University of Nottingham Launches UK's Highest Pressure Cold Spray AM Facility

The University of Nottingham has officially opened what is reported to be the United Kingdom's highest pressure cold spray additive manufacturing facility. This new facility represents a significant advancement in the field of cold spray technology, a process that deposits metallic powders onto a substrate at high velocities without melting the material.

The development aims to enable researchers to explore new frontiers in material science and engineering. Cold spray is known for its ability to create dense, high-quality coatings and to build complex 3D structures from various metals. The enhanced pressure capabilities of this new facility are expected to allow for a wider range of materials to be processed and for potentially improved deposition rates and material properties.

This investment by the University of Nottingham underscores a growing commitment to advanced manufacturing techniques. Cold spray additive manufacturing is particularly noted for its potential in repairing existing components, creating novel material composites, and manufacturing parts with unique microstructures. The facility's high-pressure capabilities could unlock new applications in demanding sectors.

While specific applications are still under development, the University anticipates that the facility will attract research collaborations from both academic institutions and industrial partners. The focus will likely be on developing advanced materials, improving the performance of existing components through additive repair, and exploring the fabrication of intricate metallic structures.