EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing

Lead Research Organisation: Loughborough University
Department Name: Sch of Mechanical and Manufacturing Eng

Abstract

The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing will create a sustainable and multidisciplinary body of expertise that will act as a UK and international focus - the 'go to' place for additive manufacturing and its applications. The Centre will undertake a user-defined and user-driven programme of innovative research that underpins Additive Manufacturing as a sustainable and value-adding manufacturing process across multiple industry sectors.Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the direct production of end-use component parts made using additive layer manufacturing technologies. It enables the manufacture of geometrically complex, low to medium volume production components in a range of materials, with little, if any, fixed tooling or manual intervention beyond the initial product design. AM enables a number of value chain configurations, such as personalised component part manufacture but also economic low volume production within high cost base economies. This innovative approach to manufacturing is now being embraced globally across industry sectors from high value aerospace / automotive manufacture to the creative and digital industries. To date AM research has almost exclusively focused upon the production of single material, homogeneous structures (in polymers, metals and ceramics). The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing will move away from single material, 'passive' AM processes and applications that exhibit conventional levels of functionality, toward the challenges of investigating next generation, multi-material active additive manufacturing processes, materials and design systems. This transformative approach is required for the production of the new generation of high-value, multi-functional products demanded by industry. The Centre will initially explore two themes as the centrepieces of a wider research portfolio, supported by a range of platform activities. The first theme takes on the challenge of how to design, integrate and effectively implement multi-material, multi-functional manufacturing systems capable of matching the requirements of industrial end-users for 'ready-assembled' multifunctional devices and structures. Working at the macro level, this will involve the convergence of several approaches to increase embedded value to the product during the manufacturing stage by the direct printing / deposition of electronic / optical tracks potentially on a voxel by voxel basis; the processing and bonding of dissimilar materials that ordinarily require processing at varying temperatures and conditions will be particularly challenging. The second theme will explore the potential for 'scaling down' AM for small, complex components, extending single material AM to the printing of optical / electronic pathways within micro-level products and with a vision to directly print electronics integrally. The platform activities will provide the opportunity to undertake both fundamental and industry driven pilot studies that both feed into and derive from the theme-based research, and grow the capacity and capability of the Centre, creating a truly national UK Centre and Network that maintains the UK at the front of international research and industrial exploitation in Additive Manufacturing.

Planned Impact

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the direct production of end-use component parts made using additive layer manufacturing technologies. AM enables the manufacture of geometrically complex, low to medium volume production components in a range of materials, with little, if any, fixed tooling or manual intervention beyond the initial product design. It enables a number of value chain configurations, such as personalised component part manufacture but also economic low volume production within high cost base economies. The concept of 'active' AM is to use the layer wise approach to add value to a component part during manufacture. This could be by embedding electronic interconnects or optical pathways into the parts during production, or by using different materials in the same part to add functions that cannot be achieved in a single manufacturing step using conventional processes. This might be the production of parts with dissimilar mechanical or thermal properties, the production of parts with different functional surface coatings or the production of parts with new materials that exhibit increased mechanical, electrical or thermal properties. AM provides a basis for long-term innovation within UK manufacturing and in particular, the concept of 'growing' entire components offers significant benefit to the high-value manufacturing sector, based on innovative design solutions. Though AM is already cross-sectoral in nature, with the development of the multi-functional AM components envisaged comes the opportunity to engage with new product sectors, such as the optical and electrical devices industries, thus reaping the ultimate benefits and impact of this research. The current AM market place for machine tools, materials and services (such as software) is valued at just over $1-billion. However, it must also be acknowledged that as an enabling technology, AM adds the greatest value in its application, through design freedoms, production flexibility and supply chain economics. From this applications perspective (medium to long term), the opportunities of active or intelligent AM are significant and diverse and characterised by the value added to a component and potential compression of the supply chain. It is this high value added opportunity that the Centre's industrial partners want to enable, through the development of multifunctional AM processes, materials, software tools and supply chains. It can thus be seen that there will be multiple beneficiaries from the Centre's research. The Centre's partners represent a variety of end user industries - both multinational and SMEs - together with the equipment and systems manufacturers and suppliers representing the value chain. The benefits from the new technology and processes will enable new product and market opportunities in diverse manufacturing sectors, and economies in production of existing components and systems. Our early research is already being taken up by industry; the timescales for further benefits from the Centre's research will range from short (1-2 years) for results of the early industry pilots, through to the longer term (8-10) years for full realisation of multifunctional AM at the meso/micro scale. From a wider perspective, the UK will benefit through increased competitive advantage of its manufacturing industries, and the public will gain through new products at economic costs. From a societal view, the advantages AM offers in the weight reduction of multifunctional components, and the efficiencies inherent in their production, will lead to the environmental gain of lower carbon footprints - particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.
 
