University's Mercury Centre and commercial partners start £8.4m project to take 3D printing to the next level
05/03/2015 The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield's Mercury Centre is part of a new £8.4 million Government-funded research programme, which will see the development of an innovative new additive manufacturing process.Additive manufacturing (AM) is more commonly known as 3D printing, and this project partners the Mercury Centre with JRI Orthopaedics, GTS, 3T PRD, Delta T Devices and The Manufacturing Technology Centre to develop new AM processes for use in applications within the biomedical and photovoltaic sectors.
The group will focus on research and development to create a new AM process able to apply glass and metals onto 3D structures. This would enable the design and manufacture of implants to improve clinical performance and recovery rates for patients, plus create savings for the National Health Service.
The project is funded by Innovate UK and led by JRI Orthopaedics as part of the 'Inspiring new design freedoms in additive manufacturing' initiative. This programme aims to support the development of new manufacturing techniques, advancing understanding and capabilities in materials science.
The Mercury Centre, based within the University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, was established in response to the global developments in advanced manufacturing and a demand for more sophisticated products made with radically improved resource efficiency.
The centre provides an opportunity for industry collaboration, with a unique combination of expertise in the area of innovative materials and manufacturing, and housing a suite of cutting edge advanced manufacturing equipment. Its range of capabilities includes 3D printing, functional coatings, surface treatment, the manufacture of components and advanced materials characterisation.
Dr Martin Highett, Centre Manager at the Mercury Centre, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with JRI Orthopaedics and Glass Technology Services Ltd on this project, research into the performance of innovative manufacturing techniques that delivers benefits to industry while furthering our knowledge and understanding of materials is at the heart of what we do at the Mercury Centre."
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is hosting an Industry Open Day on 24 March 2015 from 10.30am-3pm, introducing guests from industry to some of the Department's research activities including the work of The Mercury Centre, and giving visitors the opportunity to view the facilities, speak to research staff and attend short research briefings.
To attend the Industry Open Day, and for further information please contact:
Dr Neil Lowrie
Business Innovation Manager
Tel: 0114 222 5506
Email:neil.lowrie@sheffield.ac.uk,
Web: www.sheffield.ac.uk/materials/newsandevents/industryopenday-1.425141
Print this articleShare article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.