The event, Made Smarter – Discovering Additive Manufacturing, will take place on Wednesday, January 28 2026 at the Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), the University of Lancashire. The venue brings together academic expertise, industry specialists and advanced research facilities, providing an ideal setting for manufacturers to explore the latest developments in the technology.
The half‑day event will introduce attendees to the fundamentals of additive manufacturing and demonstrate how 3D printing is already being used to accelerate production, reduce waste, lower costs and create new design possibilities across a range of sectors. The agenda aims to combine case studies, expert presentations and hands‑on demonstrations, giving manufacturers the chance to see the technology in practice and assess its potential role within their own digitalisation plans.
The event is part of Made Smarter’s Digital Champions Network, a peer‑to‑peer initiative designed to support manufacturers at different stages of digital adoption by encouraging shared learning and confidence‑building around emerging technologies.
Additive manufacturing is reshaping product development and production processes, enabling faster prototyping, customisation and the manufacture of complex components while reducing material usage and shortening lead times. Recent research by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) identifies the North West as a leading region for 3D printing uptake, with Made Smarter North West helping to drive this progress.
Since 2019, the programme has supported 27 manufacturers to invest £1.6 million in additive manufacturing technologies, underpinned by £442,000 in grant funding. These projects are forecast to create 128 jobs, enhance 117 roles, and generate £15.6 million in GVA for the regional economy.
Related Content
“This event is about taking the mystery out of additive manufacturing,” commented Claire Scott, Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter. “Additive manufacturing is no longer an emerging concept. It is a proven, powerful tool that can help manufacturers of all sizes work smarter, faster and more sustainably.
“If you are curious about 3D printing and what it could mean for your business, this is a golden opportunity to see it in action, hear directly from manufacturers already using it, and get honest answers to your questions.”
Speakers will include Steven Allen and Siddique Rasul of Darwen Terracotta, the Blackburn-based architectural terracotta manufacturer. With support from Made Smarter, the business explored opportunities in 3D scanning, robotics and additive manufacturing, leading to investment in scanning technology, the development of robotic milling capability, and practical trials of 3D printing applications.
Delegates will also hear from Jonathan Rowley, creator of Additive Companion, a free resource designed to simplify the often complex landscape of additive manufacturing by providing impartial guidance across different technologies, suppliers and potential applications.
The event will conclude with a guided tour of the EIC, led by Bev Wood, Business Engagement Lead for Lancashire University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Service. The £35 million facility hosts specialist laboratories focused on additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, composites, intelligent systems, aerospace and high‑performance computing, and works closely with industry to support technology adoption.
“The University of Lancashire is proud to host this Made Smarter event in our Engineering Innovation Centre,” Wood said. “We work closely with manufacturers across the North West to support their digital transformation ambitions, and this event provides a fantastic opportunity to connect regional businesses with expertise, facilities and real-world examples of additive manufacturing in practice.”
Manufacturers can register for the event here.
