The event, hosted by robotics integration specialist CNC Robotics in partnership with Made Smarter North West, offered a hands-on look at robotic additive manufacturing and its potential to reshape traditional production methods.
Attendees toured CNC Robotics’ advanced facility where live demonstrations showcased three robotic additive manufacturing systems working with metal, thermoplastic polymer and PU tooling paste. These demonstrations highlighted how 3D printing can enable rapid prototyping, customisation and complex part production while reducing waste and improving efficiency.
The showcase attracted a diverse group of businesses, including Darwen Terracotta of Blackburn, the UK’s largest producer of architectural terracotta; CDB Hub UK, a Liverpool-based manufacturer of vitamins and supplements; Hyde Aero Products of Dukinfield, specialists in aerospace components; Magnum Motorsport Composites of St Helens, producers of lightweight, high-performance solutions for motorsport; and NSG Group, an Ormskirk-based glass manufacturer exploring digital technologies to enhance traditional processes.
Max Barnett, Sales and Marketing Engineer at CNC Robotics, shared the company’s 15-year journey from pioneering robotic automation to becoming a key partner in helping UK manufacturers adopt emerging technologies. He also highlighted CNC Robotics’ dual role as both a beneficiary of the Made Smarter programme and an advocate for its impact on small businesses.
Commenting on the success of the event, Claire Scott, Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter, said: “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.
"Events like this give businesses the confidence to explore what is possible and connect with others on similar journeys. It is fantastic to see so many SMEs coming together to share ideas and see the real-world potential of these technologies.”
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Madina Barker, co-owner and Director, CNC Robotics, added: “Collaborative events like this are about showing small businesses the art of the possible, that we can build resilience in the UK supply chain and do it ourselves. Technologies like additive manufacturing can help manufacturers become more efficient, save time and reduce waste.
“At CNC Robotics, we have been on that journey ourselves. Through Made Smarter, we have had direct support, including funding and internships, and we have seen first-hand the difference it makes. That is why we are such advocates for the programme, it is genuinely transformational for small businesses.”
Manufacturers attending the event echoed these sentiments: Siddique Rasul of Darwen Terracotta said the experience provided valuable insight into how digital technology could complement traditional craftsmanship and open new possibilities for architectural products, while Chris Wiles of Hyde Aero Products noted the speed and material efficiency of the process, describing it as 'definitely the future for metal manufacturing.'
Earlier this year, the Government praised Made Smarter for its role in driving 3D printing adoption across the North West.
Building on that momentum, the programme will make additive manufacturing the focus of its next Digital Champions Network event on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Lancashire in Preston.
The event is set to offer SME manufacturers the chance to network, share experiences and gain practical insights into emerging tools, alongside tours of the centre’s cutting-edge facilities. Registration information can be found here.
