Fabricon Design collaborate with PrintCity MMU and Markforged to Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers

The UK faces a yearly shortfall of around 20,000 skilled professionals in engineering and manufacturing roles. To help address this talent gap, Fabricon Design Ltd, a leading SME specialising in additive manufacturing, recently attended the GAMMA Manufacturing Innovation Network Event at PrintCity, Manchester Metropolitan University’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing hub.

PrintCity MMU brings together manufacturing experts, designers, engineers, and students to collaborate with businesses, big and small, turning ambitious ideas into reality. For Fabricon Design, the visit was an ideal opportunity to see state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies in action, including the Markforged Metal X system and advanced post-processing techniques like vapour smoothing, which enhance the quality and finish of manufactured parts.

The team also took a moment to enjoy a photo on a park bench designed using generative design by Mark Chester, Product Development Specialist at PrintCity MMU a perfect example of how digital design meets real-world manufacturing.

Mark Bushdyhan, Managing Director of Fabricon Design, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, commented:

“Working in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University’s PrintCity, we have designed a programme that is high impact and flexible. It enables additive manufacturing techniques, along with essential design and post-processing skills, to be implemented quickly, accelerating productivity improvements and supporting the development of new products and markets.

Fabricon Design provides real-world engineering challenges so students can see how additive manufacturing integrates with other manufacturing techniques. We demonstrate a range of CAD software, additive manufacturing technologies, and practical examples of how tools like Fusion 360 optimise design. Students also spend a day at our facility, experiencing production from concept and prototype to full-scale manufacture.

Partnerships between education and industry are crucial in closing the UK engineering skills gap. Collaborations like these are already helping to modernise practices and support British manufacturing, ensuring the next generation of engineers and designers are equipped to thrive.”