Nottingham University Opens UK's Highest Pressure Cold Spray Facility

The University of Nottingham has officially opened a new Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) facility, boasting the highest pressure capabilities in the UK. This advanced facility is designed to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with cold spray technology, a process that deposits materials at supersonic speeds without melting them.

The new CSAM facility at the university is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, enabling researchers to work with a wider range of materials and to achieve higher deposition rates and densities than previously possible. Cold spraying is particularly advantageous for its ability to process temperature-sensitive materials and to create coatings or fully dense components with minimal thermal distortion.

This development is expected to accelerate research into novel material applications and advanced manufacturing techniques. The facility will support projects ranging from the repair of critical components to the additive manufacturing of complex geometries using metals, alloys, and even composite materials. The university highlights its commitment to leading innovation in additive manufacturing through such strategic investments.

Researchers at Nottingham will leverage the facility to explore new frontiers in material science and engineering. This includes investigating the potential for creating functional surfaces, repairing aerospace and automotive parts, and developing advanced materials for demanding environments. The increased pressure capabilities are key to achieving superior material consolidation and performance characteristics.