What Freeform Fabrication does

Freeform Fabrication Ltd is a privately held UK-based value-added distributor and reseller of precision manufacturing equipment, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Stevenage with a Hertfordshire showroom. The company sells, supports, and trains customers across a curated multi-brand portfolio covering the full jewellery and precision manufacturing workflow: inkjet wax 3D printers (Flashforge WaxJet, Solidscape), Nd:YAG and fibre laser welders (DaDo, Elettrolaser Master/Mega/MegaHIT, Sisma LM-series), fibre laser engravers (FiberLUX Nano/Pro/3D, APEX, APEX GO), structured-light 3D scanners (Calibry, Solutionix), industrial CT/3D inspection software (Volume Graphics VGSTUDIO MAX and related modules), and diamond/precious metal detectors (JTR REVEAL, XRF). It holds exclusive UK & Republic of Ireland distribution rights for Elettrolaser, Sisma, Flashforge WaxJet, Solidscape, OGI Systems, and Calibry, and is the primary Volume Graphics reseller in the same region.

The business generates revenue from five streams: one-time hardware sales (the dominant stream), recurring software licensing for Volume Graphics, paid training and workshops through the Laser Welding Academy, accessories and consumables, and equipment leasing on the DaDo line. Go-to-market combines a Shopify e-commerce storefront, a UK field sales team based in Hertfordshire, in-person and online product demonstrations, a multi-city UK workshop tour, an online Academy programme, and trade show participation (e.g., CMJ 2026). Customers are primarily small-to-medium jewellery workshops, goldsmiths, dental labs, eyewear/watchmakers, and a smaller set of industrial manufacturers using CT inspection. The company differentiates on exclusive multi-brand distribution, deep domain expertise built over 20+ years, an educational content and training library led by an experienced goldsmith (Paul Paine), and supporting services including a grants/funding information programme and post-sale technical support. The company is privately held, independently owned, employs 1–10 people, and has no disclosed funding rounds, acquisitions, or ownership changes.

Name

Freeform Fabrication

Legal name

Freeform Fabrication Ltd

Website

https://freeformfabrication.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Freeform Fabrication is a UK-based value-added distributor and reseller of precision manufacturing equipment — including 3D printers, laser welders, laser engravers, 3D scanners, and CT inspection software — exclusively serving jewellers, goldsmiths, dental labs, and industrial manufacturers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Manufacturing Equipment Distribution

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

3D Printers (Additive Manufacturing) (HDACAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Service, Repair & Maintenance Contracts (Preventive Maintenance, Onsite Service, Extended Warranty) (IMAAAIAM), Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing (Industrial) (EDAOAGAF)

Keywords

• Precision manufacturing equipment
• Laser welding systems
• Wax 3D printing
• Laser engraving machines
• 3D inspection software

