Sheffield Engraving offers bespoke engraved slate products, handcrafted to your exact specifications. Drawing on the city’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, they combine modern techniques with timeless artistry to create unique and enduring pieces.
Supply your own slate or let them source the right piece for you slate – carefully selected for its quality and appearance. Slate provides a durable and elegant surface for your personalized message or design. Sheffield Engraving’s skilled engravers work meticulously to bring your vision to life, whether it’s a simple inscription, a complex artwork, or a cherished photograph.
From wedding gifts to corporate awards, our personalized slate products offer a distinctive and lasting memento of any occasion.
Over 50 years ago in Sheffield a small, local dry cleaning business was established. Today, Crystal Clean Bridal launched their newest website providing the highest quality wedding dress cleaning services throughout the UK. Based in South-West Sheffield, they’re one of the city’s great success stories as they continue their growth and expansion
Preserving Your Memories
A wedding dress is more than just an article of clothing; it’s a tangible memory of one of life’s most special occasions. However, after the wedding festivities are over, the wedding dress may require professional cleaning to restore its former brilliance and ensure its long-term preservation.
Why have your wedding dress professionally cleaned?
Leaving your wedding dress uncleaned can have several negative consequences. Food stains, perspiration, and even champagne spills can cause discoloration and attract insects over time. Additionally, dirt and dust particles can damage delicate fabrics and beading. Professional cleaning removes these contaminants, preventing permanent damage and ensuring the dress retains its beauty for years to come.
How to choose a Wedding Dress Cleaning Service
Several factors should be considered when selecting a wedding dress cleaning service:
Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with a proven track record of cleaning wedding dresses. Their experience should encompass a variety of fabrics, embellishments, and cleaning techniques.
Cleaning Methods: Inquire about the cleaning methods used. Many reputable services offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are gentle on delicate fabrics.
Inspection and Consultation: A thorough inspection of your dress is crucial before cleaning to identify any specific stains or potential risks. The cleaner should discuss these findings with you and obtain your approval before proceeding.
Preservation Services: Some companies offer preservation services in addition to cleaning. This involves packaging the dress in a specially designed, acid-free box to prevent future damage from light, dust, and mildew.
Insurance and Guarantees: Ensure the cleaning service offers insurance on your dress in case of accidental damage. Additionally, inquire about any guarantees or warranties provided on their cleaning work.
Additional Tips for Wedding Dress Cleaning
Act Promptly: The sooner your dress is cleaned, the easier it will be to remove stains. Ideally, schedule your cleaning within a few weeks after your wedding.
Communicate Clearly: Provide the cleaning service with detailed information about any specific stains or tears on the dress.
Store Properly: Once cleaned and preserved, store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark location.
Crystal Clean Bridal – the best choice for Wedding Dress Cleaning
Your wedding day was a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and maybe even a little champagne. But if your beautiful gown is showing the after-effects of the celebration, get in touch with Crystal Clean Bridal wedding dress cleaning today on 0800 099 6924 or by visiting www.crystalcleanbridal.co.uk
There has been a lot of doom and gloom on the news this year, but business goes on. One good new story from this year is that there are some really great businesses in Sheffield who are going from strength to strength and growing well. Here is around up of some of those businesses:
1. Prime Tooling – Sheffield business & supplier of quality cutting tools for all trades & industry, sign-making, graphic arts, crafts & modelling, hobbyists, DIY & woodworking
Prime Tooling is a specialist supplier of knives, tools, and blades based in Sheffield, England, known as the “Steel City” for its rich history of metalworking. Established in 1936, Prime Tooling has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality cutting tools to businesses, professional tradesmen, and individuals across the UK.
Prime Tooling’s Expertise:
Trimming Knife Blades: Prime Tooling is a leading supplier of trimming knife blades, catering to various industries, including packaging, printing, and plastics. Their blades are known for their precision, durability, and sharpness, ensuring clean and accurate cuts in demanding applications.
Hand Knives and Safety Knives: Prime Tooling offers a comprehensive range of hand knives and safety knives, catering to various trades and applications. Their knives are designed for safety, comfort, and efficiency, ensuring user protection while maintaining precision and performance.
Hand Tools and Power Tool Accessories: Prime Tooling provides a wide range of hand tools and power tool accessories, including screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, and cutting tools. Their tools are sourced from reputable manufacturers and are known for their quality, durability, and value for money.
Bespoke Tool Kits: Prime Tooling specializes in designing and supplying bespoke tool kits tailored to specific customer requirements. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and create custom-made tool kits that meet their exact specifications.
Prime Tooling’s Commitment:
Quality: Prime Tooling is committed to providing the highest quality cutting tools and accessories. They source their products from reputable manufacturers and subject them to rigorous quality control checks.
Sharp Pricing: Prime Tooling offers competitive pricing on its products, ensuring that customers get the best value for their money.
Sharp Service: Prime Tooling is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. They have a team of experienced staff who can provide expert advice and support to customers.
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced supplier of cutting tools and accessories in Sheffield, look no further than Prime Tooling. They can help you find the right tools for your needs and ensure that you are equipped for success.
2. Millhouses Accountancy – Sheffield business – a modern, forward-thinking accountancy practice
Millhouses Accountancy is a modern, forward-thinking accountancy practice based in Sheffield, England. They were established in 2011 by Jason Scholey, a chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in the accounting profession. The company has since grown to a team of experienced and qualified accountants who provide a wide range of accounting services to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to SMEs.
Core Accounting Services:
Bookkeeping: Millhouses Accountancy can handle all of your bookkeeping needs, from day-to-day transactions to month-end reconciliations.
Year-end accounts: The company can prepare your annual accounts, ensuring that they are compliant with all relevant accounting standards.
Tax returns: Millhouses Accountancy can file your tax returns on time and accurately, ensuring that you pay the correct amount of tax.
Specialist Services:
Capital allowances on commercial buildings: The company can help you to maximize your capital allowances claims on commercial properties.
Solicitors’ accounts: Millhouses Accountancy has a team of specialists who can provide accounting services to solicitors and law firms.
Tradespeople and CIS: The company can help you to manage your finances if you are a tradesperson or contractor.
Virtual FD: Millhouses Accountancy can provide you with the services of a virtual finance director, on a part-time or full-time basis.
Start-up businesses: The company can provide guidance and support to start-up businesses, helping them to get off to the right start.
Millhouses Accountancy’s Approach:
Client-focused: The company is committed to providing its clients with a personal and professional service.
Proactive: Millhouses Accountancy takes a proactive approach to accounting, helping its clients to identify and avoid potential problems.
Up-to-date: The company keeps up-to-date with the latest accounting regulations and tax laws.
Competitive rates: Millhouses Accountancy offers competitive rates for its services.
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced accountancy practice in Sheffield, look no further than Millhouses Accountancy. They can help you to take control of your finances and achieve your business goals.
3. Sheffield Engraving – Sheffield Business – providing beautiful, custom engraving that makes a world of difference
Sheffield Engraving Ltd is a laser marking & engraving company based in Sheffield, England. They specialize in laser marking and deep laser engraving on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and wood. They offer a variety of engraving services, including:
Product engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of products, including trophies, awards, pet tags, jewelry, watches, and plaques.
Industrial engraving: Sheffield Engraving offers a range of industrial engraving services, including engraving on tools, equipment, and machinery.
Medical engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave medical instruments and devices.
Gift engraving: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of gifts, including personalized gifts, corporate gifts, and wedding gifts.
Laser marking: Offering a laser marking service for all sectors of industry and for the individual customer. They are able to mark or engrave many diverse materials, ranging from leather all the way through to tungsten carbide.
The company is proud of its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. They use the latest laser engraving technology to create high-quality engravings that are durable and attractive. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their stainless steel pet ID tags.
Sheffield Engraving is a member of the British Engraving and Signmaking Association (BESA) and the Federation of European Engravers (FEE). They are also committed to environmental sustainability and use recycled materials whenever possible.
Here are some of the benefits of using Sheffield Engraving:
Quality: Sheffield Engraving is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality engravings.
Experience: The company has a team of experienced engravers who are skilled in using the latest laser engraving technology.
Versatility: Sheffield Engraving can engrave a wide range of materials and products.
Customer satisfaction: The company is committed to exceeding its clients’ expectations.
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced engraving company in Sheffield, look no further than Sheffield Engraving. They can help you create the perfect engravings for your needs. Sheffield business but shipping all over the UK
4. Image Sign – Sheffield based but providing bespoke signage for businesses all around the UK
Image Sign (formerly Image Sign Studio) is a Sheffield business that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing a wide range of signs for businesses and organizations. Established in 2006, the company has a proven track record of delivering high-quality signage solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients.
Image Sign offers a comprehensive range of signage services, including:
Shop and office signs: The company can create eye-catching and informative signs that will help your business make a great first impression.
Illuminated signs: Image Sign can design and manufacture illuminated signs that will make your business stand out, even at night.
3D signs: The company can create unique and eye-catching 3D signs that will add a touch of class to your business.
Vehicle signage: Image Sign can design and install vehicle signage that will help your business advertise its services and products.
Safety signs: The company can create safety signs that will help to keep your employees, customers, and visitors safe.
Image Sign is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality signs and services. The company uses the latest technology and equipment to create signs that are durable, attractive, and effective. The company’s team of experienced designers and installers is dedicated to providing its clients with the best possible service.
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Image Sign for your signage needs:
Experience: The company has a proven track record of delivering high-quality signage solutions.
Quality: Image Sign is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality signs and services.
Expertise: The company’s team of experienced designers and installers is dedicated to providing its clients with the best possible service.
Customer satisfaction: Image Sign is committed to exceeding its clients’ expectations.
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced signage company in Sheffield, look no further than Image Sign (formerly Image Sign Studio). The company can help you create the perfect signs for your business or organization.
5. 360 Virtual View – based in Bakewell & Sheffield – providing visual services such as Matterport Virtual Tours, drone photography, drone mapping & promotional films
360 Virtual View is a Sheffield business that specializes in creating virtual tours, photography, drone film, drone photography, 3D walkthroughs, virtual reality tours, and other promotional photography. They have offices in Sheffield and Bakewell – but working all over the UK – and have a team of experienced photographers and videographers.
The company has a wide range of experience in creating virtual tours for a variety of businesses, including factories, workshops, showrooms, shops, hotels, holiday lets, B&Bs, restaurants, gastro pubs, wedding venues, tourist attractions, bars, estate agencies, letting agents, holiday lets, etc. They also have experience creating virtual tours for schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
360 Virtual View is a Matterport Service Provider, which means that they are trained and certified to use Matterport cameras to create high-quality virtual tours. Matterport cameras are some of the most advanced on the market and can create incredibly realistic and immersive virtual tours.
