Stage One launches tech incubator with £1m 3D printing investment

Stage One, the York-based creative construction and manufacturing firm, has launched its digital manufacturing incubator, Fluxaxis.

Based in Tockwith, near York, Fluxaxis is a bleeding edge startup that uses digital manufacturing technology to create 3D forms at a wide range of scales.

Following a £1m investment in the ‘world’s most sophisticated’ suite of 3D printing equipment, the new company can 3D print at large scale for almost any application.

Edwin Stokes, director of Fluxaxis, explained: “Designers, marketers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, film and theatre companies. Everyone is exploring how 3D print can enrich their productions.

“By removing technical barriers we are enabling a new creative and fast-track approach, uninhibited by scale and intricacy.”

Fluxaxis has launched a competition, in collaboration with York Mediale, to challenge its capabilities and demonstrate its printing potential.

The residency programme, set to run between September 2017 - February 2018, is seeking an artist or collective with experience in making and 3D printing. The selected artists will receive a £5,000 artist fee and have access to Fluxaxis’ equipment and expertise to develop ideas and practices.

The final results of the residency will be showcased at the inaugural York Mediale in 2018 and toured internationally.

Edwin added: “The best machines mean nothing if you don’t know what to do with them.

“We combine the technology of the future with Stage One’s experience in creative production to open up new opportunities for businesses both in the UK and globally.

“Prototypes and production parts that, until now, have been too complex in form to manufacture, can now be made quickly and precisely using a range of cutting edge equipment, all under one roof.”

Stage One works within the architecture, theatre and events industries. The company uses digital technologies alongside traditional skills to create complex forms.

Among Stage One’s notable projects include the construction of each of the Serpentine pavilions since 2009.