Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing
Our research in advanced manufacturing focuses on developing and optimising next-generation manufacturing processes and material systems. We aim to create high-value components with tailored or exotic properties, engineered to perform in demanding applications, including extreme or highly regulated environments.
Key research areas
- Novel manufacturing techniques and hybridisation: We develop innovative manufacturing processes to address production challenges, enhance design flexibility, and improve scalability.
- Processing of exotic and advanced materials: We work with difficult-to-process or novel materials, including ceramics and composites, developing new processing routes.
- Materials/composite design: We design materials and composites tailored to specific applications and manufacturing processes, ensuring optimal performance and consistency throughout production.
Current research themes
- Hybrid additive manufacturing: Combining additive and subtractive methods to produce components with complex geometries, precise features, and smooth surfaces.
- Manufacture of low-temperature co-fired ceramics: Developing 3D-printed LTCC materials for use in electronics and sensors.
- Manufacture of high-value optical components: Process optimisation and material development for optical components used in imaging and laser systems.
- Hybridisation of robotic and additive processes: Integrating robotic systems with additive manufacturing to enable automated assembly during production.