Imperial helping UK grow its hi-tech manufacturing base

Helping the UK to develop more hi-tech industries will be the focus of research at a centre, officially launched at Imperial College London today. The Manufacturing Futures Lab (MFL) at the College is bringing together experts from around Imperial who are working on developing technologies and processes that will make manufacturing in the UK more efficient, cost effective and ultimately more profitable. Along with industry and the Government, researchers at the Centre are also aiming to turn research ideas into new businesses. Academics at the MFL are focussing on a range of projects including ways of making stronger, more durable parts for cars and aircraft using less material and energy. Professor Jianguo Lin, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and his team combines two processes in one, where aluminium alloy is heated and stamped into a shape to make a part. Heating the alloy makes it more malleable, which means that it can be formed into shapes that are much stronger. The MFL is supporting Professor Lin in his efforts to commercialise the technology, which will be licensed to manufacturers.