The company has a 5-star rating on Google and has been praised for their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. They are a great choice for businesses that are looking for a high-quality virtual tour that will help them to promote their business and reach a wider audience.
Here are some of the benefits of using 360 Virtual View:
Increased website traffic: Virtual tours can help to increase website traffic by giving potential customers a virtual tour of your business. This can help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to visit your business in person.
Improved customer engagement: Virtual tours can help to improve customer engagement by giving potential customers a more interactive experience of your business. This can help them to feel more connected to your business and make them more likely to become a customer.
Increased sales: Virtual tours can help to increase sales by giving potential customers a more realistic view of your products and services. This can help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy from you.
If you are looking for a company to create a virtual tour for your business, I highly recommend 360 Virtual View. They are a professional and experienced company that can create a high-quality virtual tour that will help you to achieve your business goals.
Fiduciary services are a range of financial and legal services provided by professionals who are legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of their clients. Fiduciaries have a fiduciary duty to their clients, which means that they must put their clients’ needs ahead of their own and avoid conflicts of interest.
Fiduciary services can be provided by a variety of professionals, including:
Financial advisors
Wealth managers
Estate planners
Attorneys
Trustees
Investment managers
Corporate directors
Pension plan administrators
Some common types of fiduciary services include:
Investment management
Trust administration
Estate planning
Retirement planning
Tax planning
Financial advice
Corporate governance
Fiduciary services are important because they help to ensure that clients’ financial and legal interests are protected. Fiduciaries are held to a high standard of care and must act in the best interests of their clients at all times.
A fiduciary is someone who manages money or property for someone else. When you’re named a fiduciary and accept the role, you must – by law – manage the person’s money and property for their benefit, not yours.
A financial advisor who helps you to create an investment plan and manage your portfolio.
A trustee who manages the assets of a trust on behalf of the beneficiaries.
An estate planner who helps you to create a will and estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death.
A corporate director who oversees the management of a corporation and represents the interests of the shareholders.
A pension plan administrator who manages the assets of a pension plan on behalf of the participants.
If you are considering hiring a professional to provide financial or legal services, it is important to make sure that they are a fiduciary. You can ask the professional directly if they are a fiduciary and what their fiduciary duties are. You can also ask for references from other clients.
Network Marketing, also known as multi-level marketing (MLM), is a business model in which independent distributors sell products or services to consumers and earn commissions on their own sales as well as on the sales of the distributors they recruit.
Network marketing companies typically sell a variety of products, such as health and beauty products, household goods, and personal care products. They also offer training and support to their distributors, who work from home or other remote locations.
To succeed in network marketing, distributors need to be able to build a large network of customers and distributors. They also need to be able to sell products and recruit new distributors.
Network marketing can be a legitimate way to make money, but it is important to do your research before joining a company. Some MLM companies are scams, and others are simply not very profitable.
Here are some things to look for when evaluating a network marketing company:
The products or services they sell. Are they high-quality products that people actually want?
The compensation plan. How much money can you make? Is the plan fair and transparent?
The training and support they offer. Will they give you the tools you need to succeed?
The reputation of the company. Do they have a good track record? Have they been accused of being a scam?
If you are considering getting involved in network marketing, it is important to do your research and choose a company that is reputable and has a good product or service to offer.
About Network Marketing MLM – how they work
“Network marketing are alternatively referred to as structural sales or multi-level marketing, or MLM for short. It is referral marketing. The difference to classic direct sales with the sale of one’s own goods via sales representatives in network marketing is that some of the customers become network marketers These customers generate sales and receive commissions. For the most part, Network Marketers are not professionals, but function in their role as a layperson first. Thus, everyone gets a chance to build a new existence through network marketing. Working one’s way up presents a problem without reputable structures. Everyone starts small and gets the same chance, so to speak. Sales talent will rise quickly.”
Network Marketing MLM
Network Marketing MLM are a link between the MLM companies and those looking for MLM opportunities. Their website provides useful information along with job listings, partner programmes and FAQs
Flat face signs are a type of shop or business sign that has a flat, smooth surface. They are typically made of materials such as MDO plywood, aluminium, composite material, or plastic. Flat face signs can be used for a variety of purposes, including real estate, job sites, and commercial businesses.
There are two main types of flat face signs: non-illuminated and illuminated. Non-illuminated flat face signs are simply flat panels with text or graphics printed on them. Illuminated flat face signs have a light source behind the panel, which makes the text or graphics glow.
Flat face signs are a versatile and affordable type of signage. They can be customized to fit any size or shape, and they can be used in a variety of settings.
Here are some of the advantages of using flat face signs:
They are affordable.
They are versatile and can be customized to fit any size or shape.
They are easy to install and maintain.
They are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Here are some of the disadvantages of using flat face signs:
They are not as eye-catching as some other types of signage, such as 3D signs or backlit signs.
They can be difficult to see in low-light conditions.
They may not be as effective as other types of signage for attracting attention.
Overall, flat face signs are a good option for businesses that are looking for an affordable and versatile type of signage. They are not as eye-catching as some other types of signage, but they can be effective in a variety of settings.
If you’ve ever had to squint when looking at a sign you’ll probably know just how important size and lettering is. It’s important for your new sign to be able to grab the attention of potential customers and get the desired message across. At Image Sign Studio in Sheffield and Rotherham, they help you to create the most effective, eye-catching and professional signage for your business. From assisting you in choosing the type of sign to the material, the size, shape and even the finer details such as the lettering options e.g. acrylic letters and acrylic cut out letters. They are here to help every step of the way.
