EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
CONTENTS 3
EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing - Pathways to success
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Movers and Makers - Dr Mark Claydon-Smith
6-7
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites
8-9
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Industrial Sustainability
10-11
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies
12-13
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Medical Devices
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics
16-17
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Large-Area Electronics
18-19
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Liquid Metal Engineering
20-21
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation
22-23
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Food
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine
34-35
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Through-life Engineering Services
36-37
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision
38-39
EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing - UK Map
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests around £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone’s health, lifestyle and culture.
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EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing Pathways to success What should the UK make, and which technologies should it master to be the best at manufacturing these products? EPSRC’s Centres for Innovative Manufacturing, in collaboration with industry, are helping chart the way forward. Their job – to enable the commercial development of the key discoveries in university manufacturing research. Britain has, quite rightly, given up trying to make everything and has focused on what it is good at. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) plays a unique role in turning concepts into reality, nurturing the engineering intelligentsia from the UK’s leading universities and linking them with the manufacturing industries driving the economy. EPSRC is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences, investing around £800 million a year in university-based research and postgraduate training to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. EPSRC has committed to investing £80 million every year to manufacturing research in the UK – mainly through its Manufacturing the Future initiative. This programme has a current portfolio of 230 projects representing an investment of over £350 million in cutting-edge work at the UK’s leading universities, and through collaboration with over 600 companies, which have contributed a further £136 million. In total, EPSRC and the academics it supports have around 2,000 active partnerships with business and other research users.
Together, the academic researchers supported by EPSRC and the business partners they work with decide which products and production methodologies the UK should focus on, how to plot the best course to get there, and how to link together the UK’s network of people and manufacturing processes. There are now 16 EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing (CIMs) spread across the UK, tasked with enabling the commercial development of the key discoveries in university manufacturing research. Some CIMs are focused on future products such as composites, food and pharma that will be especially important to the UK, while others investigate production technologies and how they scale up, such as additive manufacturing and automation. EPSRC works closely with Innovate UK, the new name for the government’s Technology Strategy Board. The CIMs and Innovate UK’s Catapults – technology innovation centres – have a close symbiosis, often overlapping (see page 4-5). Between them, the CIMs and Catapults cover more than 20 core fields of science, engineering and business that cover the megatrends facing industry today: additive
manufacturing, automation, the digital economy, future cities, continuous pharmaceutical manufacture, food, satellites, industrial sustainability and much more. Manufacturing the future means investing in future talent, and EPSRC is committed to supporting 1,000 postgraduate manufacturing research engineers, many of whom are working on industry-related projects. A crucial development is EPSRC’s 115 Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), most of which involve engineering or manufacturing. This is a big deal for UK industry, teaching the brightest people the skills, sometimes softer skills, that industry really needs. The combination of the brightest minds, cutting-edge facilities and industry know-how is irresistible. EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing are helping to get the best out of all three. This brochure shows the range and breadth of the CIM portfolio, and outlines each Centre’s unique combination of facilities and capabilities for successful partnership with industry. www.epsrc.ac.uk
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Movers and makers A network of experts, a pipeline of training, and total collaboration – EPSRC’s Head of Manufacturing, Dr Mark Claydon-Smith (pictured), explains how EPSRC’s Centres for Innovative Manufacturing and its research programmes are keeping the UK among the front runners in global manufacturing. UK manufacturing has reached a turning point. What has changed over 20 years is the view today that manufacturing is essential to the UK. For a while we toyed with the idea of walking away from it or letting it dissipate. There is a realisation now that we cannot let that happen.
CIMs work at an earlier Technology Readiness Level (TRL), from 1 to 4, while Catapults take that research work, develop and commercialise it through TRLs 4 to 6 and eventually, with industry, to TRL 9. That means proven product in the market.
people together in the Centre. Mike was brought in as the academic lead for the Manufacturing Technology Catapult to make the most of these synergies.
Another example is the EPSRC CIM in Composites, covering Bristol, Cranfield, Nottingham and Core research can take place Manchester universities, which is It’s all about globalisation. There in the universities, but the are certain products, technologies commercialisation and developmental managed alongside the National Composites Centre (NCC), whose and applications that give the UK a activity can be carried out in the CEO, Professor Peter Chivers, also reasonable chance of staying in the Catapult centres. Often the same chairs the CIM steering game. In several areas we are group. This partnership suits world class and ahead of the the aerospace and automotive game. What we’re actually companies involved. They looking at is whole business Give the best people the best are comfortable at managing model change, where their development through a manuservices and whole environment and connect it up TRL cascade, so they can see life engineering and their clearly the specific roles for consequences play a the NCC, such as production crucial role. scale-up, while benefitting EPSRC Centres for Innovative companies are involved in both, but from the universities’ capacity to Manufacturing (CIMs) have a working at different scales. explore ideas in depth. powerful part to play, addressing The company needs a pathway We used to worry about the brain the diversity of opportunities out through to commercialisation. drain. But a healthy churn is actually there. Each centre has different and good. We try to encourage this on complementary communities of A good example of a CIM working both sides, for people in industry to interest, and each helps to draw in with a Catapult is the relationship think about an academic career or the knowledge of the best people in between EPSRC’s Centre for academics developing deeper links each community. Our role, essentially, Innovative Manufacturing in with companies. is to give the best people the best Intelligent Automation, led by environment and connect it up. We Professor Mike Jackson at This is where EPSRC’s doctoral are fortunate because, for some Loughborough and Cranfield training programmes come in, and centres, literally the best people in Universities, and the High Value we now have a very satisfactory that field in the world are running a Manufacturing Catapult. TRL suite of options. Many of the EPSRC CIM in the UK. philosophies don’t always work for Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), CIMs but in this area they do. The for example, are collaborative with EPSRC CIMs and Innovate UK’s CIM is able to support exploratory industry. These centres, which involve Catapult centres complement each work and looks at two main areas. over 7,000 students, with 1,000 other. The Catapults tackle the The first is the ICT interface and specifically engaged in manufacturing problems of today, the Centres for developments in IT, and the second is research, are so important because Innovative Manufacturing research often a field of engineering can be the human factor – bringing the right the solutions of the future.
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complement their work with the CIMs provide funding for PhD studentships short of people at that elite level of understanding, which holds back where businesses take the lead in – and many are already engaged in that field from being developed [for arranging projects with an academic commercial work. manufacturing] to its potential. partner of their choice. So there The academics we support are are lots of ways for industry to Under the the CDT umbrella, EPSRC expected to disseminate their get involved. also offers graduate students the research to their community through opportunity to study for academic papers. The CIMs are an Engineering Doctorate no exception, and we expect (EngD). Launched in all researchers working with 1992, the Engineering CIMs to publish their research Each Centre has different and Doctorate is an alternative findings in academic journals, to the traditional PhD for just as they would within complementary communities of students who want a career academia. interest, and each helps to draw in EPSRC takes performance in industry. A four-year programme combines the knowledge of the best people in measurement very seriously. PhD-level research projects We have just had an internal each community. with taught courses; and review of most of our CIMs, and students spend about we are comfortable that our 75 per cent of their time own portfolios are well working on a specific on track. research problem – often We’re now looking at what we do next, To take dedicated sponsorship to the based within a company or a next level, our Manufacturing Industry which areas to focus on, and how Catapult environment. best to maximise opportunities for UK Fellowships were conceived precisely In addition to the CDT model, manufacturing. What is clear is that to help bright people in industry who EPSRC offers several other PhDmanufacturing research needs to be want to become future academic level training routes. These include connected into the wider economy if leaders. Ideally, the best people Doctoral Training Partnerships, we really wish to create a new future should work in both academia and which offer a more flexible training for UK manufacturing. industry over their careers. approach by passing the funds to universities to allocate rather than issuing them direct to students; and Industrial CASE awards, which
In terms of funding, most of the academics we support have other relationships with companies that
To find out more about working with EPSRC, and how we can help your business grow, visit: www.epsrc.ac.uk.
