The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a leading research and technology organisation in the UK, has invested in a new sustainable additive manufacturing hub. This initiative opens avenues for research and development to support the design and manufacturing of net zero products with end-to-end circularity.
The new hub features polymer and ceramic AM machines to manufacture net zero products alongside material reprocessing equipment to recycle waste AM materials and parts into feedstocks.
Sustainable Additive Manufacturing Hub
A Lithoz CeraFab S65 and an Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence desktop system will 3D print products using a portfolio of ceramics, including Alumina, Silicon Nitride and Aluminium Nitride.
In addition, the MTC’s investment in a new Carbon M3 machine will enable processing of high-performance polymers for net zero products in sectors including aerospace, defence, and energy. Polymer granulation and feedstock forming systems will also be installed which will result in a fully circular polymer manufacturing process chain at the MTC.
“As additive manufacturing technology progresses, finding materials that are renewable, bio-based, recycled and recyclable is crucial to enhancing its sustainability credentials.”
– Ross Trepleton, Associate Director for Component Manufacturing at The Manufacturing Technology Centre
Trepleton added, “We already collaborate with industry stakeholders – such as Ai Build and Weir – on projects to develop and scale-up the use of more sustainable materials in manufacturing. By investing in more cutting-edge equipment, we can continue to support customers and partners in paving the way for a more environmentally-friendly future for this technology.”
About MTC: MTC is a leading research and technology organisation at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. We’re surrounded by world-leading facilities. Industry-leading minds. But above all, we’re united in our shared curiosity and creativity, with an appetite to restlessly and repeatedly reimagine what progress looks like.
