University of Nottingham establishes UK's highest pressure cold spray additive manufacturing facility

The University of Nottingham has successfully established a new cold spray additive manufacturing facility, marking a significant advancement in the UK's capabilities in this field. This facility is distinguished by its operation at the highest pressure levels currently available within the United Kingdom for cold spray additive manufacturing.

Cold spray is a solid-state additive manufacturing process. It involves propelling powder particles at high velocities onto a substrate, where they plastically deform and bond upon impact, building up a deposit layer by layer. This process is known for its ability to deposit a wide range of materials, including metals, alloys, and ceramics, without melting them, thus preserving their original properties.

The new facility at Nottingham is expected to facilitate research into novel material applications and advanced manufacturing techniques. Its high-pressure capabilities are particularly significant, as increased pressure can lead to improved particle velocity and kinetic energy. This, in turn, can enhance the density, adhesion, and overall quality of the deposited coatings and structures.

Such advancements in cold spray technology have implications for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy. The ability to create high-performance components and repair existing ones with minimal thermal impact is a key advantage. The University of Nottingham's investment underscores a growing global interest in additive manufacturing as a means to innovate and enhance industrial processes.