14 Jul 2014
LU's world-leading 3D printing research shines at Royal Academy of Engineering Soirée
Loughborough researchers from the internationally renowned Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering received a Royal nod of approval during the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Annual Summer Soirée.
HRH the Duke of Kent (Royal Fellow of the Academy) visited the exhibit that was presented by Dr Ross Friel and Professor Rob Parkin, which showcased the cutting edge Additive Manufacturing, or 3D Printing, research being performed at Loughborough.
Dr Friel is a member of the Additive Manufacturing Research Group (AMRG) which is based in the Wolfson School and was responsible for putting together the exhibit which showcased the research group’s work into Complex Surgery Simulation, Ultrasonic Consolidation, Schools Engagement, and the King Richard III project.
The Duke spent more than double his allotted time chatting to Dr Friel at the Loughborough exhibit, which was one of just six to be handpicked from the 21 exhibits representing the very best in UK manufacturing research.
Dr Friel said: “His Royal Highness was very interested in how Additive Manufacturing is having such an impact on UK high value manufacturing and it was great for the group’s work to receive this further recognition from the highest level.
“When the research is such that a member of the Royal Family personally wants to see what you have to show and hear what you have to say, then it makes you realise that the technology and our research is really starting to hit home.
“His Royal Highness was particularly interested in the level of detail of the King Richard III skeleton and he was very surprised when I told him it was manufactured using a laser and Nylon powder!”
The interactive exhibition showcased the inspiring and innovative research that it is hoped will ensure a bright future for UK manufacturing and took place at the ManufacturingTechnology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
Loughborough are a founder member of the MTC which opened in 2011 with the aim of developing new technologies that originate in universities and transferring them to UK industry.