Curved Layer Rapid Prototyping
Current 3D printing technologies work by slicing the computer 3D model into thin flat slices ad then building each slice on top of the previous one. This results in parts with a stair-case effect and a weakness between the laminations. This project is developing a method for depositing the layers of build material as curved layers rather than flat ones. This means that the parts no longer suffer from the stair case effect and are consistently strong across their surface. It also means that a variety of fibers can be introduced to the material to strengthen it. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and India Institute of Technology.
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Conductive 3D Printing
This research will develop a novel conductive 3D printing technology to print plastic components with integral conductive polymer electronic circuits and components. The elimination of printed circuit boards and many electronic components used in electronic products creates a revolutionary new type of product in which the housing becomes the products’ electronic circuit, dramatically reducing cost and eliminating any restrictions in product shape.
The project will develop conductive materials, algorithms to convert PCB designs into 3D paths, the electromechanical design of multiple material print-heads, and techniques for connecting traditional components to the conductive tracks.
This project is an extension of our Curved Layer Rapid Prototyping Project. |
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Rapid Prototyping as Design methodology
The traditional Prototype as Design technique, as used by the NASA’s Ames Research Center, is very useful in creating unique, one-of-a-kind research hardware for small, high-risk projects. It is a useful technique in NPD projects as it often helps to produce better results faster. With the relatively recent advent of newer and faster RP technologies, both virtual and physical, a higher rate of design iteration can now be achieved, which often results in better project outcomes. The incorporation of these technologies into the design effort can be seen as a Rapid Prototype as Design process. This research is developing a complete RPaD design methodology. |
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InnovationWorks II
InnovationWorks is a software package to help manage innovation in product development projects. Introducing a new concept to project management, the Design Breakdown Structure, InnovationWorks will help to both reduce the time required to develop products and help increase the amount of innovative potential in the design.
InnovationWorks II aims to update the package to become web compatible to help facilitate collaboration on NPD projects across countries and time-zones. |
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OASIS: Design Tools Online
Design Tools Online aims to provide a range of design tools that are useful for product and industrial designers.
The project classifies tools into different categories of tools and will eventually include interactive tutorials on effective use of the tools.
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HealthWorks software for home health management
HealthWorks is an innovative health management software solution which tracks blood pressure, blood sugars and weight over time, and predicts cardiovascular disease risk. This allows users to see what effect their weight, for example, is having on their health.
HealthWorks is focused on wellness rather than disease. We believe that you cannot manage your health if you do not understand the signals of your body. The philosophy behind HealthWorks is to promote well-being through sustainable health and understanding. The key to this is human centered design: Software that is intuitive to use (despite dealing with complex medical information), and presents the user with meaningful information that allows them to take control of their own health. HealthWorks is being continuously improved and downloads data directly from an increasing number of products.
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Action based research through industry Product Design Projects including
- Bio-medical project x 4
- Theatre Lighting Projects x 2
These projects evaluate new Product Developments methodologies through developing real products for industry. |
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Rapid Casting
Research into the most effective was of using a z-corp 3D printer for producing rapid cast parts. The project uses experimental investigations to establish the influences of critical factors, such as curing times and temperatures, on mechanical characteristics, such as strength and permeability, of sand molds produced by 3D printing. The dimensional and surface qualities of castings produced with different metals, and the effectiveness of various mold surface coatings, and causes of casting defects, are also investigated. Statistically designed experiments are employed for the systematic analysis of the individual roles of direct metal casting parameters, as well as their combined effects.
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FDM Spark Eroding Electrodes
This project is about the production of spark eroding electrodes for electrical discharge machining using 3D printed ABS prototypes that are then electroplated.
The research includes investigation into plating thickness, effect of sharp corners versus radii, and the development of a design for plastic EDM electrode methodology.
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