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training Launched in 2002, EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) have evolved into a major initiative for training the interdisciplinary researchers of tomorrow in strategically important areas. There are now 115 centres spanning EPSRC’s portfolio. CDTs bring together diverse areas of expertise to train engineers and scientists with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle today’s evolving issues. They also create new working cultures, build relationships between teams in universities and forge lasting links with industry. Combined governmental and partner funding for CDTs is now £962 million, including £31 million in capital investment. It is the UK’s largest investment in postgraduate training, involving over 7,000 students in areas of key importance to the UK economy and society, representing perhaps the biggest industry-educational trans-sector training investment in Europe. EPSRC Manufacturing Fellowships EPSRC’s relationship with Innovate UK’s Catapults has led to the EPSRC High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult Fellowships. Fellows will conduct research at one or more of the seven HVM Catapult centres, to inject more top-end academic rigour into these centres. In addition, EPSRC has introduced Manufacturing Industry Fellowships, devised to build academic research groups grounded in real industry experience. They specifically help the ‘outstanding individuals in industry’ who are moving into an academic career, in the expectation that their research will have a transformative impact on industry, among other metrics. There are now 12 fellowships based at 11 universities, supported by companies from BAE Systems and GE Sensors to GSK and Qinetiq. Four were awarded in 2014. .
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites (CIMComp) Our aim Advanced composite materials offer the most credible solutions to the problems of lightweighting (the introduction of lightweight materials) in transportation: from creating energy-efficient, crashresistant cars to environmentally friendly, cost-driven aircraft. They are also the material of choice for renewable energy generation. To take these solutions forward, we need to develop and understand the manufacturing
technologies which can reliably deliver the required production volumes and complexity of components. The ÂŁ5.9 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites (CIMComp) brings together leading universities, companies and research centres to underpin the development of next-generation composite manufacturing processes, based on low cost, short cycle times,
efficiency and sustainability. In so doing our aim is to stimulate investment in the manufacture of high-value lightweight structures, bringing significant benefits to UK industry and society. We are based at the University of Nottingham, with the University of Bristol, Cranfield University and The University of Manchester as academic partners.
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What we offer
Our impact
CIMComp offers the largest pool of resources and equipment in composites manufacturing research in the UK, including the only directed short carbon fibre preformer in the country, and the only quadaxial braider in the world. We also offer the expertise of internationally-leading researchers and academics. There are many opportunities for businesses to get involved in CIMComp, either directly in our research or as part of our wider network. This includes as a partner in our research projects, as an industrial partner on a feasibility project, by hosting knowledge transfer activities, by attending our dissemination events and technology seminars, or as a partner on projects that we coordinate.
The CIMComp total portfolio value is currently £22 million, which includes 32 interrelated projects and an Industrial Doctoral Centre. We are currently training 45 EPSRC-supported PhD/Engineering Doctorate (EngD) students and 29 postdoctoral researchers for the UK composites manufacturing sector, with a further 62 EngD students to be trained by 2022. We have leveraged over £2.2 million in industrial support since 2012.
Innovation links
CIMComp is an internationally-leading centre of excellence providing the foundations for a step change in the innovation of our supply chain. Dr Tim Slack, Airbus
CIMComp administers the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Manufacture. We also have close links to the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the National Composites Centre (NCC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), as well as the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NiACE).
Universities involved: University of Nottingham, University of Bristol, Cranfield University, The University of Manchester.
Our partners: Airbus, Amber Composites, AMRC, BAE Systems, Bentley, Bombardier Shorts, Caparo, Cobham, Composites Integration, Composites Research Network, Cordenka, Coriolis Composites UK, DSTL, ESI, Festo, Formax, Formtech, GKN, Herzog, Hexcel, Ifremer, Lmat, Lotus, Luxfer, McLaren Automotive, McLaren Racing, Merl, Morgan Composites, MTC, M Wright & Sons, NCC, Rolls-Royce, Sigmatex, Technical Fibre Products, Trellebourg, Vestas. Contact: Professor Andrew Long, EPSRC Centre Director Tel: +44 (0) 115 9513779 Email: Andrew.Long@nottingham.ac.uk Web site: www.epsrc-cimc.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Industrial Sustainability Our aim The UK is in the process of building an internationallyleading capability in the practice of industrial sustainability, and can benefit from that leadership economically, environmentally and socially. By rebalancing our economy and knowing how to manufacture products while using less energy and less resources, we increase the likelihood of retaining existing production, and even on-shoring the production of goods that are currently imported.
Based at the University of Cambridge, and in partnership with Cranfield University, Loughborough University and Imperial College London, the £5.2 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Industrial Sustainability supports cross-industry learning, shared technical research and the intellectual development of this rapidly evolving subject. Research collaborations include 22 additional universities in the UK, Europe and globally.
Our partners are typically leaders in their chosen fields, with a strong desire to work together on shared problems and opportunities. Collectively we share a common vision for excellence in practice, research and policy in the field of industrial sustainability. A key characteristic of the Centre is the focus on manufacturing processes and systems as well as products.
The work of the Centre offers hope for a positive industrial future that can be successful and sustainable over the long term. Future generations depend on this. Sir Richard Lapthorne, Chairman, Cable and Wireless, Chairman, Foresight Group on UK Manufacturing
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What we offer
Innovation links
Making a difference in the real world is core to our vision, which is why we offer membership to leading manufacturing businesses of all sizes. Our members work with us in several key ways: â Sharing experiences with academics and other members â Keeping the Centre up to date with industry needs and emerging trends â Guiding the direction of our core research and investments â Actively participating in research projects â Testing the outputs of other research projects â Implementing research findings to maximise their impact on the UK economy â Providing feedback that can help shape future government policy For many of our founder members, a key factor in joining is being able to share information about what works and what does not, in confidence, with other leading sustainable manufacturers. We help in this process. Members have privileged access to some of the early findings from research projects that they are not participating in. To ensure that our impact on industry is as effective as possible we drive all research projects to produce tools together with industry guides and case studies so that the research can be understood and adopted by businesses that were not part of the initial research. Where possible we also convert the tools into executive training and consultancy skills.
The Centre is committed to maintaining porous boundaries and enabling any UK academic to join with us in developing the very broad area of industrial sustainability. We maintain a wide set of international relationships and have working relationships with 20 leading international universities and technical institutes so that the UK remains aware of progress and is at the heart of global trends. Academic partners engaged in sustainable manufacturing and design include: the University of Surrey; the University of Liverpool; The University of Manchester; London College of Fashion; Royal College of Art; Brunel University; Cardiff University; the University of Strathclyde; and De Montfort University.
Our impact â 95 collaboration partner organisations in industry and academia â 13 tools being used by over 40 manufacturers â 16 business guides written â Over 90 journal and conference papers, book chapters and reports â Five reports to UK and other national governments and the UN â Core messages seen or heard by over 30,000 people
Our partners: Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Materials and Manufacturing at Exeter, Warwick and Cranfield, the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Food at Loughborough, Birmingham and Nottingham universities; the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership; the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
Industrial research partners: Adnams, ASICS, Carbon Trust, EEF, Extremis Ltd, The KTN Ltd, General Motors Company (GM) IEMA, Marks and Spencer, P&IB, RiverSimple, Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Unilever Corporate Research, Vitsoe Ltd, WRAP, Xeros Ltd, P&IB, Vestas. Contact: Professor Stephen Evans, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 339815 Email: se321@cam.ac.uk Mr Ian Bamford, Commercial Director, Tel: +44 (0) 771 851 7946 Email: imb31@cam.ac.uk Dr Dee Dee Frawley, National Outreach Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 766141 Email: ddf21@cam.ac.uk Email: info@industrialsustainability.org Web site: www.industrialsustainability.org
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies Our aim The £5.9 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies, based at UCL (University College London) and in collaboration with Imperial College London, provides an international lead in improving the way in which new biomolecules and processes are developed for manufacture and delivery to the patient.
