Additive Layer Manufacture SIG

 

 

  

Rob Scudamore, Chair of the AM Group sees new opportunities.

April 2010

First, I would like to thanks all who attended the AILU workshop 'The Route to Mass Exploitation of Additive Manufacturing in Metal Component Fabrication' on the 16 March. Many commented that there was quite a 'buzz' at the event and I, for my part, particularly enjoyed the speaker's presentations, and their interaction with the audience.
Following the successful ILAS workshop last Summer, AILU decided that there was enough momentum in Additive Manufacturing (AM) to set up an Additive Manufacturing Special Interest Group (AM SIG). The recent AILU workshop in Newbury was part of the new SIG's activities.

The AM SIG, lead by myself, provides a focus in the UK for all with an interest or activity in the process. The AM SIG has a remit that can include other heat sources, such as arc and electron beam for example, but will predominantly be concerned with laser based AM techniques.
The initial objectives of the AM SIG are to identify the barriers to mass exploitation that need to be addressed through research and industrial implementation. This is being done in a number of ways, including through the new initiative called the AM Network. Ultimately I have been actioned to produce a Strategic Research Agenda for the Rapid Manufacturing (or AM!) European Technology Platform.

This document will provide a basis for future research in the AM field in the EU, and will also assist industry in the adoption of AM in production. It will also be used as a basis for future AILU events on AM, of which I hope there will be many!

I would be pleased to hear from you on any matter concerning the AM SIG, the AM Net or any other opportunity in this field.

Robert Scudamore
robert.scudamore@twi.co.uk


The Additive Layer Manufacture (ALM) Special Interest Group, AILU's latest SIG, was initiated at the 2009 AILU AGM in July 2009.  AILU President, Stewart Williams, expressed his great peasure at the highly successful AILU workshop devoted to Additive Manufacturing held at Airbus Filton earlier in March.  The level of enthusiasm has confirmed the current UK interest in additive manufacture and the support has enabled forming this Special Interest Group.

The ALM SIG is aimed at developers and end users of additive layer manufacturing.  The SIG will influence and help develop UK strategy on ALM technology and provide networking opportunities and information about funding sources and competitions.

Rob Scudamore, of TWI, will be chairing this start SIG. Rob is ideally placed to bring together the core Members of this SIG and guide them into an effective group.

Membership of the ALM Special Interest Group (SIG) is free and open to AILU members and non-members alike.

To join the ALM SIG email the AILU Office

An invitation-only meeting of some key members of the SIG took place in January 2010. To download the draft summary document ‘Rapid Manufacturing Strategic Research Agenda 2010’ produced by the SIG Chair, Rob Scudamore of TWI, click here.

The aim of the document is to provide a simple, clear, and not overly long, overview document that can be used to influence funding authorities and to win over industry. Rob has deliberately tried not to fragment by material or by industry sector.

Your comments are most welcome and are key to this being as good a document as it can be. Please email comments to Rob Scudamore


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