The University of Wolverhampton has partnered with 3D printing giants EOS and AMCM to establish a UK Centre of Excellence for Additive Manufacturing (AM), backed by the Regional Innovation Fund. Based at the university’s Springfield Campus, the facility will focus on advanced materials development, particularly copper-based AM, to address challenges in aerospace, quantum computing, and electric vehicle production. The initiative responds to growing industrial demand for high-performance thermal and electrical components that leverage copper’s superior conductivity but have been hindered by laser processing difficulties.
Breaking Barriers in Copper 3D Printing
A key mission of the center is to overcome copper’s AM limitations through next-generation laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. The facility will house an AMCM 290 FLX system—a modified EOS M 290 equipped with nLIGHT beam-shaping lasers and high-temperature oxygen control—enabling precise processing of challenging materials. “This collaboration merges 20 years of EOS partnership with Wolverhampton’s research prowess to unlock copper’s full AM potential,” said Professor Arun Arjunan, director of the university’s engineering innovation center. Future projects will integrate AI and machine learning to optimize material development.
Industry-Driven Solutions for Global Markets
The center aims to reduce material waste and accelerate commercial adoption of copper AM, with industries like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens already expressing interest. Nathan Rawlings of EOS UK noted copper’s “transformative potential for lightweight, high-conductivity parts” but emphasized the need for “reliable, repeatable processes”—a gap the center will fill. Its work could revolutionize heat exchangers, rocket engines, and EV battery components.
Bridging Research and Industrial Scale-Up
Beyond materials science, the hub will serve as a knowledge-transfer nexus, offering SMEs and multinationals access to prototyping, testing, and workforce training. The AMCM 290 FLX’s large build volume (285 x 285 x 350 mm) and multi-laser capabilities allow for rapid industrial scalability, critical for sectors like space and defense.
Positioning the UK as an AM Leader
With copper AM’s carbon-reduction potential (via lightweighting and energy-efficient production), the center aligns with UK net-zero goals. Professor Arjunan envisions it becoming “a global benchmark for sustainable, AI-driven AM.”
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