Metropolitan Works’ Digital Manufacturing Centre has the following facilities:

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping machines which build three dimensional objects from layers of powder or resin give designers the opportunity to explore and experiment with Rapid Manufacturing.

Digital Printing

Digital printing enables users to print vibrant, full colour images direct from digitally supplied designs or scanned photographs. Digital printing has many exciting applications, and is a quick way to create and develop new designs and printed products such as; interior furnishings, wallpapers, display products, and promotional banners. You can even print works of art directly onto canvas.

3D Scanning

3D Scanning or ‘reverse engineering’ is a bridge that spans the real and virtual CAD worlds. This technology is often used by craft practitioners and sculptors, as hand built work and found objects can be captured ready for manipulation on a computer.

Laser Cutting

The large format Laser Cutter is the most accessible technology for small businesses. It is a great tool for model making and prototyping as well as low cost production work.

CNC Routing

CNC Routing is perhaps the most commonplace digital technology used in production. However one of the size and sophistication of the machine in the Digital Manufacturing Centre is not accessible through any other bureau service.

CAD

Computer Aided Design (CAD) plays a vital role in design and production. Metropolitan Works offers CAD desks and a wide range of commercially licensed software through its Workspace and Access facilities.

Future Developments

In 2008 the Digital Manufacturing Centre will expand into Metropolitan Works’ new building at 41 Commercial Road, providing an additional 1000sqm of space for a machine hall; workspaces for rent; extensive CAD facilities and staff accommodation. New digital manufacturing equipment will include 5 axis waterjet cutting, model making and further rapid prototyping facilities.