Description Though it may appear that this grant has ceased, the reason that it has finished is because the PI and the majority of the investigator team transferred University and thus a 2nd issue of the grant is still ongoing. Please see EP/I033335/2
Exploitation Route This grant is still active but in the 2nd issue - EP/I033335/2
Sectors Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Electronics,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
URL http://www.3dp-research.com/
 
Description See EP/I033335/2
First Year Of Impact 2011
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Transport
 
Description Lead of Expert Mission to Taiwan
Geographic Reach Australia 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description 3D Printing of polysiloxanes
Amount £16,000 (GBP)
Organisation Atomic Weapons Establishment 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2013 
End 02/2016
 
Description ALSAM - Aluminium Lattice Structures via Additive Manufacturing
Amount £229,586 (GBP)
Funding ID 11700-72213 
Organisation Innovate UK 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2013 
End 04/2015
 
Description AMOTEM - Additive Manufacturing of Tailored Electro-Magnetic Materials
Amount £20,000 (GBP)
Funding ID CDE27117 
Organisation Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2012 
End 03/2013
 
Description BMW Group funded PhD in Laser Sintering Materials Development
Amount £33,051 (GBP)
Organisation Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) 
Sector Academic/University
Country Germany
Start 12/2011 
End 11/2014
 
Description Creativity @ Home
Amount £20,000 (GBP)
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2013 
End 07/2013
 
Description DSTL Centre for Defence Enterprise - 3DPV
Amount £99,091 (GBP)
Funding ID CDE28222 
Organisation Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2012 
End 06/2013
 
Description Future Formulation
Amount £3,800,000 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/N024818/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2016 
End 09/2020
 
Description Multiphase models for blood flow, Healthcare and Biosciences iNet Collaborative Research and Development (CRD)
Amount £50,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RC4568 
Organisation East Midlands Medilink 
Department Healthcare & Bioscience iNet
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2012 
End 02/2013
 
Description 3D Printing of Biologically and Mechanically Functional Tissue Engineering Structures 
Organisation University of Newcastle
Country Australia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for supporting activity in other fields. The project is overseen by Prof Ricky Wildman and Dr Chris Tuck.
Collaborator Contribution A key limitation of many biofabrication strategies for load bearing applications has been low strength and stiffness of the structures which can be created whilst co-processing cells and biomaterials. The overall aim of this project was to evaluate approaches to 3D printing of biologically functional structures which would allow for a structural biopolymer to be generated in the same processing step. The project was multi-disciplinary, with contributions from chemistry, biomaterials science, engineering and biology. The main achievements have been: -The development of a process which allows stable bio-inks to be prepared. A piezoelectrically actuated drop-on-demand printing system (Jetlab iv) has been used to deposit electrostatically stabilised cells from a human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS), and the effectiveness of a polyelectrolyte cell encapsulant to maintain cell dispersion within a bio ink was assessed. Cells were coated with a number of thicknesses of a cationic poly-l-lysine (PLL) encapsulant and their ability to release studied over 7 days. Results indicated the dispersion and printability of coated cells was significantly better than that of uncoated cells. It is concluded that electrostatic stabilisation of bio-inks could provide a solution to cell aggregation, increasing viable printing time and decreasing poor yields due to orifice obstruction. -The development of a process for printing acrylate monomers and light curing them. Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) was printed, using the Jetlab vi with a drop on demand printhead, with camphorquinone (CQ) as a photoinitiator, and a nitrogen shielding atmosphere. Blue light at 470 nm was used to cure the printed material, and 20 layers of material (0.7 mm height) have been deposited, with blue light curing under nitrogen shielding after each pass. -The creation of hard/soft composite biomaterial structure using a combined inkjet and microvalve approach. Using the HEMA system described above rigid 2D scaffold structures were produced which included wells for the introduction of a bio-ink analogue, the aim being to demonstrate that stacking the 2D slices could create a rigid 3D scaffold which could be pre-seeded with a bio-ink. The wells were then back filled with a blue stained, low viscosity bio-ink analogue, using a micro-valve deposition system. The implication of this works was: - The ability to formulate bioprinting inks in which suspensions of cells and other biological materials can be maintained, without affecting biological response, is crucial in producing robust printing strategies for tissue engineering. The encapsulation process we have developed provides a new and potentially widely applicable approach to doing this. - Cell/material co-processing with hard and soft materials, using processes which are scalable, opens up new possibilities in terms of the range of products and devices which can be made using a biofabrication approach. HEMA is a load bearing material commonly used in dentistry, and by showing that printing of HEMA alongside valve deposition of gels is possible the project has opened up a new route to the manufacture of cell/material composite structures, using two technologies which are automated and scalable.
Impact Conference contributions: - Benning, M and Dalgarno, K; "Stabilisation of Bio-ink Suspensions for Inkjet Printing"; poster presented at the Manufacturing the Future Conference 2014, held in Glasgow, on the 23rd-24th September, 2014. - Benning, M & Dalgarno, K; "Electrostatic Stabilisation of Drop on Demand Bio-Ink through the Cationic Encapsulation of Cells", presented at the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium 2014, held in Austin, Texas on August 4-6th, 2014. - Benning, M. "Electrostatic Stabilisation of Bio-Ink through the Cationic Encapsulation of Cells for Piezo Drop On Demand Inkjet Printing", Tissue and Cell Engineering Society (TCES) Conference, held in Newcastle, 2nd - 4th July, 2014. The cell/material co-processing approach needs further development before publication, but conference papers and journal publications will also be prepared on the basis of this work.
Start Year 2013
 
