Energetic UK SME Raplas awarded DTEP funding
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-24)

Raplas Technologies will be collaborating with BAE Systems on innovative 3D printing projects for defence applications

- Congratulations to SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Raplas Technologies Ltd
- They will be collaborating with higher tier supplier BAE Systems
- The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain
Sully based SME Raplas Technologies Ltd (https://www.raplas.com/) has been awarded funding through the latest round of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). They will collaborate with BAE Systems who will mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

The DTEP programme, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-accelerator) (DASA), Innovate UK (https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/), and ADS (https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/).

Congratulations to Raplas

Raplas is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of 3D printing solutions and equipment for multiple industries. They have proposed to deliver an innovative system for the safe printing and post processing of BAE proprietary energetic material formulations with automated handling of materials in an unmanned environment.

Raplas will design and produce purpose-made systems which will process BAE proprietary material formulation.

The new process and production methods will enable these materials to be manufactured in the UK, ensuring a consistent supply to the MOD without having to rely on international imports and thus eliminating the potential for future gaps in the defence supply chain.

Dr Richard Wooldridge, CEO of Raplas, said:

“We are honoured to have worked with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) on an exciting journey to deliver new, commercially viable solutions to the UK defence industry. We are therefore delighted that our advanced resin-based 3D printing technology has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, further solidifying our position as a leader in the 3D printing industry. The Raplas team looks forward to collaborating with BAE Systems, leveraging our combined expertise in hardware and software to deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the defence of our nation and its sovereign capabilities.”

Jon Davies, Business Development, Future Programmes, BAE Systems:

“BAE Systems is delighted to be working with RAPLAS to explore the benefits of their 3D printing technologies for defence applications. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to integrate cutting-edge technological innovations into our Future Product development initiatives.”

Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

“We’re proud to announce the allocation of DTEP funding to Raplas Technologies and wish them every success with their collaboration with BAE Systems. DTEP funding allows SMEs to collaborate with higher tier partners to develop innovations that will make a distinct contribution to the UK’s defence supply chain. DASA is delighted to foster collaborations such as this that will help ensure the continued success of future defence and security.”

DTEP’s funding for Raplas highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here. (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-and-security-accelerator)