EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R35377/01
Title: Rapid manufacturing using high speed printing technology
Principal Investigator: Wimpenny, Mr DI
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Black & Decker Europe Delcam International plc Delta Electrical Ltd
Emerson & Renwick Ltd Ford Motor Co TRW
Department: School of Engineering & Technology
Organisation: De Montfort University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 July 2002 Ends: 31 March 2006 Value (£): 315,567
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Manufacturing Machine & Plant
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Electronics
Creative Industries Information Technologies
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The objectives of the programme of work is to develop a novel rapid manufacturing process based on high speed impact printing technology. The new approach utilises a combination of two printing methods; computer-to-plate (CtP) printing which employs a disposable stencil to generate multiple copies very rapidly and thermography which is used to convert the printed CtP images to a layer of thermofusable material, such Nylon for example. This new approach, which is the subject of a patent application by Warwick Manufacturing Group, will enable parts to be manufactured in a fraction of the time of the fastest rapid prototyping equipment and could even compete with injection moulding rates of production. Although the main focus of the research will be the manufacturing of plastic components, this method can be adapted to enable a wider range of materials to be processed.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk