Max SteventonCreative production company Visual Architects (VA) has expanded its fabrication capabilities following an investment in two industrial-grade 3D printers at its Manchester warehouse.
The new equipment will operate alongside the company’s existing 7-axis robotic CNC system, enabling the production of large-scale hollow structures for use across festivals, brand activations, immersive experiences, seasonal attractions and interior projects.
According to the Manchester-based company, the technology allows for the creation of hollow forms that can incorporate internal lighting, effects and integrated technology. The approach also reduces the weight of structures, making them easier to transport and install.
VA said the expanded capability will support the production of larger and more complex shapes, while reducing the time required to move projects from concept to manufacture.
The investment enables the company to deliver projects entirely in-house, covering concept development, rendering, prototyping, manufacture and installation.
The capability will be applied across a range of sectors. For festivals and brand activations, it will support the creation of scenic elements and structures. For Halloween and Christmas experiences, it will allow for the production of illuminated props and installations. In interior environments, the technology will be used to create bespoke sculptural forms.
VA said the move also supports its sustainability objectives, with additive manufacturing reducing material waste compared with some traditional fabrication methods. The company said this complements existing waste-reduction measures, including its polystyrene compactor.
The expanded fabrication capability is now available across all of VA’s service areas. The company has also opened bookings for Christmas and Halloween projects.
Visual Architects CEO Lefteris Angelidis said, “We’ve always believed the best work happens when design and fabrication share the same space. This investment takes that further. Our team can now take a brief from concept to physical object in hours, and create things that genuinely weren’t possible for us before. It changes the conversation we can have with clients.”