Description Assessment of Organometallic-based Inks for Printing Conductive Silver Interconnects 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The aim of the initial feasibility project was to develop a flexible manufacturing route for interconnects, applicable to a number of metallic materials. The project can be differentiated from previous inkjet ink research, as it exploits the chemistry developed for atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form the basis of a new generation of low temperature ink formulations, capable of depositing metal films without the need for subsequent heat treatments.
Collaborator Contribution The project can be differentiated from previous inkjet ink research, as it exploits the chemistry developed for atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form the basis of a new generation of low temperature ink formulations, capable of depositing metal films without the need for subsequent heat treatments. The silver precursor was dissolved in a solvent, and investigated as the ink base. A systematic study of the ink injection characteristics, such as viscosity and surface tension of the metal solution
Impact The main outcome of this collaboration has been a successful EPSRC project at the University of Liverpool with the results being integrated into the EPSRC Centre (EPSRC Grant reference: EP/K008633/1).
Start Year 2012
 
Description Generation of Compound Microdrops 
Organisation University of Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Initiation and start of the EPSRC Centre funded research project: Generation of Compound Microdrop. The project will be carried out by Prof Yulii Shikhmurzaev at Birmingham and James Sprittles at Oxford. The project has started on March 1st and the duration is 6 months. It is managed at the EPSRC Centre by Prof Ricky Wildman.
Collaborator Contribution The project is a feasibility study aimed at demonstrating theoretically that one can generate compound microdrops using coaxial jetting and developing the framework for the subsequent detailed simulation of the process. The study examined theoretically the possibility of forming compound microdrops, with different materials for the core and the carrier drop, using a co-axial jetting technique. The Team developed a novel computational modelling tool, based on the finite element method, to capture the initial stages in the formation of both a single and a compound microdrop.
Impact The project formed the theoretical part of a feasibility study into the generation of compound microdrops intended to result in a full-scale cross-disciplinary research proposal to be submitted to the EPSRC. The aim of this feasibility study was to demonstrate computationally that one can generate compound microdrops using a co-axial jetting technique and to develop this computational framework for any subsequent detailed simulation of the process. Future grant-funded research will enable both the modelling and the computational techniques, whose power has been demonstrated in this feasibility study, to be extended to allow the topological change (the actual break up of the liquid compound jet) to be captured. By mapping the (eight-dimensional) parameter space for compound microdrop formation in a fast, flexible and economic manner, the resulting software will be unique in its ability to guide the EPSRC Centre at Nottingham in the development of the next generation of complex additively manufactured products.
Start Year 2013
 
Description Generation of Compound Microdrops 
Organisation University of Oxford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Initiation and start of the EPSRC Centre funded research project: Generation of Compound Microdrop. The project will be carried out by Prof Yulii Shikhmurzaev at Birmingham and James Sprittles at Oxford. The project has started on March 1st and the duration is 6 months. It is managed at the EPSRC Centre by Prof Ricky Wildman.
Collaborator Contribution The project is a feasibility study aimed at demonstrating theoretically that one can generate compound microdrops using coaxial jetting and developing the framework for the subsequent detailed simulation of the process. The study examined theoretically the possibility of forming compound microdrops, with different materials for the core and the carrier drop, using a co-axial jetting technique. The Team developed a novel computational modelling tool, based on the finite element method, to capture the initial stages in the formation of both a single and a compound microdrop.
Impact The project formed the theoretical part of a feasibility study into the generation of compound microdrops intended to result in a full-scale cross-disciplinary research proposal to be submitted to the EPSRC. The aim of this feasibility study was to demonstrate computationally that one can generate compound microdrops using a co-axial jetting technique and to develop this computational framework for any subsequent detailed simulation of the process. Future grant-funded research will enable both the modelling and the computational techniques, whose power has been demonstrated in this feasibility study, to be extended to allow the topological change (the actual break up of the liquid compound jet) to be captured. By mapping the (eight-dimensional) parameter space for compound microdrop formation in a fast, flexible and economic manner, the resulting software will be unique in its ability to guide the EPSRC Centre at Nottingham in the development of the next generation of complex additively manufactured products.
Start Year 2013
 
Description High Resolution Jet Printing for Additive Manufacturing 
Organisation Queen Mary University of London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for underpinning scientific activity in other fields. The High Resolution Jet Printing for Additive Manufacturing project is funded by the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing and overseen by Prof Richard Hague and Dr Chris Tuck.
Collaborator Contribution In inkjet based AM processes one of the major limiting influences on resolution and quality is the size of the ink drops used. Conventional inkjet systems are typically operated in the drop volume range 1 pl to 500 pl yielding surface features typically greater than~20 µm. Electrostatic inkjet printing has the potential to deposit significantly smaller volumes of material, using fluids having a viscosity range several orders of magnitude broader than from conventional inkjet and hence potentially obtain improved surface feature definition and reduce surface roughness in AM. The aim of the project was to use the high speed imaging capability at Cambridge Inkjet Research Centre to gain better understanding of the process of small droplet generation and deposition obtained via electrostatic printing, based on an approach developed at QMUL. The ability to use the technique to build a micron scale structure was also to be attempted.
Impact This research has advanced a better understanding of electrostatic inkjet processes. Techniques to investigate and print with small high velocity jets and drops have been refined and can be applied to this and other processes in the future. One of the composite images obtained during this collaboration is to be featured on the front cover of Abstracts given to delegates attending the IoP 2014 specialist meeting Science of Inkjet and Printed Drops.
Start Year 2014
 
