Sheffield-based 3D printing firm, Additive Manufacturing Technologies Ltd (AMT), has announced a partnership deal with Midwest Prototyping LLC (MWP). 

AMT are the world’s first technology company focused on the post-processing of 3D printed parts. Midwest Prototyping specialises in providing 3D printed parts for prototyping as well as high volume end use production applications.

Both companies have recognised the necessity for effective post processing of 3D printed parts and independently have been working towards developing integrated solutions for the industry.

This partnership will build on this work and bring together a unique industry combination of 3D printing experience from Midwest Prototyping and AMT’s unique automated surface finishing solutions.

The deal, which also sees Steve Grundahl, President of Midwest Prototyping, joining the AMT board, will result in Midwest Prototyping receiving a PostPro3D automated surfacing finishing machine from AMT later this year. This offers automated surface finishing of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion, High Speed Sintering and Laser Sintered parts.

AMT and Midwest Prototyping will work together jointly to further develop manufacturing processes that integrate the full post processing work flow into the digital process chain.

This partnership will give AMT direct access to the world’s largest 3D printing market as the two companies will work together to market and sell PostPro3D machines, made by AMT, in the USA.

Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT, said: “The deal with Midwest Prototyping is a major step in our growth story. The arrangement will provide a US presence for our PostPro3D machine with a company who is able to print parts on site then demonstrate and showcase our technology to wide range of potential customers. Having the support of Midwest provides a great springboard for future US sales.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve Grundahl to our board. Steve’s wealth of additive manufacturing and commercial experience will strengthen the board significantly.”

President and owner of Midwest Prototyping LLC, Steve Grundahl added: “Demand for surface finishing 3D printed parts is significant in the US. We are delighted to enter into this partnership as it will enable us to satisfy this demand. The partnership achieves our long-held vision of providing an automated high-quality surface finish to 3D printed parts. The first PostPro3D machine, arriving in our facilities near Madison, WI, enables Midwest to deliver the quality surface finishing expected from our customers. We see our relationship with AMT developing further as both our businesses grow.”

Laurence Gavin and Katherine Munn of Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield advised AMT.