MTC launches Sustainable Materials Hub

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry has invested in a new Sustainable Materials Hub hub fo drive ‘net zero’ product innovation by using additive manufacturing (AM). This initiative opens avenues for research and development (R&D) to support the design and manufacturing of ‘net zero’ products with end-to-end circularity. The new facility features polymer and ceramic AM machines to manufacture ‘net zero’ products alongside material reprocessing equipment to recycle waste AM materials and parts into feedstocks.

A Lithoz CeraFab S65 and an Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence desktop system will 3-D print products using a portfolio of ceramics, including alumina, silicon nitride and aluminium nitride. In addition, the MTC’s investment in a new Carbon M3 machine will enable processing of high-performance polymers for ‘net zero’ products in sectors such as aerospace, defence, and energy. Polymer granulation and feedstock forming systems will also be installed which will result in a fully circular polymer manufacturing process chain at the MTC.

Ross Trepleton, MTC associate director for component manufacturing, said: “As AM technology progresses, finding materials that are renewable, bio-based, recycled and recyclable is crucial to enhancing its sustainability credentials. We already collaborate with industry stakeholders - such as Ai Build and Weir – on projects to develop and scale-up the use of more sustainable materials in manufacturing. By investing in more cutting-edge equipment, we can continue to support customers and partners in paving the way for a more environmentally-friendly future for this technology.”