Description High Resolution Jet Printing for Additive Manufacturing 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for underpinning scientific activity in other fields. The High Resolution Jet Printing for Additive Manufacturing project is funded by the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing and overseen by Prof Richard Hague and Dr Chris Tuck.
Collaborator Contribution In inkjet based AM processes one of the major limiting influences on resolution and quality is the size of the ink drops used. Conventional inkjet systems are typically operated in the drop volume range 1 pl to 500 pl yielding surface features typically greater than~20 µm. Electrostatic inkjet printing has the potential to deposit significantly smaller volumes of material, using fluids having a viscosity range several orders of magnitude broader than from conventional inkjet and hence potentially obtain improved surface feature definition and reduce surface roughness in AM. The aim of the project was to use the high speed imaging capability at Cambridge Inkjet Research Centre to gain better understanding of the process of small droplet generation and deposition obtained via electrostatic printing, based on an approach developed at QMUL. The ability to use the technique to build a micron scale structure was also to be attempted.
Impact This research has advanced a better understanding of electrostatic inkjet processes. Techniques to investigate and print with small high velocity jets and drops have been refined and can be applied to this and other processes in the future. One of the composite images obtained during this collaboration is to be featured on the front cover of Abstracts given to delegates attending the IoP 2014 specialist meeting Science of Inkjet and Printed Drops.
Start Year 2014
 
Description In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading 
Organisation Heriot-Watt University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for supporting activity in other fields. The project is overseen by Dr Chris Tuck and Dr Adam Clare.
Collaborator Contribution The feasibility study evaluated complementary experimental and modelling techniques, which have the potential to provide a step change in understanding in this area. The specific objectives were to: -determine if in-situ flash x-ray imaging can be used to monitor powder bed melting and the generation of gas bubbles and pores within the melt pool; -investigate discrete element method modelling to simulate the powder spreading in the SLM process and the effect of powder morphology on packing density variability; -use ex-situ high resolution x-ray tomography to characterise the powder packing in the bed and the retained defects in melted layers, to support the experiments and modelling. As the feasibility study was of a relatively short duration, the emphasis was on discovering the potential of combining the higher risk in-situ imaging experiments with the lower risk modelling and ex-situ validation. The project has been very useful for the project partners to apply their existing research expertise in this new area and learn about the capabilities of the other partners for possible future AM research. The open-architecture powder bed platform developed by Heriot-Watt could potentially prove very valuable for a range of experiments that involve in-situ monitoring of the build process, or that involve work with non-standard laser parameters or materials. For example, the ISIS neutron source has an interest in the additive manufacturing of neutron-absorbing materials such as boron, and in-situ neutron measurement of the variation in residual stress during the build process.
Impact Presentations: A.J. Moore et al., "In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading", International Conference on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Nottingham University, 7-9 July 2015 A.J. Moore, "Open-architecture system for in-situ x-ray imaging during selective laser melting (SLM)", AILU Additive Manufacturing Workshop, 22 March 2016 (Cranfield, UK) Publication: P. Bidare, R.R.J Maier, R.J. Beck, J. D. Shephard and A. J. Moore, "Open-architecture SLM system for in-situ flash x-ray imaging", In preparation
Start Year 2014
 
Description In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading 
Organisation STFC Laboratories
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for supporting activity in other fields. The project is overseen by Dr Chris Tuck and Dr Adam Clare.
Collaborator Contribution The feasibility study evaluated complementary experimental and modelling techniques, which have the potential to provide a step change in understanding in this area. The specific objectives were to: -determine if in-situ flash x-ray imaging can be used to monitor powder bed melting and the generation of gas bubbles and pores within the melt pool; -investigate discrete element method modelling to simulate the powder spreading in the SLM process and the effect of powder morphology on packing density variability; -use ex-situ high resolution x-ray tomography to characterise the powder packing in the bed and the retained defects in melted layers, to support the experiments and modelling. As the feasibility study was of a relatively short duration, the emphasis was on discovering the potential of combining the higher risk in-situ imaging experiments with the lower risk modelling and ex-situ validation. The project has been very useful for the project partners to apply their existing research expertise in this new area and learn about the capabilities of the other partners for possible future AM research. The open-architecture powder bed platform developed by Heriot-Watt could potentially prove very valuable for a range of experiments that involve in-situ monitoring of the build process, or that involve work with non-standard laser parameters or materials. For example, the ISIS neutron source has an interest in the additive manufacturing of neutron-absorbing materials such as boron, and in-situ neutron measurement of the variation in residual stress during the build process.
Impact Presentations: A.J. Moore et al., "In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading", International Conference on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Nottingham University, 7-9 July 2015 A.J. Moore, "Open-architecture system for in-situ x-ray imaging during selective laser melting (SLM)", AILU Additive Manufacturing Workshop, 22 March 2016 (Cranfield, UK) Publication: P. Bidare, R.R.J Maier, R.J. Beck, J. D. Shephard and A. J. Moore, "Open-architecture SLM system for in-situ flash x-ray imaging", In preparation
Start Year 2014
 