We act as the focus for a national and international network of leading users and academics in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and provide strong support for UK industry. We aim to reduce greatly the time and costs of developing new treatments, and to improve access to protein drugs with advanced therapeutic properties. These developments offer the
potential for a step change in the competitiveness and performance of the UK-based biopharmaceutical sector. Our user group is made up of companies, sector groups and networking organisations and provides guidance on our research programme, the potential impact of our research, and the transfer of the technology we develop.
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What we offer
Innovation links
We offer a world-class engineering research capability to address the process challenges in biopharmaceuticals and synthetic biology. Our team is highly multidisciplinary, to address the complexity of research challenges. It links physical science and biological disciplines with engineering and social sciences. We host the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies – providing the next generation of trained engineers for the biopharmaceutical industry. We have a strong record of working with companies on collaborative R&D projects, and we are keen to partner with companies on new projects funded by Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board), Horizon 2020 and other agencies.
We undertake demonstration projects with Centre companies to apply the Centre research findings to company challenges. Funding is also available to support staff and researcher secondments to industry to apply research that we develop. Companies can also apply research that we develop through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, funded by Innovate UK. The Department of Biochemical Engineering at University College London manages an Industrial Doctoral Training Centre (IDTC) in Bioprocess Engineering Leadership. The IDTC provides opportunities for collaborative research with companies via tailored one-to-one Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programmes. The Centre regularly holds briefings and workshops on technical and strategic issues related to its remit, these are normally open to all the bioprocessing community. We also have close links with the Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd, the BioIndustry Association, and the High Value Manufacturing and Cell Therapy Catapults.
The review panel finds the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies to be a timely, highly innovative centre that is exploiting the UK’s top research and training talent in biomacromolecular therapeutics manufacturing… It is making outstanding progress in delivering the fundamental science and technological advances needed to safely and economically manufacture a range of new product classes that are expected to dictate future growth of the biotechnology sector as it enters the age of personalised medicine. The Centre is responsive to and very well coordinated with industry. International Review Panel
Universities involved: University College London, Imperial College London.
Our partners: Our research programme is aligned closely to industrial needs, and our industrial collaborators include major multinational pharmaceutical companies, small biopharmaceutical companies and companies in the supply chain. Contact: Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 207 679 3796 Email: nigelth@ucl.ac.uk Web site: www.ucl.ac.uk/biochemeng/industry/epsrc
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Medical Devices (MeDe Innovation) Our aim The global medical device market is valued at over £200 billion a year. That market is seeing pressures for reducing cost, increasing levels of regulatory control, improving levels of safety and reliability, and more rapid innovation and product development. The £4.5 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Medical Devices (MeDe Innovation) carries out research that addresses the whole manufacturing and product value chain in medical devices. This chain runs from product
concept through functional simulation and design, novel manufacturing processes and enhanced pre-clinical testing, to product delivery and enhanced patient benefits. The Centre is based at the University of Leeds, and is in collaboration with the universities of Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bradford. The Centre addresses the strategic challenges of introducing stratification and personalisation in medical device technology, in particular developing Stratified Approaches
For Enhanced Reliability (SAFER) medical devices. These challenges include developing functionally stratified design and manufacture, and manufacturing at the point of need (near-patient manufacturing). We have established an industry network of 150 partners and a national clinical network. We are focusing initially on implantable devices and surgical delivery systems in musculoskeletal disease, which has a global market estimated at £50 billion a year.
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What we offer We have the largest pre-clinical joint replacement simulator facility in the world, and can carry out 3D printing of scaffolds and cells for near-individualpatient manufacture. We can offer novel virtual simulation systems for prediction of function and performance, to be used in design analysis and stratification of implants and populations. We have facilities for the manufacture of non-woven textiles, and manufacturing processes for acellular biological scaffolds. We also have 500m2 Class Two clean rooms, and ISO-accredited research laboratories. Industry partners can join our network, engage directly in collaborative research, or collaborate with any of our university partners in feasibility studies. We also offer workshops on biological biomaterials and scaffolds, near-patient manufacture, and functionally stratified design and manufacture.
Innovation links We host EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – Innovation in Medical and Biological Engineering. We also host or have close links with: â The Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre based at the University of Leeds â The ARUK Centre for Tissue Engineering, University of Newcastle â The NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust
â The Bradford Polymer Research Centre â The Cell Therapy Catapult
Our impact One year in, our current research programme of work involves over 40 projects co-created with 15 different industry partners, and with NHS Blood and Transplant and NHS Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust. The total value of our current programme of work is £10 million, of which £3 million is matched funding from industry and other funders. We have 60 researchers actively working on manufacturing research projects in medical device technology.
Materialise has been working in partnership with MeDe Innovation to deliver novel software solutions via the Mimics Innovation Suite. Specific focus has been on ensuring the success of a novel bioactive implant for osteochondral repair. We have really benefitted from working in collaboration with the MeDe Innovation team and with the other industry partners supporting this tissue regeneration project, which has the potential to be adopted and adapted for a whole range of other clinical areas Daniel Daryaie Materialise UK Ltd, industry partner
Universities involved: University of Leeds, University of Bradford, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, University of Sheffield.
Our partners: Ceramisys, DePuySynthes, Eminate, Fripp Design, Glass Technology Services, JRI Orthopaedics, Materialise, NetComposites, NIHR LMBRU, NHSBT, Promethean Particles, Simpleware, Simulation Solutions, Surgical Innovations. Contact: Professor John Fisher, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 113 3432128 Email: J.fisher@leeds.ac.uk Ceri Williams, Deputy Director, Tel: +44 (0) 113 3430922 Email: c.j.r.williams@leeds.ac.uk Rowan Grant, National Outreach Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 113 3430923 Email: r.h.grant@leeds.ac.uk Web site: www.mede-innovation.ac.uk Twitter: @mede_innovation
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics Our aim Photonics and light-based technologies are key enabling technologies for the 21st century and central to our daily lives, from the web to the smartphone. Optical fibre enables the highspeed operation of the internet, cloud and big computing services. Lasers are the tool of choice for increasing the efficiency of advanced manufacturing, from
semiconductors to automotive production. Optical sensors are used in a host of different applications, from healthcare and building to transport infrastructure monitoring. To date, the manufacture of many photonic components, such as specialist optical fibre and new glasses, has been expensive and limited in volume.
The ÂŁ5.1 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics focuses on new methods of fabricating key photonics components so they can be manufactured costeffectively in high volume with high consistency, opening up new domains of performance.
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What we offer
Innovation links
Based at the EPSRC-supported Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, a substantial and internationally-leading institute for photonics, we offer access to a new, stateof-the-art clean room, with a unique range of optical fibre, silicon, glass and planar photonics manufacturing capabilities. We have an international reputation for expanding the range of optical materials, the methods by which they can be processed, and the devices that result. We are focused on new, low-cost techniques that expand both the fundamental performance and the manufacturability of key photonics components. Our industrial partners have access to the highest concentration of photonics expertise in Europe, as well as over 100 laboratories for characterisation, testing and development. We are engaged with companies throughout the supply chain, from photonics components manufacturers to end users and system integrators, who need to access the next generation of photonics capability.
We have links to the Satellite Applications Catapult and the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics.
Our impact Thanks to over £1 million in direct funding from industry we have developed novel photonic components and technologies that have enabled UK companies to expand their product portfolio in a range of fields. These include photonics, sensing, aerospace, defence, nuclear, energy and material processing – enhancing competitiveness and increasing their market penetration and overall share.
