The University of Derby’s efforts to boost engineering research were the focus of the latest Made in the Midlands breakfast networking.
Venue for the event was the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), which opened in 2014. It aims to spearhead the University’s research output into engineering, thereby supporting regional need.
The centre includes an established workshop with CNC, Additive Manufacturing, Scanning, Metrology and Testing, CAD, CAE and CAM facilities, all helping to underpin the research.
Members attending the event where shown around the facilities including the on-site five-axis milling machine, together with some of the intricate parts and prototypes it has helped to create.
They were shown several examples about how the expertise available within the centre was being used to support local companies, including a machine (see below) that allowed a Derbyshire sports club track the trajectory of a ball.
The Additive Manufacturing facilities were also showcased, together with some of the work being produced by the various printers.
Warren Manning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering and Technology, outlined the role of the centre to members attending the event, including the sectors in which it operates.
These include: Transport, Regulated Industries and Medical and Sports Performance. The research focus of the centre is one the application of novel materials, advanced manufacturing and life cycle management.
He spoke about how the University could assist with internships, apprenticeships, innovation funding, consultancy, knowledge transfer and short courses.
Members attending the event included: Acoustafoam, Alphadrive Engineering Services, Box Factory, Complexia, Eccleston Steel, Heller, Hydrastore, Jungheinrich, Laser Process, LG Davis, Lycett fabrications, MSC Industrial Supply, Nufast, Portakabin, RS Components, Sims Metal Management and Visdata.
Also attending was new wealth management Patron, Brewin Dolphin, alongside fellow Patron, MyWorkwear.
Dave Lindsey, representing Cannock’s Laser Process, said: “This was a very positive event and it was good to see the kind of work being carried out by the University and the positive impact that is having.”