Description In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading 
Organisation University of Leeds
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for supporting activity in other fields. The project is overseen by Dr Chris Tuck and Dr Adam Clare.
Collaborator Contribution The feasibility study evaluated complementary experimental and modelling techniques, which have the potential to provide a step change in understanding in this area. The specific objectives were to: -determine if in-situ flash x-ray imaging can be used to monitor powder bed melting and the generation of gas bubbles and pores within the melt pool; -investigate discrete element method modelling to simulate the powder spreading in the SLM process and the effect of powder morphology on packing density variability; -use ex-situ high resolution x-ray tomography to characterise the powder packing in the bed and the retained defects in melted layers, to support the experiments and modelling. As the feasibility study was of a relatively short duration, the emphasis was on discovering the potential of combining the higher risk in-situ imaging experiments with the lower risk modelling and ex-situ validation. The project has been very useful for the project partners to apply their existing research expertise in this new area and learn about the capabilities of the other partners for possible future AM research. The open-architecture powder bed platform developed by Heriot-Watt could potentially prove very valuable for a range of experiments that involve in-situ monitoring of the build process, or that involve work with non-standard laser parameters or materials. For example, the ISIS neutron source has an interest in the additive manufacturing of neutron-absorbing materials such as boron, and in-situ neutron measurement of the variation in residual stress during the build process.
Impact Presentations: A.J. Moore et al., "In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading", International Conference on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Nottingham University, 7-9 July 2015 A.J. Moore, "Open-architecture system for in-situ x-ray imaging during selective laser melting (SLM)", AILU Additive Manufacturing Workshop, 22 March 2016 (Cranfield, UK) Publication: P. Bidare, R.R.J Maier, R.J. Beck, J. D. Shephard and A. J. Moore, "Open-architecture SLM system for in-situ flash x-ray imaging", In preparation
Start Year 2014
 
Description In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading 
Organisation University of Manchester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Under the terms of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, the Centre is entitled to support research activities external to the Centre, either at other AM Centred research groups or for supporting activity in other fields. The project is overseen by Dr Chris Tuck and Dr Adam Clare.
Collaborator Contribution The feasibility study evaluated complementary experimental and modelling techniques, which have the potential to provide a step change in understanding in this area. The specific objectives were to: -determine if in-situ flash x-ray imaging can be used to monitor powder bed melting and the generation of gas bubbles and pores within the melt pool; -investigate discrete element method modelling to simulate the powder spreading in the SLM process and the effect of powder morphology on packing density variability; -use ex-situ high resolution x-ray tomography to characterise the powder packing in the bed and the retained defects in melted layers, to support the experiments and modelling. As the feasibility study was of a relatively short duration, the emphasis was on discovering the potential of combining the higher risk in-situ imaging experiments with the lower risk modelling and ex-situ validation. The project has been very useful for the project partners to apply their existing research expertise in this new area and learn about the capabilities of the other partners for possible future AM research. The open-architecture powder bed platform developed by Heriot-Watt could potentially prove very valuable for a range of experiments that involve in-situ monitoring of the build process, or that involve work with non-standard laser parameters or materials. For example, the ISIS neutron source has an interest in the additive manufacturing of neutron-absorbing materials such as boron, and in-situ neutron measurement of the variation in residual stress during the build process.
Impact Presentations: A.J. Moore et al., "In-Situ Imaging of Particle-Beam Interactions in SLM and Modelling of Powder Spreading", International Conference on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Nottingham University, 7-9 July 2015 A.J. Moore, "Open-architecture system for in-situ x-ray imaging during selective laser melting (SLM)", AILU Additive Manufacturing Workshop, 22 March 2016 (Cranfield, UK) Publication: P. Bidare, R.R.J Maier, R.J. Beck, J. D. Shephard and A. J. Moore, "Open-architecture SLM system for in-situ flash x-ray imaging", In preparation
Start Year 2014
 
Description Metaljet with Canon Oce 
Organisation Océ Holding
Country Netherlands 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have established an exclusive relationship with Canon Oce in the Netherlands to be their research partner in turning their proprietary metaljetting technology in to a Additive Manufacturing system.
Collaborator Contribution Supply of their proprietary metaljet technology
Impact Award of EPSRC funds for "Eight Great Technologies" for specialist metaljetting equipment
Start Year 2013
 
Description 3D Printing At The Collection (Lincoln) - C Tuck presentation: 3D Printing - The move to multifunctionality 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This presentation highlighted the AM and 3D printing research activities being undertaken at the EPSRC Centre of Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing hosted by the University of Nottingham. It provided a brief overview of a number of projects ranging from multi-material jetting of electronic and structural materials to initial work on 2-photon-based systems for the production of optical based sensors. It also provided a deeper look at work attempting to successfully inkjet bio-resorbable materials to enable new products in the pharmaceutical and medical implant industries.

Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description 3D Printshow- CEO Panel Session participation, Prof Richard Hague 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The CEO panel at the 3D Print Show was attended by decision makers in the 3D Printing industry. This panel meeting was held to allow the participants to exchange ideas, debate and network.

Follow on enquiries and engagement with governmental bodies in various countries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013
 
Description AM1a-0: Sheffield Metallurgical Engineering Association (SMEA) Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Participants in your research and patient groups
Results and Impact David Brackett has been invited as speaker at the Sheffield Metallurgical Engineering Association (SMEA) Conference, session: Exploiting the design freedoms and constraints of additive manufacturing, June 17-18 2014, Sheffield, UK

Future skills development has been promoted and start to build relationships with other researchers in the field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description ASTM F42 and ISO Standards Committee 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre played host to the American Standard's for Testing Materials (ASTM) F42 committee meeting, which was attended by almost fifty international delegates. The ASTM F42 is a global committee of industrialists and academics which meets twice per year to develop and ratify standards relating to Additive Manufacturing and3D Printing.