Headquarters

HQ city

Welwyn Garden City

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales (3D Printers, Laser Welders, Laser Engravers): Freeform Fabrication sells a broad range of precision manufacturing equipment across multiple categories: wax 3D printers (Solidscape S325/S325+/S3 Duo, Flashforge WaxJet 510/530), industrial 3D printers (OMNI3D series), laser welders (DaDo/DaDo 2.0, Onyx, Elettrolaser Master S/4/Mega 5/6/MegaHIT, Sisma LM-READY/LM-D/LM-D OPEN), laser engravers (Fibrelux Nano/Pro/3D, Apex, Apex GO), 3D scanners (Calibry, Solutionix), diamond detectors (JTR REVEAL 2S), and precious metal detectors (XRF). These are primarily one-time capital purchases with occasional leasing options.
2. Training and Workshop Services: Revenue generated from the Laser Welding Academy, including full-day in-person training courses at the Hertfordshire HQ (£350 excl VAT per participant), travelling workshops, private tutoring sessions, and the Online Laser Welding Academy (complete programme or individual modules). Discounts available for early booking and for purchasing training alongside a machine.
3. Accessories and Consumables: Sale of accessories and spare parts for the equipment range, including DaDo accessories (short tweezers, speedwire pens, LED ring light, cooling base, argon gas inlet kit), laser engraver accessories (rotary device, XY clamp, dust aspirator), and consumables (laser welding alloy, de-ionized water, fibre-optic brush pen).
4. Volume Graphics Software Licensing: As the primary Volume Graphics reseller in the UK & Republic of Ireland, Freeform Fabrication sells and supports VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, VGinLINE, VGRECO, and myVGL software licences. Volume Graphics is used for industrial CT data analysis, dimensional metrology, defect detection, and automated inspection. A trial licence option is available.
5. Equipment Leasing: Flexible leasing options for the DaDo laser welder, with terms ranging from 2 to 5 years, as well as shorter-term plans. This lowers the capital barrier for entry-level jewellers and small workshops.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Freeform Fabrication Ltd is a UK-based value-added distributor and reseller of precision manufacturing equipment for the jewellery, dental, eyewear, watchmaking and industrial sectors. It supplies wax 3D printers (Flashforge WaxJet, Solidscape), laser welders (DaDo, Elettrolaser, Sisma), fibre laser engravers, structured-light 3D scanners, a diamond/gemstone detector, XRF precious metal analyzers, and industrial CT inspection software (Volume Graphics). Alongside equipment distribution, the company delivers structured technical training through its Laser Welding Academy and post-sale technical support, serving primarily UK and Republic of Ireland customers.