Important Considerations When Choosing the Sign Size
First of all, the size of your sign makes a big difference, to help determine the most effective option for your specific needs have a think about the following:
The distance you want the sign to be seen from
The shopfront size (or size of the preferred location for the sign)
The available shape space
What Material Should I Use?
At Image Sign Studio, they offer a range of sign materials including aluminium, stainless steel, Perspex and wood and they are able to create a broad selection of styles. Below is a brief overview of some of the key sign materials that they use:
Aluminium
Aluminium signs are very popular. They are affordable, strong, professional in appearance and versatile. Aluminium is easy to customize making it a great option for your signage needs.
Dibond
Dibond is polythene encased in aluminium. It is lightweight, rigid and holds its shape.
Stainless steel
Signs made from stainless steel are highly durable, weatherproof and are an excellent option for use outside.
Perspex
Perspex is a very versatile material that creates signs suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is durable, lightweight and easy to cut into the desired format. Perspex is great for use in illuminated signs such as light boxes.
Wood
Signs made from wood are often heavyweight, can tolerate all weather conditions and are very strong and durable. They are also very versatile and look great.
Choosing a Letter Style
They offer a range of lettering options including acrylic cut out letters, 3D lettering, illuminated lettering and more. The lettering you decide on makes a big difference to the final look of your sign.
Acrylic Letters
Choosing acrylic letters is not only a great option for adding dimension to your sign but is also very affordable and fully customizable. The acrylic cut out letters are created with precision and are long lasting and durable.
Letters for Illuminated Signs
Choosing lettering for an illuminated sign such as halo lighting or illuminated letters is a great way to ensure your sign is advertising your business 24/7.
Top Tips When Choosing a Sign
A sign is a great way to attract customers to your business. It is important to use a professional sign maker to ensure your business has an effective, professional and well-designed sign. Below are some of our top tips when choosing a sign:
Remember your audience
Stay on brand
Simplicity goes a long way
Sign size and lettering are very important
Call Image Sign Studio today on 0114 261 7617 or visit their website at www.imagesignstudio.com
Have you just typed ‘engraving near me‘ into the search engine? Are you looking for an engraving service near you? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Sheffield Engraving Ltd is a leading engraving company in Sheffield, offering a wide range of services to customers in the area.
We can engrave a variety of materials, including metal, wood, glass, and plastic. We also offer a variety of engraving styles, including laser engraving, hand engraving, and die stamping.
Whether you’re looking to engrave a trophy, a gift, or even your own custom design, we can help. We offer fast turnaround times and competitive prices.
So if you’re looking for an engraving service near you, look no further than Sheffield Engraving Ltd. We’re the best in the business.
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Sheffield Engraving Ltd:
We’re a local company, so we understand the needs of our customers. We have a team of experienced and skilled engravers. We offer a wide range of services and styles. We have competitive prices and fast turnaround times. If you’re looking for an engraving service near you, contact Sheffield Engraving Ltd today. We’ll be happy to help you create a truly unique and memorable piece.
Keywords: engraving near me, sheffield engraving, sheffield engraving ltd, laser engraving, hand engraving, die stamping, trophies, gifts, custom designs, competitive prices, fast turnaround times, local company
Call to action:
Visit our website or give us a call today to learn more about our engraving services. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you create the perfect piece for your needs.
Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (pbf additive manufacturing) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a heat source to fuse powdered material together, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional (3D) object. PBF is one of the most common AM processes used for industrial applications.
PBF works by first creating a 3D CAD model of the desired object. The model is then sliced into thin layers, typically 25 to 100 micrometers thick. A powder bed of the desired material is then spread over a build platform. A heat source, such as a laser or electron beam, is then used to fuse the powder particles together, one layer at a time. The process is repeated until the entire object is created.
PBF has a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. It can be used to create complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods. PBF also allows for rapid prototyping, which can significantly reduce the time and cost of bringing new products to market.
PBF is used in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense. It is used to create a variety of parts, including turbine blades, engine components, medical implants, and weapons.
PBF is a rapidly growing technology with a wide range of potential applications. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely to become even more widely used in the years to come.
metal additive manufacturing machines are used to create three-dimensional (3D) objects from metal powders. The process involves melting or fusing the metal powders together, layer by layer, until the desired object is created.
There are two main types of metal AM machines: powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition (DED). PBF machines use a high-powered laser or electron beam to melt the metal powders, while DED machines use a high-powered laser or electron beam to melt the metal powders and deposit them onto a substrate.
PBF machines are typically used to create smaller, more complex objects, while DED machines are typically used to create larger, more complex objects.
Metal AM machines offer a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, including:
The ability to create complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.
The ability to create parts with high strength and durability.
The ability to create parts with a high degree of precision.
The ability to create parts with a wide range of materials.
Metal AM machines are still a relatively new technology, but they are rapidly gaining popularity in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense.
Here are some of the benefits of using metal additive manufacturing machines:
Reduced lead time: Metal AM machines can significantly reduce the lead time for manufacturing parts. This is because AM machines can create parts directly from 3D CAD data, without the need for tooling or fixtures.
Reduced cost: Metal AM machines can also reduce the cost of manufacturing parts. This is because AM machines can use less material and produce parts with less waste than traditional manufacturing methods.
Improved quality: Metal AM parts can often be of higher quality than parts made with traditional manufacturing methods. This is because AM parts are typically free of defects and have a high degree of surface finish.
