A Glasgow businesswoman hopes to make the city a hotbed of creativity in the fast-growing world of 3D technology.

Amanda Faulkner-Whalen, 31, has set up FAB 3D, Scotland’s first full colour commercial 3D print studio.

The new technology will transform the way designers in industries such as healthcare and engineering make prototype models.

Amanda’s company, based in Partick, uses huge printers which process thousands of layers of plaster and liquid binder to turn drawings and computer designs into solid objects.

She hopes to start a 3D collective, teaming up with Glasgow’s other 3D experts.

She said: “Glasgow has a huge number of talented creative companies who specialise in digital 3D visualisation and animation.

“It would be great if we could bring all these firms together to create a 3D collective which not only builds an international centre of expertise in Glasgow but also attracts more business and generates more creative jobs.

“The arts and entertainment industry has already seen the benefits of adopting 3D technology with hugely successful films such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland, and 3D televisions.

“Now designers and manufacturers can use the technology to materialise 3D models quickly and at a relatively low cost.”

Amanda, a PhD student from Glasgow School of Art, set up FAB 3D with help of a £10,000 loan from Govan’s DSL Business Finance and has since taken on two staff members.

Amanda said: “A toy designer could use 3D printing to create a prototype to test with children before manufacturing, or a subsea engineer with an idea for a new oil and gas product could sell a physical hand-held model of the concept to the board room rather than just showing a sketch.

“It could even save lives as it allows doctors to make models from MRI and CT scans which could be used to improve the design and fit of implants and prosthetics or to plan operations more effectively.”

DSL can provide loans of up to £25,000 to small firms and start-ups. For details call 0141 4252930.