Product overview

Freeform Fabrication is a UK-based supplier and distributor of precision manufacturing technology, operating since 2003. The product portfolio is a multi-brand hardware ecosystem built around four core categories: (1) 3D Printers — including Flashforge WaxJet wax printers for jewellery casting, Solidscape high-precision wax pattern printers (S325, S325+, S3 Duo), and OMNI3D large-format industrial printers (LITE, NOVA, TECH, PRO); (2) Laser Welders — ranging from the compact and affordable DaDo and DaDo 2.0 models through to Elettrolaser Master S, Master 4.0, Mega 5.0/6.0, and MegaHIT series, as well as Sisma LM-READY, LM-DT, and LM-D OPEN desktop welders; (3) Laser Engravers — the FiberLUX NANO, FiberLUX PRO (20W–200W), FiberLUX 3D, APEX (50W/80W), and portable APEX GO (20W/50W) systems; and (4) 3D Scanners — Calibry and Solutionix structured-light scanners. Supporting products include the REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S for gemstone authentication, XRF analyzers for precious metal testing, Volume Graphics CT/3D inspection software (VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, VGinLINE), SMART Manual Distiller for IPA recycling, and a full range of accessories. The company also provides structured training through its Laser Welding Academy, offering in-person workshops, travelling sessions, and an Online Academy programme. Freeform Fabrication serves as the exclusive UK & Ireland reseller for Elettrolaser, Sisma, Flashforge WaxJet, Solidscape, OGI Systems, Sisma, and Calibry, alongside being a primary Volume Graphics reseller.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DaDo Compact Laser Welder (DaDo & DaDo 2.0) Compact and affordable Nd:YAG laser welder (34x34x34 cm) designed to replace traditional ARC welders, suitable for jewellery repair, dental repairs, and eyewear applications. Features a smartphone app interface, voice assistant capabilities, variable colour LED status indicators, and an optional argon gas inlet kit. DaDo 2.0 offers 50% more power and frequency control. Does not require argon gas for most metals. Backed by a two-year warranty (flash bulb excluded; ~5 million shots lifespan). Trade-in/upgrade programme available. Leasing options (2–5 years) offered.
• Flashforge WaxJet Wax 3D Printers (WaxJet 510, WaxJet 530 XHD, WaxJet 51C) Professional-grade wax 3D printers for the jewellery industry using three inkjet printing heads to spray wax droplets and produce highly detailed wax patterns for investment casting of metal jewellery. The WaxJet 530 XHD delivers up to 12 kg of wax models per month at layer resolution down to 15 microns, with ~60% of wax used for actual model production. WaxJet 51C is a compact benchtop model.
• Solidscape Wax Pattern 3D Printers (S325, S325+, S3 Duo) High-precision wax pattern 3D printers for jewellery investment casting: S325 for ultra-fine details and one-of-a-kind designs, S325+ for higher daily workflow output, and S3 Duo offering two configurations (Solidjet production mode and finest resolution mode) to suit different jeweller workflows. Layer resolution down to 3 microns with automatically dissolving support structures.
• OMNI3D Industrial 3D Printers (LITE, NOVA, TECH, PRO) Industrial-grade large-format 3D printers for professional manufacturing applications, including OMNI3D LITE, NOVA, TECH, and PRO models. Supplied by Freeform Fabrication as the UK distributor.
• Elettrolaser Professional Laser Welders (Master S, Master 4.0, Mega 5.0, Mega 6.0, MegaHIT 300J) High-end Elettrolaser laser welders distributed exclusively by Freeform Fabrication in the UK and Ireland. Master S adds a 7-inch colour touchscreen, 100 programmable memories, Leica 10x stereomicroscope, integrated webcam, Wi-Fi connectivity and a 36-month warranty for silversmiths. Mega 5.0/6.0 are designed for continuous use, bulky materials, and intensive silver welding. MegaHIT 300J supports demanding industrial welding applications. Sold, supported and serviced from Freeform's Hertfordshire office.
• Sisma Desktop Laser Welders (LM-READY, LM-DT YAG 180J, LM-D OPEN YAG 180J) Desktop laser welders distributed exclusively by Freeform Fabrication in the UK and Ireland, including the Sisma LM-READY 150 with Smart-Spot technology, Sisma LM-DT YAG 180J desktop laser with Smart-Spot, and Sisma LM-D OPEN YAG 180J with Smart-Spot Plus and MicroSpot for enhanced precision on small components.
• FiberLUX Laser Engravers (Nano, Pro, 3D) Fibre laser engravers for deep engraving, fine marking, and cutting on all metals including precious metals, steel, aluminium and titanium. FiberLUX NANO is compact and affordable with manual Z-axis regulation. FiberLUX PRO is the top-of-the-line option with power from 20W to 100W, touch screen controls, rotary axis support, and advanced autofocus. FiberLUX 3D extends engraving into three dimensions.
• APEX and APEX GO Laser Engravers Heavy-duty APEX laser engraver (50W/80W variants) with interlocked door and fully enclosed marking area, capable of cutting up to 3mm with an extraction system. APEX GO is a portable engraver (20W/50W variants) with Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen, folding into a travel suitcase for trade-show and on-the-go personalisation use.
• Calibry and Solutionix Structured-Light 3D Scanners Structured-light 3D scanners distributed in the UK by Freeform Fabrication. Calibry captures detailed digital models with high accuracy using white light; Solutionix offers high-precision structured-light scanning for industrial and jewellery applications.
• REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S Portable diamond and gemstone detector that identifies natural diamonds, lab-grown stones (HPHT and CVD), and simulants like cubic zirconia. Connects to phones, tablets, or HD monitors. Features the largest testing space in its category and provides expert-grade results on the move for jewellers and gemstone professionals.
• Volume Graphics CT and 3D Data Analysis Software Suite Complete CT and 3D data analysis software family: VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, VGinLINE, VGRECO, and myVGL. Provides non-destructive inspection, defect detection, dimensional metrology (GD&T), porosity inspection, wall thickness analysis, and automated shop-floor inspection. Freeform Fabrication is the primary Volume Graphics reseller in the UK and Republic of Ireland; trial licence option is available.
• XRF Precious Metal Analyzer X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment for testing and analysing the composition of precious metals, used by jewellers and precious-metal buyers for non-destructive authentication and grading.
• SMART Manual Distiller (Isopropanol Recycling System) Solvent distillation system that recovers used isopropanol (IPA) in-house for 3D print shops. Reduces long-term solvent costs (fresh IPA ~£2/litre; disposal ~£135 for 21–30 litres) to near-zero after initial payback, which is under one year for users consuming ~35 litres per month. Handles up to 20 litres per day.
• DaDo Laser Welder Accessories and Consumables Accessories and consumables for the DaDo laser welder range: short tweezers, speedwire pens, LED ring light, cooling base, argon gas inlet kit, plus consumables such as laser welding alloy, de-ionized water, and fibre-optic brush pens. Also covers rotary devices, XY clamps, and dust aspirators for laser engravers.
