The University of Wolverhampton has officially launched its Centre of Excellence for Shaped Laser Additive Manufacturing. This facility is located at the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) on the Springfield Campus. It aims to drive sustainable additive manufacturing (AM) research. The launch event is set for May 7th, marking a significant step towards developing next-generation materials essential to the UK economy.
University of Wolverhampton’s Legacy in Additive Manufacturing
Since 1999, the University of Wolverhampton has been a leader in metal laser powder bed fusion research. It has collaborated with EOS to advance developments in the field. Initially, the focus was on titanium and steels. The research then expanded to conductive metals like copper and silver. This work has been crucial to the progress of additive manufacturing in the UK.
In 2024, the university launched the UK Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. It also installed the AMCM Flex M290 machine, which uses nLight beam shaping laser technology. This strategic move will help meet the demand for advanced materials and support innovation in the UK manufacturing sector.
Focus Areas of the New Centre
The Centre of Excellence will focus on next-generation materials and creating AM spin-outs. Professor Arun Arjunan, Director of the ECMS, highlighted that the centre will aim to upskill the national manufacturing workforce. It will offer Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs and training to address the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector. The research will also contribute to the Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor. This initiative supports the growth of new green industries by leveraging the region’s strengths in high-value manufacturing, green technologies, digital innovation, and brownfield land regeneration.
The launch event will bring together industry leaders and researchers. They will discuss advancements in laser beam shaping, sustainable additive manufacturing, and industrial 3D printing. This gathering will explore the future of manufacturing technologies and their role in the UK’s green economy.
Conclusion
The Centre of Excellence for Shaped Laser Additive Manufacturing at the University of Wolverhampton is a significant step forward in sustainable manufacturing. With its focus on next-generation materials and upskilling the workforce, the centre is poised to lead the way in the UK’s manufacturing future. The university’s contributions to AM innovation are helping support the country’s green industrial ambitions.
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