We are working with UK firms to exploit the untapped potential of optical technologies – extending their portfolios and introducing innovative, yet cost-competitive manufacturing processes in the photonics sector. Professor Sir David Payne, Principal Investigator
Universities involved: University of Southampton.
Our partners: AWE Plc, BAE Systems, Fianium Ltd, Fibercore Ltd, FiberLogix Ltd, Gooch & Housego Plc, M Squared Lasers Ltd, OpTek Systems, Oxford Electronics Ltd, Schlumberger, Selex Galileo, Sensoptics Ltd, SG Controls, SPI Lasers UK Ltd, Stratophase Ltd. Contact: Professor David Payne, Principal Investigator, Tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 3583 Email: dnp@orc.soton.ac.uk Deanna Standen, Marketing Communications, Tel: +44 (0) 2382 594509 Email: d.standen@soton.ac.uk Dr John Lincoln, National Outreach Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 7970 974120 Email: j.lincoln@soton.ac.uk Dr Gilberto Brambilla, Director, Tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 2696 Email: gb2@orc.soton.ac.uk Web site: www.cimp.soton.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Large-Area Electronics Our aim Large-area electronics is an innovative way of manufacturing electronics using high-throughput processes, such as printing and coating, with new active materials, including organic semiconductors, novel carbon-based materials and metal oxides. Devices including displays, photovoltaics, transistor circuits and sensors can be fabricated over large areas on a range of substrates, allowing electronic systems to be deployed in nontraditional situations: on paper, plastic or textiles, in furniture, cars and buildings as well as on packaging and even in and on the human body. This enables products to be designed that are
thin and light, as well as flexible and robust. With these attributes, electronics systems can enter completely new markets, in the form of intelligent packaging, automation systems in buildings, wearable electronics, anti-counterfeiting devices, healthcare products, and the ‘internet of things’, in which everyday objects are connected via the web. The £5.6 million Centre brings together four academic centres of excellence in the field: the Cambridge Innovation and Knowledge Centre (CIKC), the Centre for Plastic Electronics at Imperial College London, the Welsh Centre for Printing and
Coating at Swansea University, and the Organic Materials Innovation Centre at The University of Manchester. Our research is focused on the challenges of integrating the component technologies, including conventional silicon electronics where necessary, into multifunctional electronic systems using high volume manufacturing processes. We work with a wide range of companies which are pioneering the electronics manufacturing revolution, and end-users who see its commercial potential, helping to establish a vibrant new electronics systems manufacturing industry.
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What we offer
Innovation links
By working with us as a partner organisation you gain access to the most advanced knowledge in large-area electronics manufacturing research. We can help you develop new product concepts or carry out feasibility studies for manufacturing of large-area electronics applications. We support assessment of large-area electronics tools and fabrication techniques, in terms of yield, reliability and cost-effectiveness, for industrial product manufacturing. We work with industry through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and other exchange schemes through collaborative research projects such as those with Innovate UK (previously the Technology Strategy Board), Horizon 2020 or other publicly-funded schemes, and through our networking events and roadmapping workshops.
â High Value Manufacturing Catapult â SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre â EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Industrial Functional Coatings â EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Plastic Electronics Materials
Our impact â Large-area electronics will impact several high growth market sectors, with a global market predicted by analysts to reach at least $13 billion by 2020 â We are already working with industry partners in two Innovate UK collaborative projects with a total grant value of over £1.1 million.
The exciting future exploitation routes for our technology will utilise the unique properties of plastics to make electronics conformal, flexible, rollable, foldable and even stretchable. In overcoming the manufacturing obstacles to unlock the commercial potential of this market, the support of the bright minds of UK scientists is invaluable. Dr Mike Banach, Plastic Logic Ltd
Universities involved: University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, The University of Manchester, Swansea University.
Our partners: 3M United Kingdom PLC, Cambridge Display Technology Ltd, CPI Ltd (part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult), De La Rue International Ltd, Dow Corning Ltd, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Eight19 Ltd, Merck Chemicals Ltd, Molecular Vision Ltd, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Nokia Research Centre, Cambridge, Oxford Lasers Ltd, Plastic Logic Ltd, Pragmatic Printing Ltd, RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd, SABMiller PLC, Solvay Fluor GmbH. Contact: Chris Rider, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 767880 Email: cbr24@cam.ac.uk Web site: www-large-area-electronics.eng.cam.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Liquid Metal Engineering (LiME) Our aim Full metal circulation has the potential to transform the global metallurgical industry from one that is currently dominated by mining and primary metals production to one that revolves around the reuse, remanufacture or recycling of existing metals through innovative technologies. Achieving full metal circulation will lead to substantial conservation of natural resources and reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while meeting the demand for metallic materials for economic growth and wealth creation.
However, this depends upon developments in liquid metal engineering to bring it about. The UK metal casting industry is a key player in the global market, and it underpins the competitive position of every sector of UK manufacturing. However, the 500 or so companies in the sector are mainly SMEs, which are often not in a position to undertake the highest quality R&D necessary for them to remain competitive internationally. The ÂŁ5.1 million Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Liquid Metal Engineering (LiME)
is a national centre of excellence, based at Brunel University, and in collaboration with Oxford and Birmingham universities. The Centre carries out fundamental research in solidification science, develops new metallic materials, and creates innovative and sustainable technologies to enable the UK metal casting industry and its customers to improve their competitiveness in global markets.
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What we offer
Our impact
Our team of investigators provide the necessary expertise to carry out world-class research in both fundamental solidification science and mainstream casting technologies. We work flexibly as a crossinstitution research team, able to address the major challenges now facing the metal casting industry and its customers. LiME brings together the impressive facilities for solidification research at our three partner universities, including state-of-the-art analytical modelling and molecular dynamics simulation, a range of innovative casting processes, technologies for the engineering and assessment of liquid metals, and an extensive suite of tools for microstructural characterisation. We continually seek to build additional collaborations with academic and industrial partners. Moreover, in our role as a national centre, we aim to strengthen the UK solidification and casting community as a whole. We do this through a number of vehicles including networking opendays, technology workshops, and partnerships with industry federations.
We have developed a number of novel metallic materials and liquid metal processing technologies that are undergoing industrial scale trials in the UK and abroad. To further bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and full-scale production trials, we are establishing a £17.4 million Advanced Metals Casting Centre housing large-scale metals processing equipment in a purpose-built 1,500 m2 facility. Since LiME was established we have won £27 million in research funding including £8 million from industry. We have become a member of the global Light Metals Alliance of eight key light metals research groups, have organised three major international conferences, and work hard to bring the UK academic and industrial solidification and casting communities together.
Innovation links We have links with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and the new Materials Processing Institute. We work closely with the EPSRC LATEST2 programme. Our focus on innovation is working directly with industrial partners, for example for demonstrator and production scale trials, and through numerous collaborative programmes with the EU and Innovate UK (previously the Technology Strategy Board).
Within the international solidification community LiME has an excellent standing, obviously driven by enthusiasm of the highly motivated researchers. The Centre covers the whole range from atomistic modelling to foundry engineering. This is not only a real challenge, but is unique and means they transfer the knowledge gained not only to the scientific community, but also to industrial companies or more general to industrial processes. Professor Lorenz Ratke, German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Chairman of the LiME International Advisory Board
Universities involved: Brunel University, University of Birmingham, University of Oxford.
