An academic from The University of Nottingham who specialises in manufacturing technology, has won a prestigious international award in recognition of his work in 3D printing.
Dr. Adam Clare won the title of International Outstanding Young Researcher for the significant contribution he has made to smart material processing, particularly with regards to 3D printing.
Smart materials are those which are responsive to environmental stimuli which may either change their properties, their structure or their functions. These may include shape memory materials and piezoelectrics which have wide ranging applications from biomedical implants through to microelectronics.
Outstanding accomplishments
The award for International Outstanding Young Researcher in Freeform and Additive Manufacturing, which is presented each year by the organisers of the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFFS), recognises an outstanding young researcher early in their career.
The award is given to a researcher who can demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the field of additive fabrication, who has potential for a successful career in the sector, and who acts as a positive role model to academics, industrial partners and students.
Dr. Clare said: “I am honoured to have received this award. It is also a tribute to the great work of all of the people involved in the 3D printing group in Nottingham. This is a very exciting time to be involved in 3D printing and I’m looking forward to undertaking further research in the future to further develop our understanding of the potential of this technology. Since Nottingham hosts the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing, we are well placed in this vibrant research community.”
Dr. Clare was presented with his award at the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium which took place at the University of Texas in Austin earlier this summer and celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.
Pushing the boundaries of research and innovation
Speaking about the reasons why Dr. Clare received the award, Dr. David Bourell, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at The University of Texas, and Chair of the SFFS organising committee, said: “The judges felt that in addition to Adam’s exceptional research work in the area of additive manufacturing, he has also demonstrated significant leadership potential as a member of the 3D printing group at The University of Nottingham.
"It is very encouraging to see that there are talented young academics, such as Adam, working in the area of freeform and additive manufacturing, who will help to push the boundaries of research and innovation in this field in the future.”
Professor Andy Long, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Nottingham, added: “This award from the SFFS recognises the tremendous work that Adam has been doing in additive manufacturing research, along with colleagues in our Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Research Group.
A team of dedicated academics
"We are also fortunate to be able to host the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing here in Nottingham and to have a great team of dedicated academics who are helping to find exciting new applications for this technology.”
Adam’s work also includes the development of new powder feed materials that have the potential to significantly enhance the quality of alloy parts created using additive manufacturing technology. This technology is now in the process of being commercialised through the University’s Business Engagement and Innovation Services department.
Visit The University of Nottingham’s additive manufacturing web page for further details about its work in this area.
For more information about the International Solid Freeform Fabrication Forum visit their website.
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More information is available from Nick King, Marketing Projects Manager, Business Engagement and Innovation Services at The University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 823 2184, or on nicholas.king@nottingham.ac.uk
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