TMS (Tooling & Manufacturing Specialists) is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in CNC machining, composite tooling, and advanced manufacturing. With applications ranging from high-temperature moulds for automotive and aerospace to bespoke work in art and film, TMS has built a strong reputation for precision, quality, and innovation. Facing rising material costs and growing sustainability pressures, the company sought a smarter, more scalable approach to composite production.
The Challenge
TMS wanted to reduce dependency on traditional pattern-based workflows and transition to a more efficient, future-focused production model. Their pain points included:
- Rising costs of epoxy tooling board
- Excessive material waste from subtractive manufacturing
- Demand for sustainable processes from high-profile clients
- Streamlining lead times while reducing environmental impact
The Solution
CNC Robotics delivered a turnkey large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) system that enabled TMS to produce large composite tooling directly from thermoplastic material, removing the need for traditional patterns. The solution featured a KUKA robotic arm integrated with a CEAD S25 thermoplastic extruder and a 3-metre track, providing a build volume of 3 metres by 2 metres. Designed for flexibility, the system supported multi-axis printing to accommodate varied part geometries and included a complete slicing software stack, with both Ai Build and Adaxis tested in-house to ensure optimal performance.
Results & Impact
By switching to large-format additive, TMS achieved:
- 25–30% reduction in lead time compared to traditional CNC methods
- Significant material savings from near-net-shape printing
- Reduced labour input, with the ability to run largely unattended during long prints
- A broadened service offering to meet tighter timelines and custom large-format requirements
In Their Own Words
“It’s been a relatively seamless process to learn the machine — the ease of use of the software and hardware together has allowed me to go from design to printing confidently and relatively quickly.” – Dilan Patel, Additive Manufacturing Engineer
“Learning how to print with enough excess material to be machined off has changed the way the usual CNC manufacturing process works.” – Paul Becket, CEO
“Material selection is very important and should be based around the process it will be used for.” – Kevin Anson, Business Development Manager
“CNC Robotics’ help and support has been brilliant. Any problems have been sorted quickly, giving us the confidence to invest in this technology.” – Paul Becket, CEO
