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Rapid manufacturing a low carbon future - RM as a technology enabler for sustainable production, distribution and product lifecycle
Chris Tuck - Loughborough University, UK
ABSTRACT - Much has been written about the technological capabilities and constraints of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) for the production of end-use component parts, in the application we now know as 'Rapid Manufacturing or RM'. In many cases, RM is benchmarked directly against established processes such as injection moulding, die casting and more recently CNC machining, both in terms of the capabilities of the process and the resulting mechanical and geometric integrity of the resulting parts. In many cases, this benchmarking remains the limiting factor in the justification or dismissal of RM as a disruptive technology.
In this presentation, we look beyond the 'traditional engineering metrics' used for process selection, into the potential sustainability benefits of Rapid Manufacturing, as these are often overlooked when considering the technology. The presentation will outline the five key sustainability drivers to the adoption of RM. Namely,
- the elimination of resource inefficient manufacturing processes,
- the reduction in raw material usage, waste and scrap production and the need for recycling,
- the ability to manufacture outside the traditional factory nearer to the point of consumption,
- the ability to manufacture optimised products that are more efficient in use, and
- the long-term carbon footprint of products manufactured using RM design rules and production systems.
This presentation will look at how each of these drivers is being investigated as part of a £2.7M research project entitled "ATKINS", which has recently been initiated by a consortium including, The Boeing Company, Econolyst Ltd, MCP Tooling Technologies Ltd, Bentley Motor Company, Delphi Diesel Systems Ltd, Perkins-Caterpillar, Virgin Atlantic and Loughborough University.
Biography
Chris's background has been in Materials Science, studied at Brunel University. In 2003 Chris graduated with an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) from the Royal Military College of Science (part of Cranfield University) in optical fibre sensing techniques. During his time at RMCS Chris also ran the Aerospace Engineering Research Club, whose primary aims were to further the research of novel sensing and materials analysis techniques.
Chris joined the RMRG at Loughborough as a Research Associate in April 2003 and was responsible for the day to day running of a DTI funded research project (ManRM). The project was a great success resulting in the implementation of RM by a number of the project partners for low volume and custom manufacturing. Chris was re-designated to Research Fellow in October 2006 and became a Lecturer in October 2007. Chris currently works on numerous projects, including Custom-Fit (funded through the EU Framework Programme) and the Tailored Injury Prevention and Performance Improvement of Sports Garments project (funded by Loughborough University's IMCRC). Chris also performs technology transfer for the Rapid Manufacturing Consortium, based at Loughborough University.
Chris has spoken at numerous international conferences on the benefits of taking an additive approach.
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