AM Centre of Excellence

AM Centre of Excellence Limited (AM-CoE) is a research and manufacturing centre based in Derby with a focus on additive manufacturing and 3D printing of ceramics, metal and polymer components for the aerospace, energy and automotive sector.  Incorporated in 2021, the company was initially a spin off from six years of research at Loughborough University.

Why engage with Invest to Grow?

After designing a new 3D printing process and inventing a unique set of ceramic slurry formulations to manufacture silica-based “ceramic cores” to be used in the investment casting of the blades and nuzzles assembled in aero and gas turbines, the company was successful in applying for Invest to Grow grant funding of £42,000 in 2022, which enabled them to purchase a suite of 3D printers and accessories. This funding support helped eliminate an element of risk for the business and was essential for the investment to happen in the necessary timescales. An unforeseen benefit for the company of engaging with the programme, as a relatively new start-up, was the excellent structure provided by the application paperwork and appraisal exercise, enabling them to reflect and prepare key plans, milestones, and cost/benefit analysis, which proved to be a contributory factor to the subsequent growth achieved. 

What has been the impact of Invest to Grow?

Following the successful delivery of the project, AM-CoE have increased their turnover by over 100% and seen their workforce grow to 6 full time staff members, in addition to employing a number of PhD students.

The investment has enabled AM-CoE to double their ceramic production capacity, turning them into the largest 3D printing facility in Europe with almost 200 ceramic 3D printers, and increase productivity through improved economies of scale.  Whilst already working with high profile clients at the point of applying to Invest to Grow, the ability to now satisfy larger orders has given the company an opportunity to lead in the market.

Dr Ehsan Sabet commented:

“Without the grant from ITG, this project would have been done in double the time, as our internal resources were very limited at the time – we would have lost the first-move advantage in the market”.

The funding from Invest to Grow has led to engagement with other teams at the University of Derby and discussions are currently in progress to see how the business can work with its academics and Careers Employment Service. 

Overall, the business has found working with ITG a positive experience.  Dr Ehsan Sabet reported:

“The Invest to Grow programme is fantastic for SMEs and its fast turnaround and extensive support has made it possible for a small start-up like ourselves, to make the most of the programme with the minimum resources available to us”.

AM-CoE are keen to further capitalise on growth opportunities in the market, particularly with large-scale 3D printing, and are in discussions with the Invest to Grow programme over potential additional support to enable them to get the infrastructure in place to realise their full potential in the coming years.