18TH UK-CHINA AMRI ADVANCED MATERIALS RESEARCH INSTITUTE RESEARCH WORKSHOP & 5TH PPI POLYMER PROCESSING INNOVATION

The DONE Lab, represented by António Pontes and Carina Lopes, took the stage at the international joint conference 18th UK-China AMRI Advanced Materials Research Institute Research Workshop & 5th PPI Polymer Processing Innovation, hosted by the University of Bradford from 8 to 10 September.

We presented our latest research contributing to the advancement of polymer science and additive manufacturing:

Optimising PBF-LB process parameters for advanced polymer composites manufacturing (Ana C. Lopes, Beatriz M. Fernandes, António J. Pontes)
This work identified cost-effective strategies for processing advanced materials, analyzing performance-cost trade-offs in Powder Bed Fusion and assessing the economic implications of processing these materials and their potential as alternatives to conventional solutions.

The development of injection moulding insert/blocks using different materials and AM technologies (Cátia S. Silva, Ana C. Lopes, Sérgio J. Rodrigues; António J. Pontes)
This study explored the combination of new materials, technologies, and advanced design techniques in the development of a new generation of injection moulds — hybrid moulds (with inserts produced from dissimilar metallic materials, composites, or polymeric materials). The study also highlighted the role of additive manufacturing, which facilitated faster and easier shaping of new metal-based materials.

Beyond the presentations, we had the opportunity to connect with researchers from around the world, exchanging ideas and exploring new directions for polymer research and applications.

We returned motivated to continue actively contributing to the advancement of polymer additive manufacturing and to promoting sustainable innovation in the field.