18th Nov 2005 11:40
3DM Worldwide PLC18 November 2005 Press Release 18 November 2005 3DM Worldwide plc ("3DM" or "the Company") Alpha line Commissioned and Delivered 3DM Worldwide Plc (AIM:TDM), developers and worldwide holders of theintellectual property rights for the polymer based powder impression moulding(PIM) process, have today formally taken delivery of its Alpha Production Line,from Robotic Technology Systems Plc ("RTS"). This marks a major milestone in the commercialisation of the PIM processfollowing extensive Research and Development ("R&D") by RTS. The Alpha Line hasbeen installed at Caerphilly, and is a fully functioning production line capableof producing mouldings using a tool size of 2.4m x 2.4m x 0.4m and utilises upto 100% recycled plastic materials. This patented process can also be utilisedto encapsulate various materials internally to the moulding for addedfunctionality. The Alpha Line will not only be used to demonstrate the PIM process to potentialclients but also for toll manufacture. This will provide customers with a routeto test marketing new products and further develop new applications for therange of materials which can be produced utilising the PIM process. Ken Brooks, Chairman of 3DM Worldwide Plc, said "With the commissioning phase ofthe Alpha line now completed we are now in a position to fully exploit thecommercial opportunity presented by the PIM Process. "The PIM process presents a unique opportunity to use mixed post consumer wastepolymers. The Alpha Line will allow 3DM to demonstrate how the vast quantitiesof plastics, which currently end up as land fill, can now be economicallyrecycled into finished products which in turn can then be recycled. "With the manufacturing facility at Caerphilly now up and running, we can nowstep up the marketing of the PIM process. We are already in discussion withseveral potential clients. These are exciting times for 3DM and we willcontinue to keep our shareholders up to date on any future developments." - Ends - For further information: 3DM Worldwide PLC Ken Brooks, Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 1993 779 468kenb@3dmworldwide.com www.3dmworldwide.com Media enquiries: Abchurch Henry Harrison-Topham / Katherine Murphy Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700henry.ht@abchurch-group.com www.abchurch-group.com Notes to editors 3DM Worldwide plc is a leader in plastics technology intellectual property, andwas admitted to AIM in October 2002. 3DM acquired two plastics manufacturing processes in 2001: Powder ImpressionMoulding ("PIM") and 3-Dimensional Blow Moulding, the latter giving 3DM itsname. The PIM process allows the production of a strengthened plastic composite thathas the strength and other comparable properties of metal. It is a low pressuremoulding process suitable for the production of very large parts. There aremany varied applications in industry where there is a need for overall strengthand rigidity combined with weight savings. Significant capital and toolingsavings can be made, because the methodology of the process utilises anon-pressure method. There are many and varied potential PIM applications andit is ideal for those wishing to produce parts that may be large, light weightand durable. Specific applications include manufacturing of a wide range ofproducts in high volume global markets such as Building Products, Construction,Automotive, Marine, Aviation, and White Goods. 3DM's strategy with the PIM process is to offer this technology as analternative means of making large complex moulds, but also as a means ofreplacing alternative materials like metal or fibreglass. 3DM also believesthat the PIM process offers the potential for a significant rise in the use ofrecycled material to make a product which itself would be recyclable at the endof its useful life. The 3-Dimensional Blow Moulding process facilitates the manufacture of complexcomponents or component sub-assemblies of differing materials in a single mould.This reduces the number of parts in manufacturing, creating significant costsavings through diminished labour operations and attendant costs as well as areduction in the weight of cumulative parts. In addition, there is theopportunity to add non-plastic materials, and to vary the formula appropriate tocustomer requirements. Most of the exploratory work with this process has beenwith the automotive industry, where there is a constant need for more complexassemblies. This also applies to the medical industry, where similaropportunities exist, but with a wider spectrum of products. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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