These standards play a preeminent role in all aspects of additive manufacturing technologies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013,2014
 
Description Additive Manufacturing Europe, Healthcare, 28 June 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Prof R Hague was one the speakers at the Additive Manufacturing Europe, Healthcare Conference, 'Future focus panel discussion: where is it all headed?' session. The talk was about producing technologies for medium and high volume production, supporting faster refresh rates for products with innovative characteristics, working with a smaller supplier base.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Appointment of Dr Chris Tuck as a Panel Member of the EPSRC Early Career Forum in Manufacturing Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact In July 2012 Dr Chris Tuck was appointed as a Panel Member of the EPSRC Early Career Forum in Manufacturing Research.

Development of skills.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Appointment of Dr Chris Tuck to the ASTM F42 Executive Committee 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chris Tuck has been appointed to the ASTM F42 Executive Committee, which devises a set of standards for Additive Manufacturing.

Follow on enquiries and engagement with governmental bodies in various countries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Appointment of Dr Chris Tuck to the BSi Standards Committee AMT/008 for Additive Manufacturing 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Dr Chris Tuck was appointed to the BSi Standards Committee Amt/008 for Additive Manufacturing in 2012. . Awarding Body - BSi Standards Committee, Name of Scheme - AMT/008 Additive Manufacturing

Development of Standards for AM
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In June 2013, the EPSRC Centre had the opportunity to exhibit with an own booth in the Discovery Zone. Dr Martin Baumers and Mr Jayasheelan Vathilingam introduced the opportunities that lie within AM to a very enthusiastic public audience and demonstrated the 3D printing process during the show using the EPSRC Centre's Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer.

Improved stimulated thinking and improve understanding of AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Cheltenham Science Festival, public lecture by Prof Richard Hague 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact On the 12th June 2012, EPSRC Centre Director Professor Richard Hague presented "3D printing live: Manufacturing the Future", a 90-minute interactive lecture in association with the EPSRC to a packed theatre of almost 400 members of the public, students and media at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

The event was exceptionally well received leading to a number of follow-on enquires to the EPSRC Centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2014
 
Description Co-host: Additive International Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Additive International is the premier summit for academic and industrial leaders in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing. Since 2006, we have showcased next-generation technology and the latest thinking, providing a forum for practitioners to build their networks and drive innovation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.additiveinternational.com
 
Description Contribution to Article on FT.com- Technogeeks' licence to print 3D money 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The article explains the advantages of the 3D printing technology, listing a few of industry sectors where the technology is successfully used.
At the same time, it draws readers' attention to the constraints of the 3D Printing.


Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dce6e0b4-48af-11e4-ad19-00144feab7de.html#axzz3H4M2rQAo
 
Description Creativity @ Home- Enhancing creative thinking in the Additive Manufacturing researcher community 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Participants in your research and patient groups
Results and Impact In order to further the interdisciplinary approaches and research outcomes of the EPSRC Centre, a customized workshop series "Thinking New and Ahead" was designed and delivered. The workshop series consisted of two face-to-face workshops with senior researchers and staff from the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing. In between the face-to-face sessions, participants completed a set of inter-session tasks.
The chosen underpinning method and discovery philosophy for this workshop series was Appreciative Inquiry, a proven and well-documented method for studying and learning from the positive example.
Through their discussions about their own observations and data collected from their interviews the individual participants gained increased understanding of:
- Examples of creative approaches in action
- Examples of outstanding positive research impact
- Examples of great collaboration and inter-disciplinary efforts
- The enabling factors of all of these examples



Based on the shared conclusions, the participants prepared a final presentation with a set of recommendations. These recommendations included:
• How to improve methods for internal information sharing
• Establishing new both formal and informal meeting routines
• Continued education of the teams in specific creativity enhancing techniques such as "Six Thinking Hats
• How to pay better attention to and learn when a creativity mind-set vs. an innovation mind-set is appropriate
In addition to these takeaways and concrete actions, the chosen approach and content were in themselves example of innovative approaches and hence participants gained a first-hand experience of trying out and learning from using relatively novel approach and concepts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing Website - Launch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Participants in your research and patient groups
Results and Impact Launch of the comprehensive EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing website, developed by external web developer Senior Media.



The site provides information on the EPSRC Centre, the team behind it, current projects, news, available jobs, industry engagement activities and available funding opportunities. In the EPSRC Centre, the web site has four administrators: Sophie Jones, Bochuan Liu, Mirela Axinte and Martin Baumers. The website will be complemented with the ADD3D partner site covering the EPSRC Centre's outreach activities.

Improved the understanding of the AM technology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Exhibitor to the 3DPrintshow, London and Paris 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre's outreach activities (under the National Centre umbrella) were featured in a dedicated part of the booth, providing an overview of AM and3DP research activities in the UK.

The attending EPSRC Centre researchers and staff led numerous discussions with industry members, researchers and the public highlighting the role of the EPSRC Centre as a research institution. Numerous demonstration parts were presented and publicity material was distributed.

