THE York company behind sets for Olympic and Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies and musical and theatrical performances across the globe has launched a new business boasting the fastest 3D printing capabilities in the world.

Stage One, based at Tockwith, has launched Fluxaxis after investing £1 million in the next generation of 3D printers.

Part of the digital manufacturing industry, Fluxaxis will use 3D printing, 3D scanning, CNC machining and 3D design for large scale projects, creating shapes and structures that defy conventional production.

Edwin Stokes, director of Fluxaxis, said: “Designers, marketers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, film and theatre companies; everyone is exploring 3D.

“By removing technical barriers we are enabling a new creative and fast-track approach, uninhibited by scale and intricacy.”

In a bid to challenge its capabilities, demonstrate its potential and “explore the intersection of art and industry”, Fluxaxis has launched a competition in collaboration with York Mediale to find an artist in residence.

The residency programme, set to run between September this year and February 2018, is seeking an artist or collective with experience in critical making and 3D printing.

The selected artist(s) will receive a £5,000 artist fee and have access to Fluxaxis’ equipment and expertise to develop ideas.

The final results of the residency will be showcased at the inaugural York Mediale in 2018 and toured internationally.

Fluxaxis draws on Stage One’s expertise in the creative construction sector gleaned from securing international contracts within the architecture, theatre and events industries.

Mr Stokes said: “We combine the technology of the future with Stage One’s experience in creative production to open up new opportunities for businesses both in the UK and globally.

“Prototypes and production parts that, until now, have been too complex in form to manufacture, can now be made quickly and precisely using a range of cutting edge equipment, all under one roof.”