Our partners: Aeromet International, Aluminium Federation, Cast Metals Federation, CSIRO Light Metals Flagship, Doncasters, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Foseco, General Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals, Grainger & Worrall, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Cast Metals Engineers, Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, Jaguar Land Rover, JVM Castings, London & Scandinavian Metallurgical, Magnesium Elektron, Materials Knowledge Transfer Network, Meridian, NewPro Foundries, Norton Aluminium, QinetiQ, Rautomead, Rolls-Royce, Sandvik, Sapa, Siemens, Tata, TWI. Contact: Professor Zhongyun Fan, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: + 44 (0) 1895 266406 Email: Zhongyun.Fan@brunel.ac.uk Web site: www.lime.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation Our aim Most modern high-value manufacturing systems continue to rely heavily on the dexterity and flexibility of manual work. Intelligent automation could be a better alternative to many elements of human work, by improving operational efficiency and removing the need for people to carry out tasks in unhealthy, difficult or dangerous working conditions. This will enable companies to grow and skilled workers to be redeployed, performing other more rewarding tasks. This should bring substantial economic benefits, enabling manufacturers to continue (or return to) producing goods within the UK. The £5.9 million Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Intelligent Automation is a partnership between Loughborough University and Cranfield University, and has a
presence on both university sites. Our vision is to: • Bring people and technology together to research, develop and implement advanced industrial manufacturing automation solutions • Produce exemplars of research solutions up to proof-of-concept demonstrator stage • Broaden the take-up of automation throughout UK industry, especially among SMEs • Maintain high levels of quality whilst increasing production volume at reduced costs • Take a national role, connecting expertise with need in this growing specialist area • Inspire young people to consider future careers in highly skilled manufacturing roles • Promote the further development of intelligent automation for UK industry
We are working to develop automated manufacturing processes previously considered too difficult to automate. Many of the technologies developed will enhance and maximise the use of the existing skill sets within the workforce rather than replace them. The aim of our research is to radically improve the effectiveness of manufacturing operations in key areas of UK industry, working to meet the needs both of large companies and manufacturing supply chains.
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What we offer We reach out beyond our existing network to the wider manufacturing industry, especially SMEs. We aim to build relationships, working with companies who may otherwise have little access to high-value work. We work closely with the British Automation and Robot Association and the Manufacturing Technology Centre to identify automation issues for smaller manufacturers and individual companies, and are exploring opportunities to address these challenges. We are keen to grow and expand into different areas of manufacturing, and welcome expressions of interest from companies interested in investing as partners, and shaping our future research direction. â We can offer 400m2 of dedicated lab space at Loughborough University, and access to state-ofthe-art research facilities at Cranfield University â Academics and researchers work collaboratively across the two sites and out with industrial partners, sharing their complementary expertise to develop truly multidisciplinary research â A fundamental synergy comes from the integration of human factors researchers with automation researchers. This teamwork leads to full automation solutions, or partial automation solutions. The latter involves human-automation system cooperative working and has a significant safety research element We offer unique technical resources that include: â A Yaskawa SDA20D and SDA10 twin arm robot cooperative working cell â A Kuka KR16 adaptive welding automation cell which also has the facility for capturing human skill and process parameters in TiG welding â A collaborative human-automation cell for the development of new integrated safety systems â A haptic suit linked to Delmia for operator ergonomic studies, with eye tracking goggles for operator attention studies â Optical bore inspection facility mounted on Kuka KR16 robot
â 3D surface scanner mounted on Fanuc LR-Mate for micrometre sized surface feature measurement â Optical bore inspection facility mounted on Kuka KR16 robot
Innovation links We are part of a unique pipeline from discovery through to industrial deployment. Work initiated within an academic environment can be developed through an established innovation pathway (the Manufacturing Technology Centre and Cranfield Partners) to reach major industrial companies with the funding and commitment to exploit the results. This continuous pipeline is central to our success and value, and unique within the UK.
Our impact Fifteen projects that we have initiated will be progressed to TRL 4+ and supported for development by industry by the end of 2016. £1 million has been committed by the industrial partners to our research. Industrial partner-led evaluation has indicated that funds invested through us will lead to a significant positive financial return through new innovations in production processes.
The CIM creates a unique supply chain for talent in intelligent automation. These skills are not available to us from anywhere else and will form a pivotal part of our future workforce. Professor Ken Young, Technology Director, Manufacturing Technology Centre
Universities involved: Loughborough University, Cranfield University.
Our partners: Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Control and Data Services, the Manufacturing Technology Centre. Contact: Professor Mike Jackson, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: : +44 (0) 1509 227570 Email: m.r.jackson@lboro.ac.uk Web site: www.intelligent-automation.org.uk Twitter: @WeKnowRobots
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing Our aim We work on multi-functional additive manufacturing (AM), which is the next step in the evolution of digital fabrication (3D printing) technologies, opening up new possibilities in high-value manufacturing for the production of functional structures in one build operation. This will lead to highly geometrically complex and innovative products across multiple sectors to enable applications which, for example, have electronic or optical elements directly ‘printed-in’ them, or which have integrated pharmaceutical or medical functions. Individual consumers and industrial end-users will benefit through innovative designs and
the stream of services provided by the inbuilt functionality of products. Research has shown that additive manufacturing processes also have the potential to help improve sustainability, both in terms of the efficiency of manufacturing processes and the environmental performance of products during use. Based at the University of Nottingham, with Loughborough University as an academic partner, the ÂŁ5.9 million Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing carries out fundamental and translational research into multifunctional AM. The Centre aims to give the high-value manufacturing sector in the UK the tools to
compete aggressively in the global marketplace, providing sustainable industrial growth and attractive new employment opportunities in this highly industrially relevant new manufacturing methodology. While undertaking low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research activity, we also work closely with global industry to tackle major industrially relevant research challenges, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of AM and its applications. Our priority is to enable commercial exploitation of our research in order to meet the industrial and national requirements for cuttingedge technologies that have a low carbon manufacturing footprint.
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What we offer Our research activities primarily take place in our new Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing laboratory at the University of Nottingham. This is a £6 million facility covering 500m2 in which the university has also invested over £2 million in equipment and refurbishment to create an internationally unique and state-of-the-art additive manufacturing laboratory. Specially laid out for our research activities that span the TRL spectrum, the facility also incorporates three separate laboratory rooms with restricted access for confidential work. Our team includes world-leading researchers in innovative manufacturing (Centre Director Professor Richard Hague, for example, is Chair of the International Conference on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing), as well as highly-skilled technicians. Though we have a focus on the underpinning science related to additive manufacturing, we actively offer many opportunities for business to get involved – either directly in the research or as part of our wider network. In addition to working directly with industry through projects and partnerships, we host seminars, networking events and conferences to help develop the UK’s additive manufacturing community, bringing together industrial members and researchers. We also operate an open-door policy to all members of the industrial community, across most sectors, including aerospace, automotive, pharma and consumer, looking to carry out additive manufacturing research where we work with organisations of all sizes, from world-leading multinationals to new startup companies.
Innovation links
University of Nottingham with Newcastle, Liverpool and Loughborough universities as integral partners. The primary objective of this new CDT is to produce research leaders to tackle the major scientific and engineering challenges over the next 10-15 years, enabling additive manufacturing and 3D printing to play a prominent role in manufacturing, and provide the people and talent to fuel this new industrial revolution.
Our impact We are committed to realising the potential of our research activities and we strive to create impact on both academic and industrial levels through publications in the best scientific journals, graduation of doctoral students, patenting of key intellectual property and exploitation of this intellectual property through licencing into industry or through spin-out activity.
As additive manufacturing matures, technologies will evolve to transform the ways in which engineers design and fabricate parts... My research team, within the printing group, recently evaluated additive manufacturing research groups around the world and identified the Additive Manufacturing Research Group at the University of Nottingham as a world leader... I believe the proposed use of 3D printing to fabricate multi-functional parts is revolutionary, and we are interested in seeing progress in your investigations. Edward D. Davis, Senior Strategic Technology Manager, HP 3D Printing Business Unit
We recently launched the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Additive Manufacturing, led by the
Universities involved: University of Nottingham, Loughborough University.