The participation to the event led to follow-on enquiries to the EPSRC Centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013
 
Description Farnborough Airshow 2012 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Between the 9th to the 15th July 2012 The Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing exhibited at the International Farnborough Airshow where a number of companies and private individuals were introduced to the concepts and benefits of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing technology adoption.

The Centre was represented on two stands, the EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing stand and the Nottingham University stand. The event was divided into the Farnborough International Exhibition from Monday to Friday, and the Farnborough International Airshow on Saturday and Sunday.

Improved understanding of the AM technology amongst companies, private industrials and public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Flemish - Strategic Initiative on Materials- Panel 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Prof Richard Hague's participation as panel member for the Flemish Strategic Initiative Materials funding body - . Awarding Body - SIM, Name of Scheme - SIM

Award of grants to overseas organisations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Formal opening of the new Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Laboratory 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Formal opening of the new Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Laboratory, attended by 60+ participants from academia and industry.

To celebrate the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Research Group (3DPRG) at The University of Nottingham, the new Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, Sir Andrew Witty, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Greenaway, officially opened the lab on Tuesday 12th March 2013.

Improved the understanding of the Additive Manufacturing technology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description IET- 3D Printing A Differentiation Engine 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.

Follow-on enquiries to the EPSRC Centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description IET- Sector Debate: Additive Manufacturing 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Gordon Attenborough from IET conducted the Sector Debate session on Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing Techonology.
The panel consisted of Dr Chris Tuck (Deputy Director at the EPSRC Centre for IM in AM), James Buchanan (Jaguar Land Rover), Phil Reeves (Econolyst), Chris Elsworthy (CEL UK).

Improved stimulated thinking, start to build relationships with other researchers in the field. Improved understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmPUfoj4etw
 
Description Industrial Outreach - Games Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Exploratory meeting with Games Workshop (headquartered in Nottingham) manufacturing executives discussing the possible adoption of Additive Manufacturing technologies.

Informed technology adoption decisions at Games Workshop
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Investigators and leading participants in developing UK strategy for Additive Manufacturing with BIS 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Letter signed by leading industry and presented to governmental minister.

BIS progressing UK AM Strategy
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Invitation and Appointment of Dr Chris Tuck to the ESRC Expert Panel on AM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact In March 2012 Associate Professor Chris Tuck was invited and appointed to the ESRC Expert panel on Additive Manufacturing. . Awarding Body - Economic and Social Research Council, Name of Scheme - ESRC Expert Panel on Additive Manufacturing

ESRC inclusion in TSB funding initiative
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Invitation and Appointment of Dr Chris Tuck to the ESRC Workshop of 3D Printing and Freight 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact In April 2012 Dr Chris Tuck was invited and appointed as a Panel Member of the ESRC Workshop of 3D Printing and Freight. . Awarding Body - Economic and Social Research Council, Name of Scheme - ESRC Workshop of 3DP and Future of Freight

Award of ESRC funds to others
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Invited Keynote, IET Young Professionals, Royal Institution 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Very animated discussion with audience

interest from companies and individuals
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://tv.theiet.org/channels/news/17844.cfm
 
Description Invited Presentation - Cambridge University Inkjet centre 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact discussion with inkjet professionals

follow on meetings with participants
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited Presentation - Engineer Magazine Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Animated discussion of additive manufacturing amongst the audience

follow interaction with industry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited keynote - LOPEC Conference, Munich 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact talk stimulated discussion amongst printed electronics practitioners new to additive manufacturing

Collaborative work with Canon Oce
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited keynote - Non-Impact Printing / Digital Fabrication Conference, Seattle, US 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Lively debate with printed electronics community

Collaboration with Canon Oce, follow up communications with several companies, invitation to speak at another international conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.imaging.org/ist/conferences/df/
 
Description Invited presentation "Inside 3D Printing", New York, April 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact engaged audience

Follow up emails and potential collaborations with overseas companies
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited presentation, 3D Printshow, London and Paris, Oct 2013 & Nov 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards

follow up discussions with individuals
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited presentation, University of Berkeley 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards.

potential collaboration with U Berkeley
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Invited presentation, Westminster Business Forum 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact significant discussion with audience

influence of policy makers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Jumpstart funding event for supporting external Universities for underpinning science 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact "Jumpstart" funding event organised from EPSRC Centre for AM
~140 applicants, ~ 40 participants invited to attend, 10 projects submitted, 5 subsequently funded


5 externally funded, multi partner research projects funded
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description May Fest - The University's Open Day for the Community 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Annually, The University of Nottingham openits doors to the community for May Fest event, with free, interactive activities for all ages and interests.
During the event, the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing displayed 3D printed items, showcased the Makerbot and the Ultimaker and produced demonstration objects for visitors. The present researchers conducted outreach activities and informed the wider university community of the EPSRC Centre's capabilities and activities.

Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014
 
Description Ningbo China fact finding mission 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof Phill Dickens and the National Centre Coordinator, Dr Phil Reeves, participated in a conference and panel session at The University of Nottingham's Ningbo Campus in China. The conference was organised to develop linkages between the UK AM/3DP science base and companies and universities within China.

The event provided a platform to better understand recent Chinese government investment initiatives centred on AM/3DP and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Physics World Focus on: Optics and Lasers, May 2014, 3D Printing: the next step 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.

