Bringing Proven Additive Manufacturing Capability into the UK
From 2–4 June 2026, the NEC Birmingham will host TCT 3Sixty 2026, a key meeting point for manufacturers evaluating how additive technologies fit into real production environments. The event has evolved alongside the industry itself. What began as a showcase for emerging technologies is now firmly focused on implementation, qualification, and industrial deployment.
Additive manufacturing is no longer positioned as a prototyping tool. Across aerospace, energy, defence, and nuclear sectors, it is being used as a validated manufacturing method. Materials are qualified, processes are controlled, and components are entering service in critical applications. The shift is measurable. Reduced lead times, improved material efficiency, and the ability to produce complex geometries are now driving adoption at scale.
This is the context in which Fastech is entering the UK market. Backed by established operations in the United States, the company is bringing production-ready additive manufacturing capability into a market that is actively seeking practical, deployable solutions.
From Established US Capability to UK Deployment
FASTECH operates a fully established Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) facility in Danville, Virginia. This site is integrated with full subtractive machining capability, allowing the company to deliver hybrid manufacturing workflows from deposition through to machining, inspection, qualification, and final component delivery.
In the United States, FASTECH supports sectors where manufacturing standards are stringent and performance is critical. Power generation, naval, aerospace, and defence programmes all form part of the company’s operational scope. Work ranges from development and qualification builds through to production volumes, aligned with the inspection and accreditation requirements expected in these industries.
This experience is now being translated into a UK context. A new facility is currently being established and is planned to come online this year. The site will introduce Directed Energy Deposition capability based on blue-laser technology through a Meltio Robot Cell, with WAAM systems planned to follow.
The UK operation is focused on production. The objective is to support applications such as near-net manufacture of structural and high-value components, repair and life extension of critical parts, hybrid additive and subtractive workflows, and reduced lead-time manufacturing for complex metal components.
While the UK facility is being developed, FASTECH is already supporting UK programmes through its US operation. This ensures that projects requiring immediate delivery or qualification support can move forward without delay.
Latest Arcemy system from AML3D at our Danville HQ
Full-Service Manufacturing from Design to Qualification
A central part of Fastech’s approach is its fully integrated manufacturing capability.
Projects begin at the design stage, where components are evaluated and optimised for additive manufacturing. This ensures that the benefits of WAAM or laser-based DED are fully realised in terms of geometry, material use, and performance.
Deposition is then carried out using either WAAM or Laser Wire DED, depending on the specific application. Once printed, components are machined in-house to achieve final tolerances. Inspection and validation are also conducted internally, ensuring that each component meets the required standards for its intended use.
This end-to-end control delivers practical advantages. Lead times are reduced by removing multiple handoffs between suppliers. Quality is managed consistently across all stages of production. Communication between design, deposition, machining, and inspection teams is direct, allowing for faster decision-making and problem resolution.
Fastech’s expertise in WAAM and Laser Wire DED enables the production of large-scale components as well as high-integrity parts in demanding materials. The result is a manufacturing workflow that aligns with the expectations of industries where compliance, traceability, and reliability are essential.
The Meltio Robot Cell Blue Laser advancing Fatech’s metal AM capabilities
WAAM in Practice: Presentation at TCT 3Sixty
A key session at TCT 3Sixty 2026 will demonstrate how these capabilities are applied in real engineering scenarios.
Alan Pearce will present:
“Nickel Alloy Large-Scale Resonator Ring WAAM Printed for Siemens Energy”
This presentation will take place at the Additive Insights Stage (FF40) and will focus on the use of WAAM to produce a large-scale resonator ring in a nickel alloy for Siemens Energy.
The project highlights how wire-based additive manufacturing can be used to produce complex, high-value components in materials that are traditionally difficult to process. It also demonstrates how WAAM can reduce lead times and material waste while maintaining the integrity required for demanding applications.
For engineers and manufacturers working in energy, heavy industry, or advanced engineering sectors, this session provides a clear example of how additive manufacturing is being applied beyond the development phase and into production.
Attendance offers insight into both the technical and practical considerations involved in deploying WAAM for critical components.
Real use component – Nickel Alloy Large-Scale Resonator Ring WAAM manufactured for Siemens Energy
The Role of TCT 3Sixty in UK Manufacturing
TCT 3Sixty 2026 continues to play a key role in how additive manufacturing is adopted across the UK. The event provides a platform where manufacturers can evaluate technologies, understand their application, and engage directly with companies delivering real-world solutions.
As additive manufacturing becomes more widely adopted, the focus is shifting toward integration. How does the technology fit into existing workflows. How are components qualified. How are supply chains structured to support additive production.
These are the questions being addressed at the event, and they are central to the next phase of growth for the industry.
Fastech’s presence reflects this transition. The emphasis is on production capability, validated processes, and the ability to deliver components that meet the requirements of critical sectors.
Visit Stand GG36
Fastech will be exhibiting at stand GG36 throughout the event.
Visitors will be able to see real printed components, explore WAAM and Laser Wire DED applications, and discuss how additive manufacturing can be integrated into their own production environments.
The combination of US operational experience and new UK capability positions Fastech to support both immediate and long-term manufacturing needs.
Make time to attend the presentation at the Additive Insights Stage (FF40), then visit stand GG36 to continue the conversation.
TCT 3Sixty 2026 provides the setting. Fastech brings the capability.
