Investing in 3D Printing Equipment Gets Easier: A $19 Million Financing Move from the UK

A new financing door is opening for businesses that want to invest in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing technologies. UK-based equipal, with backing from Altum Capital, has signed a new funding agreement worth a total of 16.25 million pounds (approximately 19 million dollars). These funds will be used by companies looking to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, primarily 3D printing equipment.

equipal operates a digital platform integrated with more than 75 equipment suppliers. Through the platform, businesses can arrange fast, automated financing of up to 250 thousand pounds when purchasing 3D printers and other production equipment. In the past, financing for a 66 thousand pound 3D printer that Incremental-AM sourced from the United States was also completed through this platform.

Financing details and growth plans

The new agreement consists of a 1.25 million pound direct equity investment and a 15 million pound term funding facility. The company announced that it will use these resources specifically to support firms investing in advanced manufacturing technologies. The team also plans to create new jobs in business development, marketing and operations.

equipal founder Eamonn McMahon commented on the agreement: “Even though market conditions are challenging, we have reached this point thanks to our operational resilience and credit discipline. The structure of this agreement allows us to provide long-term support to businesses investing in advanced manufacturing equipment.”

The company’s performance data to date is also striking: a 1.26 percent default rate, zero credit losses and 69 percent of customers applying for financing again all demonstrate the platform’s reliability.

What it means for Turkey’s 3D printing ecosystem

Financing models like these can accelerate transformation in prototyping and small-scale production, particularly by making 3D printing technology more accessible to SMEs. As similar financing models become more widespread in Turkey as well, businesses are able to manage low-volume and prototype production more efficiently by purchasing professional 3D printing services rather than investing in their own 3D printers. In particular, the transparent per-gram pricing model offers an attractive alternative for those who want quality FDM prints without making an equipment investment.

Businesses considering an investment in 3D printing technology should first clarify their printing needs and volume. Using a professional service for products at the prototype stage provides a more flexible and lower-cost start compared to an equipment investment. As project volume grows, investing in your own fleet of 3D printers can reduce costs in the long run. In either scenario, choosing the right equipment and service is the key to a successful production process.

equipal’s move is an important step toward making equipment more accessible in the 3D printing sector. Similar financing models are expected to spread across Europe in the coming period. You too can get started by instantly calculating the price of quality FDM 3D printing for your projects and take advantage of the benefits of professional production.