Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) produced research leaders in Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D Printing (3DP) and supported the advancement of major scientific and engineering challenges in AM.
The challenges encompassed a wide range of disciplines from chemistry and physics, to computer science, engineering and biomaterials. The CDT supported talented individuals who worked across these disciplines, making AM and 3DP the enabler for a better economy, environment and society.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing was led by The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Loughborough University, Newcastle University and the University of Liverpool. Hosted at the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM), this CDT brought together the UK's foremost AM research institutions to generate the next leaders of this exciting technology.
This CDT programme closed in March 2024.
Research themes
Discovery, understanding, and innovation in additive manufacturing (AM) are key elements of the research strategy for both this CDT and the EPSRC Centre in AM. The primary concerns of additive manufacturing research focus on process control (repeatability) and the effects of (multi) material deposition, whether from a design, manufacturing, or material standpoint. This broader research challenge aims to address the lack of innovation within AM processes and systems and to develop new multi-material AM capabilities that enable the production of graded and multi-functional components in single builds.
The CDT identified a number of cross-cutting themes to tackle the research challenges and move towards the successful deployment and increased efficacy of AM and 3DP.
- Deposition, is an overarching challenge both in term of design, material and process capability and is core to the CDT in AM research vision.
- Graded is, in effect, the next stage on from deposition, whereby materials are mixed and deposited on an ever-increasing resolution in order to effect greater and more complex functionality from graded material placement. The development of graduated structures that are fully designed and understood in terms of their final properties and capabilities is a significant multidisciplinary activity.
- Control, will enable existing and future AM processes and systems to actively monitor and adapt the AM processes in order for them to produce the functionalised component with the correct resolution, accuracy and importantly repeatability, not seen in todays single material systems.
- Function, will enable components that have greater functionality through optimal design and material deposition methods. This challenge will be to ascertain the benchmarks for a given function (i.e. thermal conductivity or electrical resistivity) and seek out new ways to enhance this functionality; for example, through greater design freedom and capability or through the development of new materials and process enhancement.
These challenges formed the basis of individual research projects in the Centre and played a key role in contributing to the success of the major developments in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing.
PhD training programme
The CDT delivered a four-year PhD training programme. It included specific training in AM and 3DP methods and techniques, and the opportunity to attend international study tours. All students were part of a cohort, which encouraged interdisciplinary research, innovative thinking and a supportive learning environment. Each PhD project had a specific link to an industrial partner, supported by a minimum three-month industrial internship.
The CDT in Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D Printing (3DP) provided to selected candidates a generous scholarship package that included:
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Tuition fees paid
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A tax-free annual stipend of up to £20,000 (subject to agreement and confirmation)
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A dedicated training programme to enable researchers to understand the breadth and depth of AM and 3DP technology
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Resources to support training, development, travel and research
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An international travel budget for visits to overseas laboratories and attendance at international conferences
The CDT programme is now closed. For current funded PhD opportunities within the Centre for Additive Manufacturing, check here:
PhD opportunities at the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM)
Industrial partners
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D Printing (3DP) had several industry partners sponsoring a wide range of projects, including 3T, AWE, BMW, Fluorocarbon, Materialise, Nikon, Renishaw, UTC Aerospace systems, BorgWarner, Pfizer, Texon, MTC, GSK, GTS, 3D Life Prints, National Physical Laboratory, Oerlikon Metco, Siemens, Johnson Matthey, Exova and dstl.
Industrial partnerships offered an invaluable addition to the CDT experience. It ensured that the PhD projects were relevant to industry and capable of having a significant impact on the way products are manufactured.
Benefits to Industry
For industrial partners, the benefits of being involved with the CDT included:
- Access to a high-calibre graduate with the time and skills to concentrate on an industrial project
- Access to academics with expertise in the field of additive manufacturing
- Access to University facilities
- Cost-effective method of funding research
- Development of strategic links with the University
This programme is now closed, but if you are interested in partnerships or collaborations for developments in the filed of additive manufacturing, please check the Work with us section on CfAM's page.
Partnerships at the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM)