Funding for the £20,000-machine was provided by The Printing Charity with the device supplied by Antalis, who helped install it around two months ago at We Do Print’s Gloucester premises. It replaced a Cube 3D printer.
We Do Print was launched in 2015 as the social enterprise arm of the Commercial Group. It employs disadvantaged young people and gives them the personal and professional skills to ready themselves for a career in print, while producing print work for a number of clients.
82% of the 40 that have been through its doors have gone on to secure paid work or further training, one of which is Samuel Jackson, a founding member and winner of PrintWeek's 2016 Trainee of the Year Award.
Commercial Group co-founder Symon Hindmarch-Bye said: “This is about the young people and the engagement side of what we’ve been doing. The Makerbot system is phenomenal, it can do anything you can imagine, and the guys love it.
“Some of these kids have lived on the streets before, and seeing the 3D printer and the way they are working with it, it’s phenomenal. What really freaks them out is when I tell them that these things can print hip replacements, that really blows their minds.”
Hindmarch-Bye highlighted the Makerbot’s ability to print straight from USB as being a particular selling point.
It prints at a maximum volume of 295x195x165mm, with a layer resolution of 100 microns using a Smart Extruder+.
Hindmarch-Bye, who was previously a science teacher, said the installation will help aid We Do Print in achieving its ultimate goal of setting up a 3D academy for schools, colleges and universities.
The foundation is currently negotiating to integrate with Gloucestershire University and create an innovation space on its campus. Hindmarch-Bye said this is likely to happen next year.
Since its inception, We Do Print has produced work for the likes of Sky, ITV and the Mears Group, creating £4.87 worth of social value for every £1 received. The national average for social value per £1 is £2.
The Mears Group alone created almost £200,000 worth of social value via its spend with Commercial Group in 2016.
Print management provider Commercial Group turned over around £42m last year. It has offices all across the UK, with headquarters in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
