AME-3D

We might've not have got the result we wanted on Wednesday, but we've still got our own World Cup trophies 🏆. Here's a timelapse of four being printed on our FDM machine. #3dprinting #fdm #fuseddepositionmodelling #worldcup #worldcup2026 #football #3dprinted

Production parts made with additive manufacturing are no longer “future thinking” — they’re already here. 3D printing is increasingly used for: - End-use components - Low-volume production runs - Customised parts - Legacy replacements What used to be considered “prototype-only” technology is now solving real production challenges. https://bit.ly/4w72ajT #3dprinting #sheffield #productionparts #ukmanufacturing

Chester's got his trophy & England shirt on ready for later. 🦁🏆⚽ #itscominghome #England #WorldCup2026 #Semifinals #officedog #fdm

⚽🏆 With England through to the World Cup semi-finals, we thought it was the perfect time to put our FDM 3D printer to work... Standing at 340mm tall, this World Cup trophy replica was produced on our FDM machine, showcasing just how capable the technology is for creating large, detailed display models, prototypes and one-off parts. Whether you're creating concept models, jigs & fixtures, presentation pieces or functional prototypes, FDM has a lot to offer. Now the big question... Is it coming home? 🏆🦁🦁🦁 Let us know your score prediction for the semi-final in the comments. 👇 #3DPrinting #FDM #AdditiveManufacturing #WorldCup #England #Engineering #Prototyping #Manufacturing #IsItComingHome

Why Local Manufacturing Matters... Manufacturing isn’t just about cost anymore. It’s about control. Long supply chains, overseas lead times, and unpredictable logistics can all introduce risk — especially when a critical component fails unexpectedly. Local manufacturing helps reduce that risk by offering: 🔹 Faster turnaround times 🔹 Better communication throughout the process 🔹 Reduced downtime risk 🔹 Greater flexibility for urgent changes 🔹 More control over quality and delivery Speed and reliability often outweigh marginal cost savings. Looking for a local design & manufacturer based in Sheffield? Get in touch, https://bit.ly/43MZYC3. #Manufacturing #UKManufacturing #Engineering #SupplyChain #AdditiveManufacturing #ReverseEngineering #AME3D

When FDM Is Actually the Best Option FDM doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. It’s often overlooked for higher-detail processes like SLA or SLS, but in the right application, it can be the smartest choice. FDM is particularly effective when you need: ✔️ Functional parts ✔️ Cost-effective prototypes ✔️ Fast turnaround times ✔️ Durable materials ✔️ Jigs, fixtures, and tooling It’s not about choosing the “best” process overall — it’s about choosing the right process for the job. Got a part that needs FDM 3D printing? Submit your files here, https://bit.ly/3SWVDtz #FDM #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #Engineering #RapidPrototyping #Manufacturing #AME3D

💡 Yesterday's Design. Today's Manufacturing. Many components still in service today were designed around the manufacturing constraints of their time. But what if those constraints no longer exist? Modern manufacturing methods can often: ✅ Consolidate multiple parts into one ✅ Reduce material waste ✅ Improve performance ✅ Shorten lead times ✅ Simplify supply chains That's why redesigning a component can sometimes deliver more value than simply reproducing it. At AME-3D, we regularly work with customers to assess whether a part should be replicated as-is or optimised for modern manufacturing techniques. Because sometimes the best replacement part is a better version of the original. https://bit.ly/4oJV9mr #Engineering #Manufacturing #ProductDesign #DesignForManufacture #Innovation #ReverseEngineering #AdditiveManufacturing #IndustrialDesign #AME3D

⚠️ 5 Signs a Part Is Becoming Obsolete Part obsolescence rarely happens overnight. More often, the warning signs are there long before a critical component becomes impossible to source. Keep an eye out for: 🔹 Increasing lead times 🔹 Suppliers discontinuing product lines 🔹 Rising minimum order quantities 🔹 Missing or outdated technical drawings 🔹 Equipment that's been running for decades When a replacement part can no longer be sourced, it doesn't always mean replacing the entire asset. Through reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and low-volume manufacturing, obsolete components can often be recreated or even improved. If you're relying on ageing equipment, now is the time to identify parts that could become a problem in the future. Get in touch, info@ame-3d.co.uk. https://bit.ly/4waJpfz #ReverseEngineering #PartObsolescence #Manufacturing #Engineering #IndustrialMaintenance #3DScanning #AdditiveManufacturing #AME3D

When FDM is actually the smarter option? Not every part needs the highest-spec manufacturing process. Sometimes FDM is exactly the right choice 👀 Especially when you need: ⚡ Fast turnaround 💰 Cost-effective prototyping 🧪 Early-stage design validation Because prototyping isn’t always about perfection. Sometimes it’s about learning quickly, testing ideas and moving projects forward. https://bit.ly/3Pdvndg #FDM #3DPrinting #PrototypeDevelopment #Engineering #Manufacturing #ProductDesign #Innovation #EngineeringSolutions

⚙️ SLS vs MJF — what’s the difference? We get asked this a lot 👀 Both are excellent technologies for producing strong, functional parts — but choosing the right one depends on the application. 🔹 **SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)** ✅ Great for durable prototypes ✅ Strong functional testing parts ✅ Ideal for complex geometries 🔹 **MJF (Multi Jet Fusion)** ✅ Strong, accurate end-use parts ✅ More consistent surface finish ✅ Great for repeatability and production-style applications So… which is better? Honestly? Neither. It depends on what the part actually needs to do 💭 That’s why understanding the function, finish, quantity and end-use matters before selecting a process. Have you used SLS or MJF before — and which would you choose? #SLS #MJF #AdditiveManufacturing #3DPrinting #Engineering #Manufacturing #PrototypeDevelopment #Innovation