Increased design freedom: Metal AM machines give designers more freedom to create complex and intricate parts. This is because AM machines do not require traditional tooling or fixtures.
Overall, metal additive manufacturing machines offer a number of benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely to become even more widely used in the years to come.
3D printing is an advanced technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital models. This process involves the layer-by-layer deposition of materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and even living cells. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from healthcare to aerospace, by enabling faster prototyping, customization, and manufacturing.
The process of 3D printing begins with a digital model or design that is created using computer-aided design (CAD) software or obtained from a 3D scanner. The digital model is then processed by slicing it into thin layers that the 3D printer can read and print. The printer then builds the object layer by layer, using various types of materials that are melted, deposited, or cured to form the desired shape.
One of the significant advantages of 3D printing is its ability to produce customized and complex designs that may not be possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. For instance, 3D printing can create objects with intricate geometries, internal cavities, and overhangs that would be difficult or impossible to make with other methods. This makes it ideal for creating prototypes, models, and unique, one-of-a-kind objects.
3D printing has already revolutionized several industries. In healthcare, for example, 3D printing is used to create patient-specific models, prosthetics, implants, and surgical instruments. It is also used to produce drugs and vaccines and to print living tissues and organs for transplant. In aerospace, 3D printing is used to create lightweight and complex parts, such as fuel nozzles, turbine blades, and satellite components, which reduces weight and improves performance. It is also used in architecture and construction to create scale models and customized building components.
Despite its many advantages, 3D printing still faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the cost and availability of materials. Currently, the materials used in 3D printing are limited, and the cost of some materials, such as metal powders, can be prohibitive. Additionally, 3D printing is a slow process and may not be suitable for high-volume production. Another challenge is the quality and consistency of the final product, which can be affected by factors such as printer calibration, material properties, and post-processing.
In conclusion, 3D printing is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform the way we design, manufacture, and consume goods. While it still faces some challenges, its ability to create complex, customized, and patient-specific objects makes it a powerful tool in many industries. As the technology advances and the materials and processes become more accessible and affordable, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of 3D printing in the future.
Power Bed Fusion
Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a category of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques that use a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powdered material to create a three-dimensional object. In PBF, a bed of powdered material is spread over a build platform, and a laser or electron beam is directed over the powder to selectively melt and fuse the material together. The process is repeated layer by layer until the desired object is created.
PBF is a versatile and precise manufacturing technique that can produce complex geometries with high accuracy and resolution. The process is commonly used to produce metal parts for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications, among others. PBF can also be used with a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.
There are several variations of PBF techniques, including selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and electron beam melting (EBM). SLM and DMLS use a laser to melt and fuse the powder, while EBM uses an electron beam. In SLM and DMLS, the laser beam is directed onto the powder bed, selectively melting the powder and fusing it to create the desired geometry. EBM works in a similar way, but uses an electron beam to melt and fuse the powder.
One advantage of PBF techniques is the ability to produce complex geometries with intricate details and thin walls that may not be possible with other manufacturing methods. PBF also allows for the production of high-quality, fully dense metal parts with properties similar to those of conventionally manufactured parts.
However, PBF also has some limitations. The process can be slow and expensive, and the size of the parts that can be produced is limited by the size of the build chamber. In addition, PBF typically requires extensive post-processing to remove excess powder and improve surface finish, which can add to the cost and time of production.
In conclusion, power bed fusion is a category of additive manufacturing techniques that use a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powdered material to create complex geometries with high accuracy and resolution. While PBF has some limitations, it is a versatile and precise manufacturing technique that is widely used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, and has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing of complex, customized parts.
3D printing machine manufacturers
There are several companies that manufacture 3D metal printing machines, also known as metal additive manufacturing machines. Here are some of the notable manufacturers:
EOS: EOS is a German company that produces industrial 3D printing systems for both metals and polymers. Their metal 3D printing machines use various metal powders, including aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys, to create high-quality parts for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
Concept Laser: Concept Laser is a German company that produces metal 3D printing machines using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. They offer a range of machines that can process various metal powders, including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and titanium alloys.
SLM Solutions: SLM Solutions is a German company that specializes in producing metal additive manufacturing machines using the selective laser melting (SLM) technique. Their machines are designed for industrial applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, and can process a variety of metals including aluminium, titanium, and steel.
GE Additive: GE Additive is a subsidiary of General Electric that focuses on developing and producing 3D printing machines and materials for various industries. Their metal additive manufacturing machines use the electron beam melting (EBM) technique and are designed for high-volume production of parts in industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive.
Renishaw: Renishaw is a UK-based company that produces metal additive manufacturing machines using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. Their machines can process a variety of metal powders, including titanium alloys, cobalt chrome, and stainless steel, and are used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and dental.
AddUp, a 3d printing machine manufacturer, was born in 2016 from the desire of two major French industrial groups, Michelin and Fives, to create an important player in the field of metal additive manufacturing. The joint venture relies on Michelin’s expertise, which has developed the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LB-PBF) technology and operates it for large-scale industrial production.
Airport security is a major concern for many people who travel through airports or on aeroplanes, but did you know that this is not a actually a modern-world problem? In fact, the first documented case of airport security was in the 1920s when officials would inspect hand luggage to make sure that passengers weren’t carrying bombs.