Our partners: Alcoa, AWE, BAE Systems, Boeing Company, Delcam, Delphi Diesel Systems, Econolyst, GSK, National Physics Laboratory (NPL), Oce, PPG, Printed Electronics Limited, Renishaw, Rolls-Royce, Smart Fibres, Solidica, Stratasys, TWI. Contact: Professor Richard Hague, Director, Executive Team, the University of Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0) 115 951 3962 Email: Richard.Hague@nottingham.ac.uk Web site: www.3dp-research.com
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology Our aim Advanced metrology is a key infrastructure technology which increasingly underpins innovative manufacturing. Without measurement, manufacturing is not possible. Measurement is an important way of verifying that innovative manufacturing processes are working as they should, and predicting the quality of products, their function and lifetime performance. Measurement is applied across all manufacturing sectors, and it is of critical importance in key sectors such as aerospace, automotive, microelectronics, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and low carbon technologies, enabling these industries to flourish and grow in the UK. The ‘factory-on-the-machine’ concept, using novel measurement
technology, will enable products to be designed, manufactured, measured, and corrected in a single integrated system, making possible a flexible and agile form of high-value manufacturing. It will enable the future factory to make bespoke geometric products, getting them right first time, and every time. This new infrastructure technology, and the knowledge that comes from it, will also contribute to ‘big data’ collection, precision 3D printing, and cloud/distributed manufacturing systems. The £4.7 million Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology is based at the University of Huddersfield’s Centre for Precision Technologies (CPT), a long-established group with an international reputation in precision engineering, and metrology R&D. In partnership with the National Physical
Laboratory and the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our aim is to develop the UK’s manufacturing metrology capabilities, and support economic growth in precision engineering. Our highly innovative research and strong links with industry have resulted in the CPT being designated a National Centre of Excellence in Advanced Metrology. Our focus is on developing the UK’s manufacturing metrology capabilities, as well as supporting economic growth in relevant sectors. Our key areas of research are: • Machine tool metrology • Mathematics for metrology • Optical instrumentation • Surface metrology and applications • Ultra precision manufacturing
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What we offer
Innovation links
We work closely with industry partners to ensure that our research and projects will benefit the sector and ultimately lead to more efficient and accurate manufacturing processes. We solve real-world manufacturing problems through cutting-edge metrology research and development in precision engineering. Our multidisciplinary team of over 40 research staff and students includes engineering scientists, physicists, mechanical and electrical engineers, mathematicians and computer software developers. This ensures a high level of innovation and collaboration in different sectors and disciplines, including areas not commonly linked to precision engineering, such as skin science, forensics, implants and archaeology.
We have close links to the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
Our impact Since its creation in 2011 the Centre has collaborated with over 100 companies and around 75 universities/research institutes across the world. Over this period, £3.8 million of additional R&D funding has been leveraged and the team have delivered over 40 industrial training, consultancy and/or measurement services projects. The Centre is also actively engaged in the development of new national and international standards, and has strong links to the National Measurement System through its close collaborative relationship with National Physcial Laboratory.
Universities invovled: University of Huddersfield.
Our partners: AMRC, Asquith Butler, BSI, Carl Zeiss, Centre for Integrated Photonics (CIP), Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Cummins Turbo Technologies, Dapatech, David Brown Gear Systems, Depuy Forensic Pathways, Holroyd/PTG, IBS Precision Engineering, London Implant Retrieval Centre Machine Tool Technologies, Manufacturing Technologies Association, NPL, Renishaw, Rolls-Royce Taylor Hobson. Contact: Professor Xiangquian (Jane) Jiang, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 1484 473634 Email: x.jiang@hud.ac.uk Web site: www.hud.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/ciman
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Food Our aim The UK food manufacturing sector employs around 400,000 people, has an annual turnover of £76.2 billion, accounts for 16 per cent of the total UK manufacturing base, and contributes £12 billion in exports to the UK. However, there are numerous and increasing pressures on the food system, from the primary production of food to the changing behaviours and eating habits of consumers. There is both an increased need to use more of what nature provides while keeping pace with changes in consumer behaviour.
This requires a new, flexible manufacturing capability, which will enable foods to be made to order, closer to the point of sale and use. Engaging with the UK food industry and the UK science base can help us make food more resource-efficient and secure. The £4.5 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Food is helping to develop innovative materials, products and processes for use in food manufacture, and making food supply and manufacture more sustainable. This includes:
• Developing new processing technologies • Upgrading ingredients to improve resource efficiency • Developing food manufacturing for healthy diets and lifestyles • Using new, flexible manufacturing processes such as re-distributed manufacturing • Promoting eco-food manufacturing • Developing ideas and strategies for a sustainable food supply chain
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What we offer
Innovation links
The Centre is a collaboration between the University of Nottingham, the University of Birmingham and Loughborough University. We offer our partners research expertise and associated facilities and equipment, and we are also developing new talent, employing 30 new researchers. The University of Nottingham’s Department of Food Science has a focus on biomaterial processing, and is home to the Food and Bioenergy Innovation Centre, which has a bespoke food processing facility. Loughborough University has a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing. Its Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART) Centre leads in areas such as sustainable product design, low carbon manufacturing and supply chain management. The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Formulation Engineering won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2011. It is the only institute of its kind in the UK, and meets the process needs of industry in the manufacture of micro-structured materials. By becoming Centre partners, organisations in the food industry can get involved in our research projects, help to direct our projects, and gain early access to research data and talent developed at the Centre. We have an ongoing programme of events to encourage industry participation.
We collaborate with the EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Centre in Formulation Engineering, which carries out research in industry. The centre is developing new drying, emulsifying and 3D printing capabilities. We also collaborate with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemistry, which will develop new chemical and manufacturing solutions that are safe, efficient and, above all, sustainable. The Centre also has strong links with: â Innovate UK (previously the Technology Strategy Board) â UK Trade & Investment â Appetite for Engineering â The Knowledge Transfer Network â The Food and Drink Federation â The High Value Manufacturing Catapults (The Manufacturing Technology Centre)
This Centre will create the science and technology leadership required for the continued strength of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. Ian Noble, PepsiCo
Universities involved: University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, Loughborough University.
Our partners: Partners helping shape the focus and impact of the Centre are: 2 Sisters Food Group, AB Sugar, Cargill, Food & Drink Federation, J Sainsbury Plc, Knowledge Transfer Network, McCain Foods GB Ltd, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Marks and Spencer Plc, Mars, Mondelez, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Premier Foods, Unilever. Contact: Professor Tim Foster, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 115 9516246 Email: tim.foster@nottingham.ac.uk Twitter: @cim_food
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC) Our aim Together, CMAC’s partners have a shared long-term vision: to enable a step change from batch manufacturing of pharmaceuticals to fully continuous manufacturing processes, systems and plants – leading to higher levels of quality at a lower cost, more quickly and in a more sustainable manner. The shared vision, scope and programme for CMAC have been developed through close collaboration with industry and, in particular, our founding strategic partners GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novartis, which continue to provide significant input and support.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is entering a period of unprecedented change with the need to reduce costs, enhance sustainability and ensure quality across a broad range of traditional and emergent product types and therapeutic areas. The drivers for change include technological, economic and regulatory factors that have seen an increased focus on manufacturing research to deliver better processes and advanced products. Continuous manufacturing offers significant advantages over traditional batch methods, and
our research will revolutionise the way medicines are made and delivered to patients. This requires an improved understanding of pharmaceutical material functionality and new manufacturing technologies that can be deployed within a highly regulated environment. Our research is bringing together chemists, engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and supply chain management researchers to accelerate the adoption of continuous manufacturing.
