ProDesk-3D
Led by AM-COE in collaboration with University of Nottingham, CTU Prague, MetLase, OpTek Systems, Attenborough Medical, SolidVision, and ECHOTools.
Consortium funded by Innovate UK | Part of Horizon Europe | Evaluated by SMART Eureka
A hybrid, multi-process solution integrating additive manufacturing, precision micro-machining, laser processing, polishing, advanced automation, and in-situ inspection, enabling flexible, sustainable, and high-precision end-to-end production of complex micro-components across medical, aerospace, electronics, automotive, and research-driven industries.
What is ProDesk-3D?
Self-Sufficient Desktop Machine
ProDesk-3D is a compact, reconfigurable desktop machine that integrates additive, subtractive, and finishing processes with advanced multi-axis positioning. By combining slot-in modules, a hybrid 6+2 DoF platform, smart robotics, and in-situ inspection, ProDesk-3D enables the high-precision production of 3D micro-components with minimal human intervention. ProDesk-3D works layer by layer to machine internal features and hidden sections, providing a larger degree of product design freedom. The system targets applications in medical, aerospace, electronics, and automotive industries
Key Features
Reconfigurable Slot-in Modules
Modular units for extrusion, CNC, laser, and finishing tailored to each job.
Hybrid 6+2 DoF Kinematic Platform
Combines a 6-axis hexapod with two extra pie-motor axes for precise multi-axis machining and seamless part transfer between modules.
In-Situ Metrology & Machine Vision
Real-time defect detection and correction to ensure accuracy and reduce waste.
Compact & Sustainable
Small footprint and energy-efficient. Designed to cut material and factory costs.
Automated Operation
Smart robotics and control systems reduce manual handling transfer error, and human error.
Layer-by-Layer Machining
Each layer is machined as it is printed, enabling rapid error correction and access to internal features for greater design freedom. This improves part quality and opens applications in medical implants, aerospace cooling structures, and advanced electronics.
Targets
75%
less material waste from modular, right-sized design
40%
longer machine lifespan vs. single-process tools
0.5
μm inspection precision from integrated in-situ metrology
70%
reduction in energy use
30%
fewer rejected parts through real-time defect detection
5
interchangeable processing modules (extrusion, CNC, laser, polishing, inspection)
50%
smaller factory footprint
±100
μm positioning accuracy with hybrid 6+2 DoF kinematic platform
4 in 1
replaces 4+ conventional machines
Potential Applications
ProDesk-3D’s hybrid approach enables the production of high-precision, customized micro-parts across a wide range of industries. Its ability to combine complex geometries with fine surface finishes opens new possibilities for innovation and cost-effective manufacturing.
Medical Devices & Implants
Patient specific orthopedic implants, surgical tools, customized prosthetics, exoskeletons with integrated actuators
Aerospace Components
Turbine blade micro-structured cooling channels, micro-truss and micro-lattice structured components
.png)
Micro-electronics & Semiconductors
MEMS sensors and actuators, micro-coolers, heat sinks, interposers and micro-interconnects for 3D chip packaging
Our Partners
ProDesk-3D project has received funding from INNOVATE UK and MEYS through Eureka and the Clusters programme and SMART Cluster.
.png)
