About Tim Plunkett
In the early 1980's, Tim qualified from Brunel University with an honours degree in mechanical engineering. The following ten years were spent in the aerospace industry, before witnessing the BBC's 'Tomorrows World' programme that featured Stereolithography. It took almost six months, but in April 1991 Formation was born, a three man company with one SLA 250 machine from 3D Systems Inc.
Tim pioneered the use of Stereolithography in the UK and as acceptance grew so did Formation. Multiple machines were added so that by 1997 Formation housed the largest UK capacity and was in the top three service bureaux in Europe. Significant vacuum casting facilities were incorporated, together with reaction injection moulding and a zinc and aluminium foundry. A full tool room and moulding facility was developed specifically to serve the rapid tooling market. This was the first such facility in the UK to produce tools in aluminium and tool steel on a typical lead-time of three weeks.
After a brief spell with a production toolmaker, Tim was recruited to start a new RP venture. Given an open brief, he identified the technologies required and started what was to become the largest selective laser sintering company in the UK. Growing rapidly, many new markets were opened and laser sintering established as a viable alternative to Stereolithography.
Late 2005 saw Tim start a new venture, Plunkett Associates. Leveraging his experience within the industry over the preceding years, Tim has now created a 'super bureau', by pulling together the best that the world has to offer and making it available in the UK. Companies range from small, local niche operations upwards and all demonstrate superior understanding and professionalism in their field. Some have entered into exclusivity agreements and these are listed under Associates, whilst others must remain confidential.
A long term advocate of the potential of both 'rapid' and conventional technologies, Tim strives to raise awareness of the possibilities, ensure the UK can access the latest technologies, and supply your prototype and low volume requirements.
Contact Plunkett Associates for support or advice with your product development programme.