SMDH’s Digital Innovation Fund supports manufacturing innovation in Photocentric

SMDH’s Digital Innovation Fund supports manufacturing innovation in Photocentric.

Innovation has always been at the core of Photocentric’s culture. From its origins in polymer stamp-making to pioneering LCD 3D printing, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Now, Photocentric is taking the next step with JENI, a ground breaking autonomous digital manufacturing ecosystem that integrates printing, post-processing, and material handling through an advanced, scalable, and agile platform - one that matches the costs of injection moulding without the barriers of tooling and moulds.

JENI represents a new paradigm in manufacturing, one that removes barriers to cost-effective production in traditional methods. Enabled by funding support from the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) initiative, Photocentric has successfully developed the revolutionary ‘Plastic Parts On Demand’ (PPOD) project. This crucial investment has been instrumental in making digital parts manufacturing more accessible, particularly for SMEs, by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional production methods such as injection moulding.

Reshoring Manufacturing and Supporting Localised Production

One of the primary challenges businesses face is the high cost and long lead times associated with manufacturing new parts. Traditional injection moulding requires expensive upfront tooling and significant capital investment, often leading companies to outsource production overseas. While outsourcing provides an immediate short-term solution, it introduces a range of external challenges, including supply chain vulnerabilities, regulatory and compliance risks, increased carbon footprint, longer lead times, and potential cost increases over time.

JENI addresses these challenges by providing a localised, on-demand, and cost-effective production solution. By lowering the entry barriers, eliminating the need for capital outlay, and offering a competitive alternative to conventional manufacturing methods, businesses can now produce high-quality parts locally. This fosters resilience and strengthens the domestic economy.

As part of this project, Photocentric has developed an intuitive ordering web portal that allows businesses to upload CAD files, receive real-time pricing through a newly developed cost calculator, and place orders for production. Once an order is submitted, the system evaluates, validates, and optimises the designs before integrating them into JENI’s production queue.

Carbon Footprint Tracking – Supporting Sustainability Goals

For the first time, Photocentric has integrated a carbon footprint estimation into its cost calculator, providing businesses with greater transparency regarding the environmental impact of their production. By reducing dependency on upfront tooling, minimising waste, and cutting transportation emissions—often associated with foreign energy sources—JENI supports businesses in measuring and reducing their production footprint. This proactive approach aligns with supply chain ESG targets and contributes to broader governmental net-zero objectives.

JENI

Ensuring Scalability from the Outset

JENI is designed to be dynamic, adapting and evolving as business needs grow. Every aspect of the process has been optimised, from print height and resolution to post-processing capabilities. This allows SMEs to manufacture precisely what they need, when they need it. With JENI, businesses can access a fully autonomous digital manufacturing platform, streamlining production workflows and enhancing overall competitiveness.

A New Era of Manufacturing

The UK and Europe are facing a manufacturing productivity challenge, and the solution lies in digital transformation. JENI is not just a new way to manufacture parts—it is redefining the industry. By enabling SMEs to enter the market faster, iterate more efficiently, and scale production without traditional cost and complexity barriers, JENI embodies the principles of ‘Industry 4.0’ in action.

The first JENI system is now operational at Photocentric in the UK, with a vision for future expansion. Over time, Photocentric aims to establish autonomous manufacturing hubs near major production centres and industrial parks, further accelerating delivery times, reducing costs, and improving supply chain resilience.

For businesses looking to embrace digital manufacturing, the opportunity has never been greater. JENI unlocks a new era of affordability, efficiency, and sustainability, empowering companies to compete on a global scale.

Discover how JENI is shaping the future of manufacturing with Photocentric.

Watch the full case study here on the SMDH YouTube channel.