3D printing award for Nottingham expert

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 additive manufacturing (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.

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. It 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.

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.