uni of derby dr gavin williams and machine
Dr Gavin Williams with the Objet500 Connex3
SYS Systems, a reseller of Stratasys 3D printers, has partnered with the University of Derby to help develop the skills of some of its design and engineering students.
The Foston-based company has supplied a Stratasys Objet500 Connex3 3D printer to the university and is set to support the educators and students as the printer is integrated. Their partnership has been established to provide future manufacturers with the latest 3D printing technology, as it becomes more frequently harnessed in industry environments.
Based at the university’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), the Objet500 Connex3 can incorporate dozens of colours to create detailed prototypes, such as glass-like translucent models. It can also print in 16-micron (0.0006-inch) layers, enabling users to achieve precise models that accurately reflect the final product.
Thanks to this partnership, University of Derby’s IISE students will have access to the same 3D printing machinery used by the likes of Adidas, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover.
“What was missing from the university’s capabilities was higher-resolution parts, which the Connex machine is able to offer, while its size means you can make larger parts or more parts at the same time,” said Dr Gavin Williams, Senior Researcher in Additive Manufacturing at the University of Derby. “The real benefit is the high quality of the parts these machines can produce. It’s all about creating a prototype that’s very realistic to the end product. We’re now much more confident about engaging with companies knowing that we can generate the designs, prototypes and parts they’re after.”
The Connex3 is the first 3D printing system to be installed at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus. It complements an Objet30, Objet30 Prime and F370 already installed at the main site and is already proving its worth. Now, the IISE is able to offer the technology, in addition to its knowledge and funding, to help local businesses research and develop products and processes.
