Some small 3D printed parts and samples on a table, showing the complex structures enabled through RICOH's unique aluminium binder jetting technology.

Ricoh 3D

3D Printing, otherwise known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), is the process of manufacturing a 3-Dimensional object from a computer-aided design (CAD) or digital 3D model and can be achieved using a diverse range of materials, technologies, and systems.

Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) is the home of Ricoh 3D. Having harnessed over 80 years of RICOH’s manufacturing experience and a global network of employees, customers, and partners, Ricoh 3D provides a full suite of end-to-end solutions in ISO-accredited 3D printing and AM services.

3D Printing

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Ricoh 3D epitomises the vision of a ‘total solution’ in additive manufacturing. Our 3D printing services are designed to take products through their full development cycle, from design, to prototype, to end-use part. 

 

Our technical services span across various 3D printing technologies, some of which are unique to RICOH. We currently offer Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM), and Aluminium Binder Jetting (BJT). Our technologies and equipment have evolved through years of Research and Development (R&D), innovation and customer co-creation activities, in addition to substantial investment in our state-of-the-art 3D printers and facilities. 

 

We also offer a comprehensive range of engineering materials, including;

  • SLS - Polypropylene and DuraForm PAx Natural
  • MJF - MJF PA12
  • FDM- ABS-ESD7, ABS-M30, ASA, Nylon 12, Nylon 12 CF, ULTEM 1010, ULTEM 9085
  • CBAM - Carbon Fibre PEEK and Carbon Fibre PA12
  • BJT - Aluminium
  • As well as a large selection ofinjection moulding materials

By understanding the properties of these, Ricoh 3D’s engineers can make appropriate recommendations to customers to achieve their desired goals. For those who prefer a ‘self-service’ approach, customers can also benefit from a ‘Material Decision Matrix’ on the Ricoh 3D website, before using an instant quotation and ordering portal.

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Post-processing solutions

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Thanks to our 3D post-processing solutions, we can offer a wide variety of ‘finishing’ options that both enhance aesthetics of parts and advance performance. The Ricoh 3D team are equipped with the knowledge to suggest optimal finishing services according to a part’s purpose and end-use. Such examples include the following:

 

Adhesion | By dividing a model, fabricating, and then bonding it together, larger products can be produced.

Smoothing | Using an automated process, parts are chemically smoothed to improve the surface finish. 

Dyeing | Using an automated process, parts produced via SLS and MJF can be dyed. 

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Consultancy

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Whether an individual is new to 3D printing or an industry expert, Ricoh 3D offers consultancy as part its wider service offering. We recognise that every project is unique. That is why our dedicated team of experts offer a consultancy service at customers’ facilities to truly understand the business needs and invite customers and partners to our state-of-the-art 3D printing headquarters at RPL. 
 
In particular, for RICOH’s aluminium binder jetting technology, stakeholders are encouraged to visit Ricoh 3D’s Metal AM Customer Experience Centre (Metal AM CEC), to enable them to understand and maximise the use of 3D printing during a product development lifecycle from DESIGN, MATERIAL, PROCESS – and everything in-between – enabling customers to unlock the full potential of 3D printing. 
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Design

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Ricoh 3D offers Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and Modification for Additive Manufacturing (MfAM) services to leverage true design freedom. Whilst millions of parts today are produced using 3D printing, many are still designed for traditional manufacturing methods. We recognise that the true benefits of 3D lie in designing for the manufacturing process from the beginning of a project. Our design optimisation service realises that ambition of rethinking design with 3D printing in mind. 
 
We use software such as nTop, to precisely meet or exceed specified parameters resulting in innovative designs that are difficult to conceive or translate into CAD data. We can create complex structures and organic shapes, impossible to produce using conventional manufacturing techniques. By optimising parts, we can achieve benefits of weight reduction, cost reduction, enhanced part consolidation, improved part performance and longevity, and reduced design time, supporting RICOH’s commitment to sustainability and more. 
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Quality assurance

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Quality assurance is at the heart of all our business activities, ensuring we deliver best practice and industry-leading quality standards to our customers across all industries. Our investment in AM production and quality control software, ensures a robust end-to-end manufacturing solution and gives customers peace of mind during our production processes.
 
We proactively collaborate with our customers and partners to ensure products and materials conform to relevant industry standards. We support RPL’s ethos of “working the right way, right away” and proudly boast a variety of ISO accreditations including;
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Commitment to Sustainability

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We are proud to have a vision of “Manufacturing a Sustainable Future” and we support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all that we do. Irrespective of project, we consider our customers’ requirements but also how we can help them become more sustainable, for example, aligning products and services to individual SDGs. For instance, through the production of medical products, we support SDG3 – Good Health & Wellbeing. Other key SDG focusses include Industry Innovation & Infrastructure, Partnerships with Others, Climate Action, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Responsible Production and Consumption.

 

Notably, with the launch of our unique aluminium binder jetting technology, we are encouraging collaboration and co-creation activities, manufacturing applications which support the realisation of a zero-carbon society. This includes but is not limited to batteries, electric vehicle (EV) components and heatsinks, all of which contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions. 

Commitment to Fulfilment through Work

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Ricoh 3D enables customers’ Fulfilment through Work by providing products and services that address ‘pain points’ whilst offering wider manufacturing solutions. With a fully comprehensive offering, Ricoh 3D operates as more than a printer, but a partner too, ensuring it works to transform business processes to help organisations become more agile, productive, and profitable. Furthermore, through co-creation activities, the team empowers customers to support their own customers as well. 

 

Internally, Ricoh 3D’s employees also find Fulfilment through Work by having the creative freedom to collaborate with customers and partners on a diverse range of projects, driving innovation in 3D printing. Together, and working closely with RICOH Futures Research and Development (R&D) team, we push the boundaries of technologies to shape the future of 3D printing. This provides a working environment of new learnings, development, and endless possibilities.

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