Rapid Fluidics

Arrow support helps with funding and product challenges

North East innovators taking on the USA

Newcastle upon Tyne

Rapid Fluidics

3D printingManufacturingMicrofluidicsTechnologyProduct designproduct testingResearch & Development

Their Challenge

Working at the cutting edge of microfluidics, the innovators at Rapid Fluidics in Newcastle upon Tyne lead the way in microfluidic solutions. They create and turn designs into testable parts in days, with unique development and manufacturing processes that are faster and more comprehensive than anything offered by competitors.

Expanding into the USA with an enhanced product

Rapid Fluidics specialise in rapid prototyping and custom microfluidic design and manufacturing for the life-sciences sector.

As pioneers in their field, they’ve developed a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke prototypes in a fast turnaround time. But despite their unbeatable innovation credentials, they’ve recently found themselves facing a couple of big challenges. Firstly, the post-Brexit export landscape has complicated access to Europe, and 60% of their revenue now comes from the lucrative US market. On top of the export challenge, Rapid Fluidics realised that they needed to improve the surface quality of their 3D-printed microfluidic components to meet the precise needs of their clients. All this demanded funding and improved technological insights.

 

Having support from the Arrow team at Durham University has been such a big help. Honestly, it’s been one of the least stressful, grant-driven projects we’ve been part of – just brilliant. And being able to use the grant funding for capital expenses has been invaluable for a company like ours. It’s made everything so much easier.
Paul Marshall

CEO, Rapid Fluidics

Arrow Analyses the Business Challenge

Arrow identifies the right support

Rapid Fluidics’ CEO, Paul Marshall, approached Arrow to help find a way to cut through these challenges and unleash the kind of growth he knew was possible. The collaboration began when Rapid Fluidics learnt about Arrow’s innovation support projects through local contacts in the North East. The Arrow team at Newcastle University supported Rapid Fluidics in streamlining the application process to secure the all-important funding needed for capital spending on new equipment.

Rapid Fluidics were also connected with the Arrow team at Durham University to carry out a project focused on improving the surface quality of 3D-printed components. This collaboration aimed to develop a coating process to produce smoother surfaces, improving the performance and reliability of Rapid Fluidics’ microfluidic devices.

Working together for real results – Arrow’s solution for success

Through the Arrow project with Durham University, Rapid Fluidics fast-tracked its product development. The team gained invaluable academic insights and were really excited about the access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The project represented a major leap forward, with early experiments in the coating process demonstrating great potential for smoother surfaces and enhanced performance.

Thanks to Arrow support, Rapid Fluidics were able to:

  • Invest in advanced 3D printing technology.
  • Deepen their knowledge through academic collaboration.
  • Take significant steps toward unlocking broader markets by boosting product quality.

Building on the momentum of this project, Rapid Fluidics is committed to continue their partnership with Durham University to perfect the coating process and deliver consistent results. At the same time, the team is diving into new materials and innovative manufacturing techniques to cut costs for clients without compromising on quality. Looking ahead, Rapid Fluidics have their sights set on opening a manufacturing base in the US – streamlining operations and meeting the soaring demand of its biggest market.

The partnership with university collaborators through Arrow has been transformative for Rapid Fluidics. The support has accelerated innovation, enhanced product quality and positioned the company for future growth. Their Arrow project is a great example of how tailored support combined with academic collaboration can empower businesses seeking to innovate to make meaningful progress.

Hear from our university partners

The collaboration between Rapid Fluidics and Durham University was seamless, with the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation playing a key role. Using our facilities and equipment, we investigated early-stage coating methods for microfluidic channels — an area that was especially exciting for me given my background in materials science. The work also provided an opportunity to trial a new characterisation technique, supported by the expertise of our skilled technician, Paul White, and the academic insight of Dr Cyril Bourgenout.
Dr Andrea Zachariou

Senior Arrow Innovation Associate, Durham University

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