The most recent infamous case of aeroplane terrorism, or at least the one that springs to mind first for people, is the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the 11th September 2001. This attack killed almost 3000 people and continues today to claim the lives of people who were there, due to related health problems. 19 militants from al Qaeda – the Islamic extremist group – hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in America. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, a third plane was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia (near to Washington, D.C.), and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, probably ultimately due to an attempt by the passengers and crew to regain control of it.
Anyone who remembers travelling through an airport before September 2001, and again afterwards, will tell you that this was the event that changed really the experience. Suddenly security was strict, and restrictions on what you could carry were uncompromising. The role of airport security was suddenly in the spotlight.
The ultimate goal of airport security is to identify potential threats and keep them out of the airport so in 1985, a new form of security was introduced, which was the metal detector. The technology was now more easily available and airports were experiencing an increase in terrorist attacks and hijacking attempts. In American, it became mandatory for all passengers to go through a metal detector before boarding their flight in 1987 and it has not changed since then. However, even earlier than that, in 1974, the Air Transportation Security Act sanctioned the FAA’s universal screening rule, forcing United States airports to adopt X-ray inspection systems for carry-on bags. X-ray baggage scanners are one of the most common security x ray scanner solution in airports and other high-security areas. They are used to detect any potential threat, such as explosives, in baggage and people. Hold baggage x-ray scanners are also used in airports to scan luggage that is placed on the belt for any potential threats. These scanners are usually large and stationary. Cargo x-ray scanners can be mobile or stationary and they scan cargo containers for any potential threats before they enter a country’s borders. Portable x-ray scanners can be used by security personnel at events to scan through bags of attendees or visitors for any potential threats. Each airport has a different set of requirements for scanning baggage including size, weight, and other factors like its destination airport or country. Some airports have more than one type of scanner installed at different locations in order to meet these requirements.
3D printing (otherwise known as additive manufacturing) is the development of a three-dimensional object from a digital CAD model or an advanced 3D model. The expression “3D printing” can refer to an assortment of cycles wherein material is added, removed, joined or set under PC control to make a 3D object, with material being added together, (for example, plastics, fluids or powder grains being intertwined), commonly layer by layer.
In recent times, 3D printing was regarded as just for the development of prototype models. In recent years, 3D printing has become more accurate, cheaper, and the available materials scope of 3D printing have expanded to the point that some 3D printing processes are thought of as practical as a modern creation alternative. One of the critical benefits of 3D printing is the capacity to deliver extremely complex shapes or calculations that would be generally difficult to build manually, including empty parts or parts with inside bracket constructions to diminish weight.
An increasingly popular and widely used type of 3D printing is known as Directed Energy Deposition or DED printing. This process brings metal powder into a melt pool created by a laser. Parts are then created by an overlay of weld beads. This technology is suitable for the manufacture of large parts, and also allows other types of applications such as the repair of worn or deteriorated parts, the addition of features (for example the modification the geometry of an existing part), metal coating on existing parts (for example modification of part properties), and the creation of new materials from multiple metals.
Examples of the modern use of 3D printing or ded additive manufacturing include Orbex – a UK based company. It recently unveiled its Prime rocket which is powered by the world’s largest 3D rocket engine. The rocket is made from a specially formulated lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium composite and is printed in one single piece. As this new engine doesn’t have any joins or welds, it has advantages over other traditionally manufactured rocket engines. Another great example of a modern application of 3D printing is in housing. In America, the 3D printer manufacturer ICON – a 3d printing machine manufacturer – teamed up with New Story – a not-for-profit organisation – to build one of the first 3D printed houses. According to them, they will be able to build a new 800 square foot, single story house, within 24 hours using a portable 3D printer – and all for under £3000!
From what I’ve seen, there are two main types of people at the moment here in the UK; those who relaxed and took things easy during the worst of the pandemic, and those who increased their exercise and outdoors time when they weren’t able to do all the normal things whilst everything was closed. A lot of people expected things to be over pretty quickly so the strictest lockdown rules were a shock to many people. Outdoors exercise was almost banned for a while – certainly all organised sports – but nevertheless, many people carried on doing what they could. As a regular in the countryside – before, during, and after lockdown – I’ve been amazed to see normally difficult-to-find paths suddenly well-trodden, and even new paths springing up. Many people who may not have really spent so much time in the countryside must have suddenly discovered a love for nature.
Basketball court
One of the most accessible sports is running and this has continued its meteoric rise in popularity right the way through lockdown regardless of any restrictions placed on people. Other sports have sadly been much more difficult to continue in the recent couple of year – in particular, sports played in-doors such as badminton, table tennis, gymnastics, and snooker. However, those lucky enough to live near open-air sports facilities may have been able to continue partaking in their chosen sports.
The main problem in relation to outdoors sport in the UK is that it just rains so much. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter – the only thing predictable is that we just don’t know what the next month or even next week holds in store for us. This is where open air but covered sports facilities come in very handy. For example, the image here shows a covered basketball court. This basketball construction has covered the court in a rain-proof cover meaning you can still play regardless of the rain (or snow). One of the market leaders in covered courts and sports areas is SMC2 Construction, based in France.
Ever wondered about the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals? The very short answer is that ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron. In practice, ferrous and non-ferrous metals have their own very distinct properties which determine which applications they’re use for. Copper is probably the first non-ferrous metal you’ll think of – the discovery of this metal sparked the end of the Stone Age and the beginning of the copper age around 5000 BC. The bronze age followed that – as you probably know, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. The wider use of ferrous metals started around 1200 BC when iron production became widespread and so began the Iron Age.
