A pioneering researcher in Additive Manufacturing (AM) is set to be in Ipswich on Wednesday, April 25, to show businesses how 3D printing and additive engineering can help them.

The University of Nottingham’s Professor Phill Dickens will be at the University of Suffolk’s Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Centre from 8am to 11am as part of a series of live demonstration events across East Anglia which make up 3D Printing Week, organised by the Knowledge Transfer Network’s Additive Manufacturing Special Interest Group (AM SIG), in partnership with the New Anglia Growth Hub and host venues.

“Additive manufacturing presents a wide range of benefits for businesses including the ability to make complex structures and prototypes, personalise products, reduce waste and improve quality,” he said. “We will show delegates the business benefits over conventional manufacturing.”

No prior knowledge or experience of using additive manufacturing is necessary.”

Prof Dickens will also be at Allia Future Business Centre in Peterborough, and Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus.

The events will feature a presentation on the main business benefits, examples of local companies using AM and live demonstrations of 3D printing in action.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, produces 3-dimensional objects by layering materials such as metals, composites and polymers, rather than machining parts from blocks of raw material.

Dr Louise Jones, KTN’s AM SIG lead said: “One of the roles of the AM SIG is to promote new knowledge transfer in the field of additive manufacturing, for the benefit of UK economic growth. We will also be highlighting to companies the wealth of support available locally to help them exploit the opportunities of AM. This can include specialist advice, funding, ‘fab labs’ and other facilities, which means getting the most out of AM needn’t be expensive.”

The events are free but must be booked in advance at www.ktn-uk.co.uk/events