A PIONEERING information and technology services company is leading the way in 3D technology after launching a revolutionary, high-tech system .

Darlington-based Mintronics has joined forces with 3D Systems, the American inventors of 3D printing, and launched a computer aided design (CAD) system for the automotive, engineering and medical sectors.

The system includes the 3D Geomagic Capture Scanner and Geomagic Design X software and transforms a physical object into a digital model, known as reverse engineering, ready for 3D printing.

Reverse engineering is set to benefit all types of manufacturing as it massively increases quality standards, speeds up the time to market and reduces costs.

John Minto, managing director of Mintronics. said: “The accuracy of our new system means that a car manufacturer can precisely replicate a car bumper without making any common mistakes, which can occur when doing it manually.

"The capture scanner would examine the bumper and duplicate the exact measurements which would then be digitally transferred into a blueprint, through the software, making it reliable for production."

The system can also replicate body parts exactly, a process that could have a dramatic impact on the medical world and patients’ lives.

The system usually costs £90,000, but the transatlantic partnership means that Mintronics can sell the products from £15,000.

Mr Minto said: "The software is brand new for this market and will revolutionise many sectors. It’s so exciting to be introducing it to the North East.

"We’ve already had interest from leading British aerospace companies, the largest medical device company in the world, architectural companies, automotive firms and lots more.”

Gareth Glazzard, sales manager of 3D Systems, said: "Our core goal is to democratise our technology. The concept is that designers and engineers of the future will have access to more than just design software, but also scanning, rapid prototyping and reverse and engineering technology.

"The Capture Scanner combined with a variety of software options enables companies that historically could not afford such technology to now do so."

Mintronics expects its turnover to double this year. See mintronics.co.uk