NEIDA Products Engineering is a UK precision engineering manufacturer specialising in turned and milled components for a range of industrial sectors. The company has introduced new 3D printing technology as part of its continued investment in manufacturing capability.
The technology is being explored across the business to see where it can support engineering, production and practical problem solving. The introduction of 3D printing in manufacturing gives NEIDA another option for developing prototypes, manufacturing aids, fixtures and bespoke engineering solutions.
It can provide a quicker and more flexible way to produce low-volume, bespoke items, particularly during the development and testing stage of an engineering project.
“The 3D printer gives us another option when developing practical engineering solutions. We’re looking at where it can add value across the business while giving our team experience with new technology.”
Gary, Logistics Manager, NEIDA, Stoke-on-Trent
One of the advantages of 3D printing is the flexibility it provides when looking for solutions to practical manufacturing challenges.
The technology gives the engineering team the ability to develop bespoke items where an off-the-shelf solution may not be suitable. This can help with testing ideas, producing prototypes and developing tooling and fixtures for use within manufacturing operations.
NEIDA is continuing to explore how 3D printing can complement its existing manufacturing capabilities and where it can provide a practical benefit to the business.
The introduction of 3D printing is also giving NEIDA apprentices the opportunity to gain experience with new technology alongside their practical engineering training.
Noal, who is completing a Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship within NEIDA’s Maintenance department, has become involved in exploring the technology and its potential uses.
His apprenticeship covers a wide range of engineering skills, including mechanical and electrical systems, fault finding, maintenance, modifications and automated equipment. The varied nature of Maintenance suits Noal, who has always enjoyed practical engineering and solving problems.
Noal chose an apprenticeship because he wanted a hands-on route into engineering, while also being able to earn as he developed his skills. His interest in engineering developed at school, where he took part in the FIRST UK Robotics Challenge, giving him an early opportunity to put his problem-solving skills into practice.
“I prefer learning by doing, and that’s what I enjoy about my apprenticeship. Working in Maintenance means every day is different, so there’s always something new to learn.”
Noal, Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprentice, NEIDA, Stoke-on-Trent
Working with the 3D printer is also providing Noal with an opportunity to develop his CAD knowledge, with further training planned as part of his ongoing engineering development.
CAD is a new area for Noal, giving him the opportunity to build another useful skill alongside the mechanical, electrical and maintenance knowledge he is developing through his apprenticeship.
For Noal, working with 3D printing provides an opportunity to apply the problem-solving skills developed through his mechatronics apprenticeship to a new area of manufacturing technology.
The experience also shows how apprentices can gain exposure to different areas of engineering during their training, working with new technology alongside experienced colleagues.
Noal is continuing his Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship within NEIDA’s Maintenance department, with his apprenticeship due to be completed in 2027.
His involvement with 3D printing is providing another opportunity to develop his technical skills and understand how new technology can be applied to practical engineering challenges.
For NEIDA, the investment in 3D printing is part of a wider approach to developing manufacturing capability while giving its engineering team opportunities to learn and apply new technologies.
NEIDA is committed to developing the next generation of engineering talent through its apprenticeship programmes at its manufacturing locations in Stoke-on-Trent and the Isle of Wight.
As a manufacturer of precision turned and milled components, NEIDA recognises the importance of attracting and developing skilled engineers for the future of UK manufacturing.
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Kory has progressed from a Level 3 T Level in Engineering and industry placement at NEIDA to a Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship. His placement introduced him to Quality, where he developed practical skills in measurement, inspection equipment and engineering drawings. Now part of the Quality team, Kory is building his technical knowledge, experience and confidence as he develops his engineering career.
NEIDA is exploring 3D printing as a complementary manufacturing technology, developing bespoke solutions for production and engineering requirements while supporting the development of new technical skills.
Tom Farmiloe has successfully completed his Quality Pathway Apprenticeship at NEIDA, building on his prior engineering education. The program blended practical experience with off-the-job training, enhancing his technical skills and confidence through learning modern quality control methods and developing professional relationships.
Congratulations to Amelia Reeves on completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at NEIDA. Amelia’s passion for learning and dedication to her role has helped her develop essential skills that have set her up for continued success within the company.
Congratulations to recently graduated Apprentice Declan Davies on securing full-time CNC Escomatic position at NEIDA.
From 5th – 11th February businesses across the UK come together for National Apprentice Week 2024.
After completing an A-level in Engineering, Amelia Reeves has enrolled on a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration at NEIDA.
Congratulations to recently graduated Machining Apprentices Ethan Rotherham and Adam Thompson on securing full-time CNC sliding head setter positions at NEIDA.
Due to continuous growth, NEIDA has two additional CNC sliding head machines on order.
After completing work experience in the Quality department at NEIDA, Tom Farmiloe, has enrolled on an EAL Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with a technical support technician pathway.
Congratulations to recently graduated Business Administration Apprentice, Phoebe Bentley, in securing a full-time position within our busy commercial department at NEIDA.
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