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A manufacturing lecturer from The University of Nottingham has been given an award by the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), in recognition of his work in manufacturing and processing of materials research with two Japanese Universities.
Dr. Adam Clare was presented with his Furusato Award at the Japanese Embassy in London, one of only three people in the country to receive the accolade this year. Adam’s award came about as a result of his collaboration with the University of Tokyo and Okayama University, where he worked in non-conventional manufacturing techniques, such as Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM).
Used in aerospace, biomedicine and motor industries
An increasing number of industries such as aerospace, biomedicine and the motor industry, are using EDM and EBM techniques in their manufacturing processes. However, relatively little is known about the impact that these machines actually have on materials.
The research work which Dr. Clare conducted with Professor Okada at Okayama University, focused on looking at what happens to materials when they are processed by electron beam melting. This is especially useful for the manufacture of mould tools for high value products which are essential to the UK and Japanese manufacturing industries.
Dr. Clare has also worked closely with Professor Kunieda of the University of Tokyo. Together they have investigated the effects of electrical discharge machining on single crystal materials. This provides useful information for the future of electrical component manufacture. The results of this work have recently been published in the Journal of Materials Processing Technology.
Helping manufacturers make more informed decisions
Commenting about receiving his award, Dr. Clare said: “My work, together with colleagues in Japan and Nottingham, is helping to build up an understanding of Electrical Discharge Machining and the effect it has on various materials such as silicon and alloys suitable for the aerospace and biomedical industries.
"It will play an important role in helping manufacturers make more informed decisions about the way in which they use non-conventional manufacturing techniques such as EDM and EBM, so that they can optimise their processes.”
Also speaking at the event from The University of Nottingham, was Foreign Secretary and Vice-President of the Royal Society, Professor Martyn Poliakoff, who talked of the successful working relationship between JSPS and the Royal Society which spans four decades.
Ms. Polly Watson, International Programme Coordinator for JSPS in London, said: We really appreciate the continued dedication of Dr. Adam Clare and the other award winners to collaborate with researchers in Japan. JSPS looks forward to a further 80 years of supporting scientific excellence, in Japan and around the world and particularly hopes to develop stronger links with excellent institutions in the UK such as The University of Nottingham.”
Close collaboration with colleagues in Japan
Speaking about Dr. Clare’s award, Professor Svetan Ratchev, Director of the Nottingham Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre at The University of Nottingham, said: “I am delighted that Adam has received this award. It is fitting recognition for his groundbreaking work in EDM and EBM. Furthermore it highlights the close collaboration he has established with academic colleagues in Japan.”
For details about The University of Nottingham’s work in precision manufacturing, visit www.precisionmanufacturing.co.uk
For information about the full range of services for businesses visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/servicesforbusiness
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Notes to editors:
Other winners from The University of Nottingham
Two other researchers from The University of Nottingham also received awards from JSPS at the 80th event in the Photo Competition. Dr Angus Davison won the research photo category for his picture entitled “Mirror Image Snails” and Dr Timothy Jukes was runner-up in the travel category for his photo “Shibuya.”
Visit: http://www.jsps.org/news/2012/11/results-of-the-jsps-80th-anniversary-photo-competition.html
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