• Laser Welding Academy Training (In-Person & Travelling Workshops) Expert-led training programme delivered by goldsmith Paul Paine covering laser welding techniques such as re-tipping, ring sizing, jump ring securing, porosity repair, stone-safe welding, and chain repair. Full-day in-person training at the Hertfordshire HQ is priced at £350 excl VAT per participant (with lunch and refreshments included and each participant using a dedicated machine), with travelling workshops held across UK cities and private 1:1 tutoring available on-site at the customer's workshop (50% discount when bundled with a new machine purchase).
• Online Laser Welding Academy (Modules 1-7) Self-paced online training programme covering seven modules: bolt rings and jump rings, chains, infilling, ring joins/resizing, re-clawing/re-tipping, repairing hollow and costume jewellery, and watch repairs. Available as a complete programme at a discounted rate or as individual module purchases. Q&A forums are included for enrolled participants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Flashforge WaxJet WJ-530 produces up to 12 kg of wax models per month with layer resolution down to 15 microns
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ElettrolasercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the exclusive Sisma and Elettrolaser reseller in the UK & The Republic of Ireland. The company sells, supports, and services the full Elettrolaser product range including Master S, Master 4.0, Mega 5.0, Mega 6.0, MegaHIT 300J, Fibrelux Nano, Fibrelux Pro, Fibrelux 3D, Apex, and Apex GO laser welding and engraving systems. Sales, maintenance and support are conducted directly from Freeform's Hertfordshire office.
• SismacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the exclusive Sisma reseller in the UK & The Republic of Ireland. Products include Sisma LM-READY 150 desktop laser welder, Sisma LM-DT YAG 180J desktop laser with Smart Spot, and Sisma LM-D OPEN YAG 180J desktop laser with Smart Spot Plus and MicroSpot.
• Flashforge (WaxJet 3D Printers)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the primary UK supplier of Flashforge WaxJet 3D Printers, including the WaxJet 510 and WaxJet 530 XHD (professional-grade wax 3D printers for the jewellery industry). The WJ-530 uses three inkjet printing heads to produce wax patterns for metal jewellery casting.
• Solidscape (UK & Ireland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the authorised Solidscape distributor for UK & Ireland. Products include Solidscape S325, S325+, and S3 Duo high-precision wax 3D printers for jewellery investment casting, with layer resolution down to 3 microns and automatically dissolving support structures.
• OMNI3DcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the UK supplier of OMNI3D industrial and professional 3D printers, including Omni LITE, Omni NOVA, Omni TECH, and Omni PRO models for larger-format additive manufacturing applications.
• Volume GraphicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the primary Volume Graphics reseller in the UK & the Republic of Ireland. Products include VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, VGinLINE, VGRECO, and myVGL for industrial CT data analysis, dimensional metrology, defect detection, and automated shop-floor inspection. Sales are conducted directly by Freeform from their Hertfordshire office.
• DaDo Laser WelderscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is the supplier of DaDo and DaDo 2.0 compact laser welders and the exclusive reseller of Elettrolaser products in the UK and Ireland. The DaDo is designed for professional jewellery workshops, dental labs, and eyewear repair. DaDo products come with a two-year warranty, mobile app interface, and trade-in/upgrade programme.
• JTR (REVEAL Diamond Detector)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication distributes the JTR REVEAL Diamond Detector 2S — a portable diamond and gemstone detector capable of identifying natural diamonds, lab-grown stones (HPHT and CVD), and simulants (e.g., cubic zirconia). Available for purchase through the online shop.
• Calibry (3D Scanner)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication distributes Calibry 3D scanners in the UK, providing structured-light scanning capability for jewellery, dental, and industrial applications.
• Goldsmiths' CentreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreeform Fabrication links to Goldsmiths' Centre grant programmes (Business Catalyst Small Grants and Jewellery Industry Access Grants) on their grants and funding page, helping jewellery small businesses access funding to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment.
• UK Regional Growth Hubs (Worcestershire, Northumberland, New Anglia, Access to Finance SW, CIOS Growth Hub, Mid Devon)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFreeform Fabrication's grants and funding page links to multiple UK regional business growth hubs to help small businesses in the jewellery and manufacturing sectors access grant funding for technology upgrades.
• OGI Systems / OGIminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFreeform Fabrication is listed as the primary supplier of OGI Systems products (including diamond and precious metal detection equipment) in the UK.
• Gwer Ltd and Hobby WeldminorOthersThird-party suppliers of argon gas for DaDo laser welder users who work with titanium or require enhanced weld quality. Mentioned in DaDo support FAQs as sources for purchasing pure argon gas.
• Shopify Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationFreeform Fabrication's online store is hosted on Shopify Inc., providing the e-commerce platform for selling products and services online.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• 3D Systems: Global 3D printer manufacturer with a dedicated jewellery vertical offering including wax pattern printers and direct metal 3D printing solutions for jewellery manufacturers. Comparable product category to Freeform's Solidscape/Flashforge/OMNI3D line, but sells direct to customers worldwide.
• Materialise: Global 3D printing service bureau and software provider serving industrial and jewellery customers with on-demand manufacturing and digital workflow tools. Comparable jewellery manufacturing customer base but operates service-bureau model rather than equipment distribution.
• Amada Weld Tech: Global manufacturer of precision laser welding systems including benchtop Nd:YAG welders used in jewellery, dental, and medical-device manufacturing. Comparable product category for the laser welder line, though broader portfolio and direct manufacturer rather than distributor.
• Stratasys: Global leader in polymer and industrial 3D printing with solutions spanning jewellery prototyping, dental, and industrial manufacturing. Comparable product category as an OEM whose equipment Freeform-style distributors resell regionally.
• Coherent (formerly Rofin-Sinar): Global manufacturer of industrial fibre and Nd:YAG laser systems including welding and engraving products sold across multiple verticals. Overlapping product category for Freeform's Elettrolaser/FiberLUX/APEX distribution line, but broader industrial focus and direct OEM sales model.

