The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing at the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre has signed a strategic partnership with the University of Exeter to develop high performance polymer components using additive manufacturing.
The MTC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Exeter's Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) to work together on the development and exploitation of additive-manufactured high performance polymeric (HPP) parts.
HPP components are used in harsh and high-stress environments. They are resistant to high temperatures, high pressures and corrosive chemicals and are used extensively in the petrochemical, oil and gas, aerospace, power generation and medical sectors.
In recent years the University of Exeter's CALM has been driving the research agenda for producing high performance polymeric components with additive manufacture, or 3D printing, in particular for high temperature requirements. CALM has delivered multiple collaborative projects with industry to bring these materials and processes closer to full commercialisation.
Dr. Hoda Amel, who heads the polymer additive manufacturing activity within the National Centre, said additive manufacturing is a fast-growing area but the production of end-use parts for the high value manufacturing sector demands improved part performance. Improved part properties arising from this partnership will help to drive the uptake of polymer AM within the UK manufacturing sector.
"The University of Exeter's CALM facility has been carrying out some very interesting work on the production of high performance polymeric components using additive manufacture. That, combined with the expertise and capabilities of the MTC, opens up some exciting possibilities. We will be looking to develop the technology by exploiting additive manufacturing processes, combined with the advantages of cost, speed and complexity that AM brings as we bridge the gap between market requirements and process reality," she said.
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