MOD & Defence Prototypes
High-Performance Engineering for the UK Defence Industry
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, we are proud to be a trusted partner to the UK defence industry, providing high performance engineering solutions that meet the rigorous demands of national security. Our expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-performance Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), SLA, SLS and precision Vacuum Casting, ensures that we can deliver components and prototypes that are not only robust and reliable but also engineered for operational excellence.
Two of the UK’s largest 3D printers
Custom parts delivered in days
Ideal for low volume production and rapid prototyping
Benefits of SLA Printing
High-Performance Engineering for UK Defence
A trusted partner to the UK defence industry, providing high-performance engineering solutions that meet the rigorous demands of national security. Our expertise in advanced manufacturing including engineering-grade FDM and precision Vacuum Casting delivers components and prototypes that are robust, reliable, and engineered for operational excellence.
Rapid Prototyping with High-Performance FDM
In the field, speed is a strategic advantage. Our high-performance FDM service enables rapid design iteration and the production of functional parts that can withstand extreme conditions. We utilise advanced materials like ULTEMâ„¢ and PEEK, certified for aerospace and defence, to create components with exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to high temperatures and chemical exposure. This allows you to accelerate your development cycles and respond to operational needs with unprecedented agility.
Precision Vacuum Casting for End-Use Prototypes
When you need a part that looks and performs exactly like the final product, our vacuum casting service is the perfect solution. Using a master model, we create high-fidelity, void-free parts that replicate the properties of a wide range of production-grade plastics. This is an ideal, cost-effective method for creating low-volume runs for critical field testing, user evaluation, and limited deployments all without the expense of injection moulding.
Certified Quality and Security You Can Rely On
The integrity of our work is our highest priority. We operate with a steadfast commitment to quality management and security, ensuring that your intellectual property and project data are always NDA protected. Our processes are meticulously controlled to the highest industry standards, providing you with complete confidence and peace of mind when working on sensitive defence projects.
From Concept to Capability: A Partnership Approach
We believe in a collaborative approach to engineering. We work closely with our defence partners to understand their unique challenges and requirements, from initial concept to final deployment. By combining our advanced technologies with decades of expertise, we help you overcome manufacturing hurdles, innovate faster, and maintain a technological advantage in a constantly evolving landscape. Partner with us to engineer the future of defence.
Made in Hours
We can help with last minute projects and offer a fast turnaround. High quality 3D printed parts can be printed in a matter of hours depending on your project details and 3D print finishing.Â
Rapid Prototyping Services for the Ministry of Defence (MOD)
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd (MNL), we understand the unique challenges faced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in developing equipment that meets the stringent demands of modern warfare. Our rapid prototyping services are specifically tailored to fulfil the exacting standards of the defence sector, providing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
Advanced 3D Printing Technology:
The defence sector demands materials with exceptional strength and durability, and 3D printing has emerged as a game-changer for meeting these requirements. MNL utilises state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies to produce customised prototypes and production-grade parts with unparalleled precision and reliability. From ultra-strong, ruggedized materials to intricate designs, our 3D printing capabilities ensure that your equipment performs optimally in the toughest environments. With over 50 years of experience in providing highly detailed and accurate scale models to the defence sector. We have leveraged this expertise to become a leading provider of rapid prototyping services for the MOD.
SLA 3D Printing Service
Stereolithography (SLA) also often referred to as SLA is the most widely used resin 3D printing technology. it is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping or 3D printing process.
SLS 3D Printing Service
SLS can build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. Our HiQ Sinterstation system (SLS 3D Printing machine) represents the future of Instant Manufacturing Technology.
FDM 3D Printing
Manufacturing FDM known as fused deposition modelling is the most widely available form of 3d printing. It is an additive manufacturing technology that selectively deposits molten plastic to build parts layer by layer.
Large Format
Large format 3D printing service, utilising our large format SLA 3D printers with their impressive build platforms of 800 x 800 x 600mm.
Transparent
We can produce large transparent 3D printing without the need for sectioning and fabricating back together, by utilising our large format SLA 3D printers.
Carbon
Carbon has proven itself for its reliability in the toughest of environments, whether your looking to use it in low volume production or rapid prototyping Carbon 3D Printing is a great option.
The Benefits of Rapid Prototyping and 3D printing services for the MOD
- Fast turnaround times:Â Get prototypes quickly into your hands for testing and evaluation.
- Cost-effective:Â Reduce development costs by avoiding expensive tooling.
- Highly detailed and accurate:Â Create prototypes that accurately reflect your final design.
- Functional prototypes: Test the form, fit, and function of your design before committing to production.
- Confidentiality guaranteed:Â We understand the sensitive nature of your projects and guarantee complete confidentiality.
Crafting the Perfect Defence Scale Models: Prototyping at its Finest
Our Services
MNL offers a wide range of rapid prototyping services, including:
- Engineering models: Test the form, fit, and function of your design.
- Training aid models:Â Create realistic training aids for your personnel.
- Ruggedized prototypes:Â Develop prototypes that can withstand harsh environments.
- Functional prototypes and devices:Â Test the functionality of your design before production.
- Low-volume production-grade parts:Â Produce small quantities of parts without expensive tooling.
Contact us today to discuss your Defence prototyping requirements.
Looking for prices?
Ready to start your vacuum casting project? Share your project details and data with our team of experts, and we’ll be happy to assist you at every step.
How it works
Upload your files
For unfinished, straight-off-the-printer 3D parts, upload your 3D CAD files and get an instant quote.
For larger projects where quotes for multiple parts are needed, get in touch.
Get your quote
Get your online instant quote for straight off the printer 3D printing, or for more intricate/complex projects our technical team will be on hand to quote you.
Printing starts
From our 3D printing facility near Worcester, we start producing the parts immediately.
Every single item is quality-checked by our engineers before heading out for delivery.
Delivery/ Collection
Our intricate 3D printed parts can be produced in days, even hours for smaller projects and delivered with our secure couriers.
Prefer pickup? Our headquarters are in Bidford-on-Avon, just contact us ahead to arrange a collection time.
Case Studies
See how Malcolm Nicholls
has helped other businesses like yours
SLA for Large Parts
MNL boasts two of the UK’s largest resin 3D printers, producing exceptional quality large parts with super-fast turnaround times. Our NEO800 systems offer intricate detail and smooth sidewalls thanks to 1-micron scanning resolution and a variable spot-size laser. The spot-size laser goes small for intricate detail on the boundaries of parts and then it goes larger for filling in the rest of the section. As a result, we can produce intricate parts and reduce finishing times by up to 50%.
Why Malcolm Nicholls?
UK Based
With headquarters in the Midlands, we can deliver your 3D parts nationally.
Years of Expertise
We are a family run business with decades of experience.
Finished to Perfection
A team of traditional model makers in house to give your 3D print the wow factor.
More Than Just 3D Printing
With our suite of machines and technology we also specialise in low-volume manufacturing, Vacuum Casting, CNC Machining and more.
Post Processing & Finishing
Post-processing your SLA is critical to get the most out of your 3d print. This multi-step process involves removing excess resin, curing the part for optimal strength, and potentially sanding and finishing for a desired aesthetic.
Depending on your desired outcome, we offer various finishing techniques, like painting or polishing, and we can personalise your creation for specific applications.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
We have experience creating exceptional 3D printed parts for leaders across various industries. From automotive and aerospace to point of sale and packaging, we can help.
Which 3D Printing Service do I need?
Learn more about the different options we offer.
SLA
Stereolithography (SLA) also often referred to as SLA is the most widely used resin 3D printing technology. it is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping or 3D printing process.
SLS
SLS can build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. Our HiQ Sinterstation system (SLS 3D Printing machine) represents the future of Instant Manufacturing Technology.
FDM
Manufacturing FDM known as fused deposition modelling is the most widely available form of 3d printing. It is an additive manufacturing technology that selectively deposits molten plastic to build parts layer by layer.
Our SLA Machines & Materials
We are home to two of the largest 3D printers in the UK! Our Neo 800 has an impressive 800 x 800 x 600m build capacity. Whereas most other stereolithography companies with SLA 3D Printing machines require large parts to be built in sections, we can build parts without the need for cutting. Therefore, parts are built quicker, finishing is streamlined and is cost-effective.
The materials we use for our SLA printing are Somos Watershed and Taurus.
Order 3D Printed Parts
Getting a quote for your 3D printing project has never been easier. We offer three straightforward options to meet your needs.
Option One – Perfect for those seeking a swift and hassle-free 3D printing quote.
Option Two – If your project requires more than just printing, option two is your go-to choice, where we can provide quotes for CNC machining, surface finishing, vacuum forming, and vacuum casting for your 3D parts.
Option Three – For large, complex, intricate, or multi-part projects, look no further than option three. Give us a call, and our team will be more than happy to assist you in bringing your vision to life.
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, we make quoting fast, easy, and simple.
Being Clear About SLA Manufacturing
Transparent 3D printed parts allow you to see inside your assembly with a clear vision of your housing. The level of transparency required will depend on your application and budget. We offer transparent 3D printing services using our SLA machines.
Get in touch
Address
Waterloo Industrial Estate, Waterloo Cres, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JH
Call Us
01789 490382
Email Us
quotes@mnl.co.uk