolithography printing allows rapid prototyping, lowering product development cycles. Designs can be tested and iterated within hours, not weeks – assisting you in beating competitors to market. High precision & Detail – SLA is capable of producing highly detailed parts with tight tolerances. Perfect for producing, fit and functional testing of intricate components in early-stage development. For more details visit here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-strategic-advantages-of-sla-printing-in-product-development/278651769

Key Factors Influencing Tolerancing in Injection Molding

Accurate tolerancing assures quality performance in molded parts. The major factors influencing tolerancing in injection molding technique are - Material type - Various plastics tend to shrink and expand uniquely. Part geometry - Complex shapes can lead to tolerance variations. Wall thickness - inconsistency in thickness impacts on cooling and accuracy. For more information visit here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/922675042410731748

#injection moulding

SLS 3D Printing

SLS printing is perfect for rapid prototyping, and low- to mid-volume production parts. Need durable, functional parts with complex geometries? Quickparts’ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing service delivers high-quality prototypes and production parts, quickly and efficiently. For more information visit our website https://quickparts.com/sls-printing/

#3d printing

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