Industry event puts micromoulding in the spotlight

An industry event highlighting the polymer-based work at the University of Bradford has shown the uses of micromoulding and nano technology.

Organised by the Bradford Industry Group, the event gave an overview of the newly launched ‘Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Medical Devices’, part of MeDe Innovation and a network of Universities that are tackling two key med-tech themes; manufacture at the point of need; and stratified design and manufacture of medical devices.  

Over the course of the day, several technology-focused presentations were given, including an overview of microinjection moulding and its application to commercial markets, many of which lie in the medical and dental fields.

Gerald Ploechl of Wittmann Battenfeld in Austria presented several issues in the evolution of micromoulding, as well as the development of Wittmann Battenfeld’s MicroPower machine.

A tour of Bradford’s polymer research laboratories was also undertaken. Last year saw a number of significant new test equipment items procured as part of Bradford’s successful EPSRC Capital Equipment Grant.

There will be further scope to view the facilities in 2015 when Bradford University hosts its biennial Polymer Process Engineering event (Sept 8-9).  

Delegates will also be able to explore Bradford’s expertise in undertaking fundamental processing-related studies (for novel polymer Nano composites, blends, and biomaterials/ bio composite and pharmaceutical formulations, and reactive processing). These ultimately lead to process feasibility projects (e.g. processability of new formulations, with underpinning material characterisation) or novel product development.

New products may be prototypes (typically at the small scale for limited availability or expensive materials), or full production items. Facilties at Bradford for process feasibility research or micro-scale processing are proposed for small scale products, micro/nano surface features, and macro scale processing.

Get in touch with Dr Riddhi Shukla for full details and joining instructions of the R.Y.Shukla@bradford.ac.uk