Future skills development has been promoted. Many young researchers and students looking to study additive manufacturing technologies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Prof Richard Hague - Steering group member for EPSRC Centre for Ultra Precision 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Steering group member for EPSRC Centre for Ultra Precision . Awarding Body - EPSRC, Name of Scheme - Centre for Innovative Manufacturing

Progression of EPSRC Centre for Ultra Precision
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011,2012,2013,2014
 
Description Prof Richard Hague's participation in UK/India Advanced Manufacturing Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Joint workshop between EPSRC and Indian DST scoping workshop on Advanced Manufacturing.

Follow on enquiries and engagement with governmental bodies in various countries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Project Reviewer for DFG (Germany) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Dr Chris Tuck has been selected as member of the project review panel for DFG (Germany).

Follow on enquiries and engagement with governmental bodies in various countries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Project Reviewer for FWO (Belgium) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Participants in your research and patient groups
Results and Impact Dr Chris Tuck and Prof Richard Hague were members of project review panel for FWO (Belgium). Awarding Body - FWO, Name of Scheme - Research Foundation Flanders Reviewer

Follow on enquiries and engagement with governmental bodies in various countries.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014
 
Description Project Reviewer for NASA 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Dr Chris Tuck is member of project review panel for NASA. . Awarding Body - NASA, Name of Scheme - Research Educations Awards Program (REAP)

Award of funds by NASA
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description RAE event 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre Director and the National Centre Coordinator participated in a round table event at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. The event was attended by the UK's leading industrial users of AM/3DP along with leading research group heads and funding bodies.

The outcome from the event was a positioning paper which highlights the UK's current position, competences and future needs to maintain and grow the AM/3DP industry and science base.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012,2013
 
Description RAE- Ingenia magazine 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre Director, Prof Richard Hague and National Centre Coordinator, Dr Phil Reeves, wrote a detailed article published in the Royal Academy of Engineers Ingenia magazine. The article was focused on 'myth busting' and redressing the hype surrounding consumer and commercial 3D printing.

The article considered the current state of the art in AM/3DP but also considered the direction of university research and the potential future impact that this may have on industry and society. Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Science Museum Exhibition- 3D: printing the future 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The one year long Science Museum (London) exhibition opened to the public in October 2013. The exhibition communicated that 3D printing is a way to produce physical objects from digital plans and investigate the potential of 3D printing to drive innovation.

Researchers at the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, University of Nottingham, helped create and sponsor a landmark exhibition at London's Science Museum to showcase a technology that is transforming manufacturing.

The 3D: printing the future exhibition, has been very successful at the Science Museum in London and the organisers decided to tour it to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. The exhibition at MSMI has been opened in Oct 2014 for 6 months.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014
 
Description Science in Parliament, vol 71, no 3, Summer 2014- 3D Printing- A revolution in the making 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst public.

Follow-on enquiries to the EPSRC Centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Summer internships 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact During the summers of 2013, 2014 and 2015, cohorts of summer interns were supported by University funding to work within the EPSRC Centre at The University of Nottingham. Working in small teams and made up from a diverse range of undergraduates, the interns were tasked with innovative work in the field of novel additive processes and designs. The objective of the exercise was to demonstrate the attractiveness of AM as a potential postgraduate research topic to students, including those from non-engineering disciplines such as physics or chemistry.

Improved stimulated thinking and understanding of the AM technology amongst undergraduate students.
Many students are looking to study additive manufacturing technologies, some decided to pursue PhD studies in AM field.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014,2015
 
Description TSB SIG-AM 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre Director and National Outreach Coordinator have participated on the advisory board of the TSB Special Interest Group on AM. In July 2012 the group published the report "Shaping our national competency in Additive Manufacturing", which lays out the barriers to technology adoption and the research requirements needed to bridge the technology innovation gap.

Resulting directly from this report, and the work of the SIG, TSB has now committed to invest up to £4.5-million in a dedicated AM research call.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
URL https://www.innovateuk.org/documents/1524978/1866952/Shaping%20our%20national%20competency%20in%20ad...
 
Description TV interviews with Sky News, featuring Prof Richard Hague 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact In June 2012 Centre director Prof Richard Hague was interviewed by Sky News for a news piece looking at the current and future state-of-the art in 3D printing technology. The piece has led to a number of inquiries into the Centre.
Accompanying the news piece an article featuring interview material with Richard Hague and National Outreach Coordinator Dr Phil Reeves was made available on the sky news web site.
The presenter and the interviewee (Centre Director Richard Hague) introduce the viewer to the concept of Additive Manufacture, multifunctional Additive Manufacture and the Centre's research agenda.

Improved understanding of the AM technology amongst public.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
URL http://news.sky.com/story/21494/3d-printing-revolution-could-re-shape-world
 
Description UK Delegation Leader on Expert Mission to Taiwan, Feb 2014 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Engagement with Taiwan academics and industry in the field of additive manufacturing

Follow up enquiries from Taiwan looking to collaborate on AM research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Victoria and Albert museum panel session 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The EPSRC Centre Director and the National Centre Coordinator participated in a panel session at the Victoria and Albert museum in London. The session was focused on 'the future of 3D printing' and how the technology could be applied to improve society, from the environment and healthcare to education and security.

The panel discussed their views on 3D printing, addressing questions such as what is most exciting in 3D printing at the moment, and what may be possible in the future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013