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What we offer We have facilities distributed across our seven partner universities, providing access to unique, multidisciplinary capabilities over a broad spectrum of areas. We have developed a facilities database which may be viewed globally. We are also developing an expertise database to make it clear at a glance exactly what we offer. In addition to conducting fundamental manufacturing research, the Centre: â Develops new processes on company-specific problems â Innovates and puts prototypes into practice â Delivers measurable successes that are of real benefit to society â Creates commercial opportunities for start-ups and major global companies â Delivers new and innovative approaches to continuous manufacturing, tailored to industry needs â Produces a talent pipeline of highly skilled scientists and engineers â Influences policy, government and regulators â Understands and integrates with broader supply chain context â Collaborates best with best on a worldwide basis
Innovation links We are committed to open access across the broad industry/academic community. Our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training is helping meet the demand for
highly-skilled researchers in the field, working with leading UK academics and industry mentors. We also form part of the Technology and Innovation Centre at Strathclyde, a hub for world-leading research, transforming the way academics, business, industry and the public sector collaborate. Within this hub the recently announced £34 million UK Research Partnership Investment Fund scheme at Strathclyde will establish a world-class facility for continuous manufacturing and crystallisation research equipped with a comprehensive suite of continuous processing process analysis and characterisation equipment.
Our impact â 80 staff and growing â £80 million portfolio funding (original business plan £36 million) â Recent flagship awards include a £34.2 million UK Research Partnership Investment Fund; £22.8 million industry and charity contributions; and £23 million project approved in the latest round of the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative
The Centre is recognised by stakeholders as a world-leading manufacturing research centre. It will attract inward investment, new jobs and wealth. Craig Johnston, Industry Director
Universities involved: University of Strathclyde (hub), University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, Loughborough University.
Industrial partners: AMTech, AstraZeneca, Clairet Scientific Ltd, Cambridge Reactor Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis. Tier 2:, Mettler Toledo, NiTech Solutions Ltd, Novartis, Perceptive Engineering Ltd, PSE, Syrris Avantium, Alconbury Weston Ltd. Contact: Professor Alastair Florence, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 141 548 4877 (ext 4877) Email: alastair.florence@strath.ac.uk Craig Johnston, Industry Director, Tel: +44 (0) 141 548 2240 (ext 2240) Email: craig.johnston.101@strath.ac.uk Dr Andrea Johnston, Centre Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 141 548 4506 (ext 4506) Email: andrea.johnston@strath.ac.uk General Enquiries, Email: info@cmac.ac.uk, Web site: www.cmac.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes Our aim Laser-based manufacturing is a global multi-billion dollar industry. The past 25 years have seen industrial lasers replace conventional tools in many diverse areas of manufacture, enabling increased productivity, functionality and quality. The ÂŁ5.6 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes opens the door to a diverse range of new technologies, and manufacturing applications,
helping UK industry to take maximum advantage of these advances by bringing together a multidisciplinary team of leading UK researchers and key industry partners. We run a wide-ranging programme of coordinated research and UKwide network-building activities which include strong European links. This approach enables significant business growth opportunities, stimulating the broader UK community, providing
leadership in the development of UK public policy, giving access to infrastructure for SMEs, and providing education and training for industry. Our vision is to allow UK manufacturing industry to take advantage of high quality, high precision, repeatable and flexible laser-based production processes, by developing and refining new manufacturing techniques.
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What we offer
Innovation links
Our distributed Centre team offers world-class background knowledge of a wide range of laserbased manufacturing applications and high-level technical skills in the science and technology of both laser-material processes and advanced lasers, optics and related hardware systems. Moreover, we have a wide range of high average/ peak power industrial laser systems across many pulse lengths including millisecond, nanosecond, picosecond, femtosecond and continuous-wave, and wavelengths from the UV through to the infrared (355nm, 532nm, 1.06μm, 2.94μm, 10.6μm), and with average power levels from a few tens of Watts to multi-kW. These laser systems are coupled with high precision motion systems, including high speed galvo scanners and high precision air bearing and cross bearing stages. The laser processes that can be provided encompass micromachining, optical modification, polishing, cutting, welding and other joining processes. We also have extensive laser-based additive manufacturing systems, with a particular focus on powder bed processes. Analytical facilities include >20 electron microscopes, comprising SEMs, two dual beam Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscopes, and five Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs). Seedcorn projects allow SMEs to work with us on two-week feasibility studies or pump-prime projects at no cost to themselves. Each project is awarded up to two weeks of researcher time, with input from members of the Centre academic team to develop or test laser-based production processes that could benefit the SME involved.
We have close links to several EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training that complement and augment our research effort, including the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing.
Our impact Our underpinning approach to exploitation is the systematic sharing of new scientific information and technology with industry partners. In addition to the Core Platform and Flagship programmes, additional leverage and industry engagement are being developed via a series of initiatives. These include directly-funded, companyfocused research projects; partnering in Innovate UK (previously the Technology Strategy Board) projects; and by actively promoting larger-scale EU-funded programmes, utilising our well-developed European networks. In addition, the Centre Outreach Programme aims to help stimulate and coordinate the UK industry/ academic community with the objective of developing UK manufacturing industry growth strategies and influencing the formulation of national investment policies.
Universities involved: Heriot-Watt University, University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, University of Liverpool, The University of Manchester.
Our partners: AILU – Association of Laser Users, APT Technologies, Airbus, Attica, AWE, Carrs Welding Technologies Coherent Scotland, Compound Semiconductor Technologies, GE Aviation, Gooch & Housego Helia Photonics, JK Lasers, Laser Cladding Technology, Laser Expertise, Laser Micromachining Litron Lasers, Manufacturing Technology Centre, MenloSystems, Micrometric, M-Solv, OpTek Systems, OptoScribe, Oxford Lasers, PowerPhotonic, Renishaw, Selex-ES, SPI Lasers, Rofin-Sinar UK, Rofin-Baasel UK, Rolls-Royce, Tata, Trumpf, TWI. Contact: Professor Duncan Hand, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 131 451 3020 Email: D.P.Hand@hw.ac.uk Web site: www.cim-laser.ac.uk
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine Our aim Regenerative medicine is a highvalue field of healthcare, with the potential to transform lives for the better. It covers a wide range of therapies designed to enable damaged, diseased or defective skin, bone and other tissues to work normally again. The regenerative medicine manufacturing sector seeks to translate these therapies into the
clinic, in sufficient quantity and in safe and cost-effective ways. The ÂŁ5.8 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine is led by Loughborough University, in partnership with Keele University and the University of Nottingham. We work to equip businesses in the regenerative medicine
manufacturing industry with the tools, technologies and platforms they need, from end to end of the supply chain. We use a systems approach to draw together the many processes involved in transferring the right therapies to the right patient at the right time.
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What we offer
Our impact
We collaborate with academic, clinical and commercial organisations on a wide range of funded research. We are building a community to share best practice in regenerative medicine manufacturing. Each of the universities within the Centre has cutting-edge facilities which are available to our partners, including quality-managed biological engineering laboratories, advanced manufacturing workshops and analytical measurement suites. Our experts are available to work on confidential research projects for commercial clients. Businesses can commission our researchers to work on problems specific to their needs. Opportunities also arise for tools and technologies to be licensed to commercial organisations or for spinout companies to be created.
We deliver cost-effective processes that increase patient access to advanced therapies. We work with the regulatory authorities to inform the way that safe, effective treatments can be produced. We support policy in advanced therapies by working on committees and governmental initiatives. We promote good practice through our contribution to work on international standardisation. This bridging of biology, medicine and engineering creates one of the most exciting areas of multidisciplinary science – and it will lead to a new manufacturing industry.
Innovation links The Centre works with a wide variety of collaborators – academic, clinical, industrial and regulatory. Our close links with the Cell Therapy Catapult help our partners take their innovations into the marketplace.
Working with Professor Shakesheff and the EPSRC Centre has accelerated our product development work and created a new important opportunity to manufacture a regenerative product for dental and maxillofacial applications. Dr Marco Tatullo, Director of Research, Calabrodental
We have benefitted greatly from collaborating with the EPSRC Centre. Accessing first-class materials and drug delivery expertise has helped transition ideas from early proof of concept into full development. Rob Quirk, Director, Locate Therapeutics
Our fruitful collaboration with the EPSRC Centre at Loughborough University has given us access to manufacturing science expertise and specialist equipment to support the progress of two of our flagship projects. Dr Stephen Ward, Chief Operating Officer, Cell Therapy Catapult
Universities involved: Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham, Keele University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University College London.