Well known ferrous metals you may have encountered are cast iron, wrought iron, tool steels, and engineering steels. Carbon steel is the most common structural steel and used in tallest sky scrapers and longest bridges. You’ll also find ferrous metal in everything from cars & shipping containers to domestic whitegoods & cutlery. Stainless steel is resistant to rust due to its chromium content and wrought iron is resistant to rust due to its purity. An easy way to find most ferrous steels is to see if they’re magnetic.
The most common ferrous metals include:
Carbon steel – a higher carbon content than other types of steel making it very hard.
Cast iron – made from iron, carbon and silicone. Hard and resistant to wear
Steel – made by adding carbon to iron to harden the iron. The properties can be further adjusted by adding elements like chromium and nickel (to make engineering steel)
Wrought iron – so little carbon it’s near pure iron. Has excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidisation
Non-ferrous metals include common materials like aluminium, copper, lead, zinc tin, gold and silver – many precious metals are now commonly used in electronics besides jewellery. Non-ferrous metals are normally more malleable than ferrous metals, and as they don’t contain iron, they normally have a higher resistance to corrosion and don’t rust. The other main benefit is that they’re not magnetic so can be used in electronic applications.
The most common non-ferrous metals include
Aluminium – lightweight but low strength – easily cast, forged, welded and machined.
Copper – high conductivity of both electricity and heat.
Lead – soft, heavy with a low melting point. Withstands corrosion from moisture
Tin – soft and malleable. Is often used to coat iron to prevent corrosion or used in alloys
Zinc – low strength butr very commonly used in galvanising or protective coating to steel or iron
If you’re looking for a specialist in non-ferrous metals, supplier of welding consumables, supplier of good tin ingot, or moreover zamak alloys, you could give the Metaconcept Groupe a call or get in touch with them via their website
Many different aluminium alloys are currently used in the automotive industry; however, manufacturers are only just beginning to understand the importance of innovation in terms of using newer and different aluminium alloys. Some of the big aluminium producers (Alcoa, Constellium, Norsk Hydro, Novelis, UC Rusal, etc.) are now producing mass-market and cost-effective newer alloys, according to their press releases and recent announcements. It is almost as if it has come as a shock to car producers and companies in the automotive industry that aluminium alloys can be improved and suddenly become a better option than the traditional steel which has been used to eons. The process of producing new aluminium alloys has now gathered a lot of momentum and now moving is quickly. Obviously, car manufacturers are interested in the light-weight properties of aluminium, but they’re also very interested in the durability and corrosion resistance. This shift is also helping to improve maintenance due to newer tools and techniques.
One of the notable alloys currently being tested is 1580. According to US Rusal, is contains a very low percentage of scandium and zirconium which has massively cut the cost of production. This magnesium-aluminium alloy was developed by scientists at the Siberian Federal University
Scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in conjunction with Fiat Crysler Automotive have developed a new aluminium alloy known as ACMZ that they claim can be used in car engine cylinder heads. This new alloy is much more resistant to higher temperatures (up to 300 degree centigrade) meaning smaller 4-cylinder engines can be developed with the same power as 6-cylinder engines as the internal pressure can be increased providing better fuel consumption. ACMZ uses copper as its strengthening agent (as opposed to silicon) meaning it is resistant to higher temperatures than the more common aluminium alloy upper limit of 250 degrees centigrade. However, this alloy is still in its testing phase and will need to be further developed before it will appear in any commercially sold engines.
Of course, the aluminium alloys are an important evolution of the automotive industry but let’s not forget about well-established and high-performing aluminium alloys. For example, Metaconcept’s Zamak alloys – alloys which uses zinc, aluminium, magnesium (and sometimes copper) to give them a melting point of around 400 degree centigrade. They has stainless characteristics and are also suited to die-casting. Metaconcept also produce their lead-free alloy, used widely by manufacturers in the medical sector and the arts and crafts industries for jewellery and costume jewellery production provide the mechanical properties of traditional, lead-based compositions but provide greater safety for environment and users.
If you’re like most people, Bismuth is probably a word you’ve heard before, but most people don’t actually know much about what it is. Bismuth as it turns out is a white, crystalline metal which is brittle and has a slight pink. It has a very wide range of uses in industry including it the cosmetics industry, in metal alloys, in fire extinguishers and in ammunition. However, most people will probably be more familiar with it as the main ingredient of the medicine Pepto-Bismol – a medicine mainly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and nausea. Bismuth is element 83 on the periodic table of elements and is what’s known as a post-transition metal (the name ‘post-transition metal’ refers to their position after the ‘transition metals’ in the periodic table).
Something most of us will know even less about it where on earth do we get this metal from? Bismuth is found in the Earth’s crust – apparently twice as abundant as gold – and found in ores such as bismuthinite and bismite. It’s mined in countries such as China (the world’s largest producer), Vietnam, Mexico, and Japan. It’s also often a by-product of the extraction of other metals such as lead, copper, tin, molybdenum and tungsten.
Bismuth is sold in ingots in the same way that many other metals are such as tin, lead, antimony, and indium. If you are in the market for a couple of bismuth ingots you’ll most likely have to go directly to one of the big suppliers, such as Frances’ Meta Concept. Here you can buy ingots of many different types of metals – they’re also tin sheet metal suppliers & produce tin ingots, pure metal ingots and alloys in the form of various sized ingots and billets. The billets are vacuum cast in just one step and therefore offer the best quality price ratio on the market.
