Recent advances in the development of inkjet as a viable 3D Printing Technology
Speaker: Dr. Ian Ashcroft, Professor of Solid Mechanics at the University of Nottingham, Department of Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
When: September 29, 2023 | 10 AM
Location: CEME Building (6250 Applied Science Lane), room 2202
Abstract:
Inkjet has high potential as a technology for high resolution multi-material 3D printing but also significant challenges, including droplet interactions, geometric control and process control and optimization. This talk will look at two specific inkjet technologies and discuss how these challenges are being addressed. The first technology is Reactive Inkjet, in which a photo-curable polymer is printed. The talk will focus on the development of a number of modelling techniques to create a digital twin of the process to enable process optimization. The second technology is MetalJet, which involves molten metal droplets. The talk will show how a combination of modelling and experiments are being used to better understand the challenges with this technology.
Biography:
Dr. Ashcroft is a Professor of Solid Mechanics at the University of Nottingham, and until recently was also the Head of the Department of Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering. Prior to this Ian has also worked in the Steel Industry in South Wales, has worked in Australia as a Research Fellow, worked for the Ministry of Defence at Farnborough and founded a successful spinout company. He has varied interests in the field of Solid Mechanics, including both experimental and computational aspects. In recent years the focus of much of his research has been in the field of Additive Manufacturing, topics including process modelling, design for manufacture and materials and process development.