Veka claims a ‘first’ with working 3D printed window
26th March 2019

Veka Group has produced what it believes to be the UK’s first fully-functioning 3D printed window.

The system supplier had bought a BlackBelt 3D printer for development work such as prototyping for itself and to support its customers but has now created a full-size casement window based on its M70 system, all fitted with appropriate hardware and now used for demonstration purposes.

Head of technical Paul Kennington says the top-of-the-range machine enables the group to create and test potential new products instantly, for a fraction of the cost of conventional prototyping, and has even helped to design and test a new product, a door bottom rail, for one customer.

And, he added: “The unique thing about this printer compared to others we’ve used is that it can print to any size, so rather than creating a scale model of something, we can actually produce a like for like physical product that customers can get to grips with.

“For example, the fully functioning M70 side-opening casement we’ve 3D printed is life sized and we’ve been able to fit it with all the relevant hardware. It’s already been used for demonstration purposes on a number of occasions.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this 3D printing technology continue to prove its worth in a host of ways.”

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