We’ve all heard of vitamins – for example, they’re one of the main selling point for many common foods like breakfast cereals – but how much do actually know about them? This is an A to E of vitamins – what they are, where they come from, and what they do
Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, and several provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene. It has multiple functions in the human body, for example, it’s important for growth and development, for the maintenance of the immune system, and for vision (vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of retinal). It also functions in a very different role as retinoic acid which is an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells
B vitamins are water-soluble compounds that play an important role in cell metabolism and the synthesis of red blood cells. B vitamins (e.g. B1, B2, B3, etc.) are actually chemically distinct from each other but often coexist in the same foods. Often, in dietary supplements containing all 8 B vitaimins, thay are referred to as a ‘vitamin B complex’. When sold individually, B vitamins are more commonly referred to supplements are referred to by the specific number or name of each vitamin, such as B1 for thiamine, B2 for riboflavin, and B3 for niacin, as examples.[1] Some are more commonly recognized by name than by number: niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and folate.
Vitamin C is also often referred to as ascorbic acid and is found naturally in various foods such as oranges. It’s also sold as a dietary supplement as it’s believed by many to help protect again colds and flus as it is important for immune system function (note there is some evidence that regular use of supplements may reduce the duration of the common cold, but it does not appear to prevent infection). In the body it’s an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters and also functions as an antioxidant.
Vitamin D is actually a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological functions. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The major natural source of the vitamin is synthesis of cholecalciferol in the lower layers of skin epidermis through a chemical reaction that is dependent on sun exposure (specifically UVB radiation). Only a few foods, such as the flesh of fatty fish, naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. In many countries, cow’s milk and plant-derived milk substitutes are fortified with vitamin D, along with many breakfast cereals. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light contribute useful amounts of vitamin D. Dietary recommendations typically assume that all of a person’s vitamin D is taken by mouth, as sun exposure in the population is variable and recommendations about the amount of sun exposure that is safe are uncertain in view of the skin cancer risk.
Vitamin E is a light yellow oil, a fat soluble vitamin, that is actually a family of substances, the tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as ‘tocols’. They are found in nature in both plant and animals, however, since they are biosynthesized only in photosynthetic organisms, main sources are vegetables and seed or nut oils. There were first isolated from wheat germ oil, which is still a commonly used source of Vitamin E. The primary function of Vitamin E is as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is protective because it helps reduce oxidation of lipid membranes and the unsaturated fatty acids and prevents the breakdown of other nutrients by oxygen.
Many vitamin and minerals we buy in supplements are produced by companies like EXTRASYNTHESE who manufacture, qualify and sell phytochemical substances as reference materials and analytical standards on a worldwide basis. Their highly purified reference substances are used in research, development, regulatory and testing activities in fields like biology, metabolomics, agronomy, crop protection, nutrition, nutraceuticals, food and feed, flavour and fragrance, cosmetics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals. For more information on herbal standards reference materials, see the EXTRASYNTHESE website
Here’s a handy guide to some common high-fibre, low carb foods you can find in most supermarkets or whole-food shops from the Little Pine Kitchen. If you’re looking into Keto or simply trying to cut down on sugars, this is a good place to start:
If you’re thinking of cutting down on carbs or going full keto, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Simply finding out which foods are high or low in carbs or which ones have hidden sugar content is something that can take time. And add to this the ongoing campaign of mis-information given to us by companies telling us things like their ‘breakfast cereal’ is a ‘healthy start to the day’ when it’s 10% sugar or that ‘juice based drinks’ are a better option than fizzy drinks, it really does feel like a a mine-field. The majority of us simply want to lose weight or improve our health without having to get a master’s degree in nutrition.
The basic rules to follow are that home-cooked is better than store-bought (because you know what’s going into it) and decent-quality fat isn’t the real bad guy of the story (obviously not including things like trans-fats here – they really are the devil’s work!)
Here’s a handy guide from Low Carb Alpha showing you what you can eat when you’re trying to cut down on carbs or learn about the Keto diet – it’s a type of keto or low-carb cheat-sheet:
Many different aluminium alloys are currently used in the automotive industry; however, manufacturers are only just beginning to understand the importance of innovation in terms of using newer and different aluminium alloys. Some of the big aluminium producers (Alcoa, Constellium, Norsk Hydro, Novelis, UC Rusal, etc.) are now producing mass-market and cost-effective newer alloys, according to their press releases and recent announcements. It is almost as if it has come as a shock to car producers and companies in the automotive industry that aluminium alloys can be improved and suddenly become a better option than the traditional steel which has been used to eons. The process of producing new aluminium alloys has now gathered a lot of momentum and now moving is quickly. Obviously, car manufacturers are interested in the light-weight properties of aluminium, but they’re also very interested in the durability and corrosion resistance. This shift is also helping to improve maintenance due to newer tools and techniques.
If you’re like most people, Bismuth is probably a word you’ve heard before, but most people don’t actually know much about what it is. Bismuth as it turns out is a white, crystalline metal which is brittle and has a slight pink. It has a very wide range of uses in industry including it the cosmetics industry, in metal alloys, in fire extinguishers and in ammunition. However, most people will probably be more familiar with it as the main ingredient of the medicine Pepto-Bismol – a medicine mainly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea and nausea. Bismuth is element 83 on the periodic table of elements and is what’s known as a post-transition metal (the name ‘post-transition metal’ refers to their position after the ‘transition metals’ in the periodic table).
