A former Newcastle-upon-Tyne coppersmith has tapped into support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) to help him realise the commercial potential of his ‘metal blowing’ technology.
Stephen Newby, who used to work as a ship builder for VSEL, has developed a process for metal forming that involves inflating sheets of steel.
He has received international acclaim for his designs for the art and interior sectors, with the latest project involving the creation of a unique 10-metre diameter Halo artwork for Trinity Square in Gateshead.
Backed by strategic and financial support from MAS, his company – ‘Full Blown’ – has also played a major role in the development of the world’s first inflated metal radiator due to be sold in the UK shortly.
