![Lithoz CeraFab S65](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.the-mtc.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F3_2_standard%2Fpublic%2F2024-07%2FLithoz%2520CeraFab%2520S65.jpg%3Fitok%3DjWwIWZxP&w=1920&q=75)
MTC launches Sustainable Materials Hub to drive net zero product innovation
Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing
Sustainability & Net Zero
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has invested in a new hub for sustainable additive manufacturing (AM). This initiative opens avenues for research and development to support the design and manufacturing of net zero products with end-to-end circularity.
The new hub features polymer and ceramic AM machines to manufacture net zero products alongside material reprocessing equipment to recycle waste AM materials and parts into feedstocks.
A Lithoz CeraFab S65 and an Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence desktop system will 3D print products using a portfolio of ceramics, including Alumina, Silicon Nitride and Aluminium Nitride. In addition, the MTC’s investment in a new Carbon M3 machine will enable processing of high-performance polymers for net zero products in sectors including aerospace, defence, and energy. Polymer granulation and feedstock forming systems will also be installed which will result in a fully circular polymer manufacturing process chain at the MTC.
![AM parts being fed into a granulator at MTC](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.the-mtc.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F3_2_standard%2Fpublic%2F2024-07%2FAM%2520parts%2520being%2520fed%2520into%2520a%2520granulator%2520at%2520MTC.jpg%3Fitok%3DNW_vQ06s&w=1920&q=75)
As additive manufacturing technology progresses, finding materials that are renewable, bio-based, recycled and recyclable is crucial to enhancing its sustainability credentials.
We already collaborate with industry stakeholders - such as Ai Build and Weir – on projects to develop and scale-up the use of more sustainable materials in manufacturing. By investing in more cutting-edge equipment, we can continue to support customers and partners in paving the way for a more environmentally-friendly future for this technology.
Ross Trepleton, Associate Director for Component Manufacturing - MTC