Our partners: Asymptote, Athersys, Baker Ruskinn, Bose ElectroForce Systems Group, BSI, CCRM, Cell Therapy Catapult, GE Healthcare Life Sciences, GSK, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Instron TGT, Intercytex, International Organization for Standardization, I-Stem, Knowledge Transfer Network, LGC, Locate Therapeutics, Medilink East Midlands and West Midlands, MHRA, NC3Rs, Neusentis, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant, NIBSC, ReNeuron, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Smith & Nephew, TAP Biosystems, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Contact: Professor Nick Medcalf, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 1509 564898 Email: n.medcalf@lboro.ac.uk Dr Sophie Dale-Black, Head of Engagement, Tel: +44 (0) 1509 227649 Email: s.h.dale-black@lboro.ac.uk Web site: www.epsrc-regen-med.org Twitter: @RM_Outreach
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Through-Life Engineering Services Our aim Making complex engineering products is hard; making them last a long time is harder. The ÂŁ11.1 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Through-Life Engineering Services carries out research into extending the life of technological products and associated issues such as degradation and failure mechanisms, autonomous
maintenance, component obsolescence and whole life cost modelling. Hosted by Cranfield University and Durham University, the mission of the Centre is to improve the availability, predictability and reliability of complex engineering products that deliver the lowest possible cost over their whole life cycle.
Our vision is to provide thought leadership in through-life engineering services, and be the first choice for UK manufacturing companies as a source of technological solutions, R&D capability, knowledge, skill and advice. We are unique in what we offer.
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What we offer
Innovation links
The Through-life Engineering Services Studio is established in the heart of the Cranfield University Campus and at Durham University. The studio facilities provide instrumentation and laboratories for carrying out experiments and developing technology and process demonstrators. Among the facilities within the studio are: â An environmental chamber to support thermal cycling, dielectric over-voltage, thermal stress and current overload testing â NDT and associated capabilities in a number of techniques which include ultrasound, eddy current and thermography scanning and measurement technologies â An augmented and virtual reality suite
We have close links with the Electronics, Energy Generation and Supply, and Aerospace, Aviation and Defence Knowledge Transfer Networks. We have generated one patent and have two more potential patents in the pipeline. We held an inaugural TES Knowledge Hub dinner for 70 senior executives from industry and captured key themes for the future direction of our sector. These leading thinkers will help guide our innovation approach.
The facility also allows for a collaborative working environment, where multiple participants can simultaneously manipulate elements on their displays. There are various ways in which companies can get involved with us, from short-term, focused projects, through longer and broader interactions, to full membership of the core partner group, giving you the ability to steer the direction and focus of our research. We have also launched a TES Club, which provides a simple way of engaging with Centre activities, especially for smaller companies in the service and support supply chain.
Our impact The five core projects of the Centre are producing tangible results, and the collaborations with our industrial partners have become stronger. We have completed several industrial use cases to add value to the partners. We have published many papers in both peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences and now have in production the first book in Through-life Engineering Services which is due to be published in early 2015. We have developed a series of initiatives such as establishing a new international conference, TESConf, with 80 papers and 140 delegates in its third year, sponsoring a national award in Throughlife Engineering Services, also in its third year; and have held a series of open calls for feasibility studies complementary to our core research and funded 19 proposals involving 11 new universities with the Centre. We have also supported a series of successful proposals valued at £5.7 million which have grown the influence of the Centre.
Universities involved: Cranfield University, Durham University.
Our partners: Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Ministry of Defence, Bombardier Transportation, British Standards Institute, Intelligent Energy Ltd, Cassidian Test and Services Ltd, National Instruments Ltd, EnginSoft UK Ltd, GOM UK Ltd, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine Ltd, PRICE Systems International, Siemens Ltd, Copernicus Technology Ltd, ADS Group Ltd, East of England Energy Group, UK Council for Electronic Business, The Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs), The Safety and Reliability Society (SaRS), The Manufacturer. Contact: Professor Rajkumar Roy, EPSRC Centre Director, Tel: +44 (0) 1234 758555 Email: r.roy@cranfield.ac.uk Andy Shaw, EPSRC Centre Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 1234 750111 Ext 2281, Mobile: 07711 706287 Email: a.shaw@cranfield.ac.uk Eleanor Collins, EPSRC Centre Outreach Coordinator, Tel: +44 (0) 1234 750111 x 4031 Email: eleanor.collins@cranfield.ac.uk Web site: www.through-life-engineering-services.org
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EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision Our aim Ultra precision has many different applications, from microfluidics to large telescope and space optics. The technologies and techniques involved allow features on the atomic scale to be reproduced over large areas, with high yield and high quality. The ÂŁ5.9 million EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision is led by Cranfield University, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the National Physical Laboratory. The Centre helps to accelerate the development of emerging high-value products, through internationally-leading research
on ultra precision processes. It engages with the UK supply chain in precision manufacturing, helping to create opportunities for future wealth creation in emerging sectors.
What we offer Our primary role is to provide bespoke machine tools that can produce nano-scale features on metre-scale substrates, both rigid and flexible. As well as benefiting from worldleading research and the most rapid laser-assisted focused ion beam processing, our partners
have access to the most compact machine tooling centre, and the largest flexible film roll-to-roll processing equipment, built on a production scale. We engage with organisations throughout the supply chain for ultra precision equipment and its applications, from large machine producers to small businesses dealing with single-stage processes, and raw materials suppliers. This is increasingly the case, as UK businesses develop their own new products and services, which rely on access to facilities on the scale of what we have developed.
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Innovation links
Our impact
â Our educational demonstrator Watch It Made™ is being developed into a self-sustaining educational experience â Our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Ultra Precision is integrated with the National Strategy Programme and links educational and industrial outreach activities â We are involved in national networking events across the UK, including partnering with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapults â Output from our large roll processing platform provides sample material for the European EMPIR metrology programme and EPSRC metamaterials research projects.
Over 30 businesses have now joined in with our activities. In addition we have seen: â Over £7 million in added value from industrial and other non-EPSRC sources â 40 papers published, including by our CDT researchers as well as Centre investigators.
I am impressed and extremely interested in your reel-to-reel system and welcome the opportunity of being involved. We are a British company manufacturing reel-to reel equipment and have extensive experience in many of the processes; access to a large-scale research platform will help keep the UK ahead in this technology.
The Ultra Precision networking event at CPI brought together industry and academic experts and enabled us to showcase our facilities. Several interesting projects from the event are being considered and we are now working together with the Ultra Precision and Advanced Metrology centres to develop a roll-to-roll summer school for 2015. This has strengthened the relationship between CPI and the Ultra Precision CIM and we look forward to a very productive relationship moving forward. Dr Jon Helliwell, Director of Printable Electronics, Centre for Process Innovation
Neal Rothwell, Group CEO, Double-R Group
Universities involved: Cranfield University, University of Cambridge, National Physical Laboratory.
Our partners: 3DE, Aerotech (UK), Castech Ltd, Double-R Controls Ltd, Fanuc (UK), Gooch & Housego, Heidenhain (UK), Hexagon Metrology, Holford Precision Ltd, Integration Technology Ltd, Loxham Precision M-Solv, Poeton Ltd, Qioptiq Ltd, SPI Lasers UK, Timson, Westwind. Contact: Martin O’Hara, National Strategy Manager, Tel: +44 (0) 1234 752958 Email: martin@ultraprecision.org Web site: www.ultraprecision.org Twitter: @UPrecisionUK LinkedIn: Ultra Precision UK Network Facebook: Ultra Precision UK
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