Regional players

• Rio Grande: US-based jewellery supplies, findings, tools, and equipment distributor serving bench jewellers and manufacturers. Comparable multi-vendor jewellery workshop offering though primarily serves the North American market, not directly competing in UK & Ireland.

Direct peers

• Pepetools: US-based jewellery tool and equipment manufacturer serving independent bench jewellers with precision forming, stamping, and rolling equipment. Comparable multi-product jewellery workshop portfolio with strong educational and customer-service orientation.
• Cooksongold: UK-based jewellery tools, equipment, and supplies retailer serving independent jewellers and small workshops with a comparable multi-vendor product approach. Most direct head-to-head competitor for Freeform's jewellery workshop customers in the UK.
• Durston Tools: UK manufacturer and distributor of jewellery manufacturing tools including rolling mills, draw plates, and precision workshop equipment. Direct comparison for the UK jewellery workshop equipment segment, though Durston manufactures while Freeform distributes.
• GRS Tools: Globally recognised jewellery bench tools and equipment manufacturer/distributor with deep domain specialisation. Comparable multi-category jewellery workshop equipment offering supplemented by educational content and training resources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCqOpt0AAn4PvsturzdNyDSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/freeformfabrication
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/freeform-fabrication-limited
• Instagraminstagram.com/freeformfabricationuk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Freeform Fabrication