Tomorrow’s manufacturing techniques are here today, thanks to the 3D printer

In one project, Dr Shoufeng Yang is working with Richard Oreffo, Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at Southampton. They are using 3D printing to make tiny ‘scaffolds’ from biodegradable bioceramics which the human body can use as a base for new bone cells and blood vessels.
Joint research with Professor Jayanta Sahu at Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre is exploring how the 3D printing of optical fibre could contribute to the development of ‘metamaterials’ which could hold the key to creating a ‘cloaking device’ by bending light around an object. Two other projects funded by Dstl are examining the manufacture of multiple materials and energetic materials in collaboration with Dr Brian Mellor in Engineering and Dr Simon Coles and Dr Ranko Vrcelj in Chemistry.
In another project, Shoufeng and colleagues are to receive a £3million capital grant awarded to the University by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). One third of the grant will be used to design and commission the next generation of 3D printers using multiple materials, such as metal and plastic. They will first build a small printer to test the concept, then go on to make a larger machine to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) complete with wiring and other components. This work is led by Professor Jim Scanlan and also involved Professor Damon Teagle and Dr Peter Wilson.
Shoufeng started work on 3D printing 20 years ago in China as a PhD student at Tsinghua University, Beijing. Inspired by ancient art—Tibetan monk sand painting, he and his colleagues have invented a dry powder printer, which is an enabling technology for genuine multiple materials 3D printing. He believes the technology could transform manufacturing, replacing 50 per cent of conventional processes within 50 years. They are no longer a rare novelty: “Printers are now so small and cheap, you can use them at home; we loan them to students so they can become familiar with scanning and printing objects; children are also learning to use them,” he says “They will become as common as document printers in years to come.” Shoufeng is leading a student 3D printing centre in Faculty of Engineering and the Environment; they can drop by the centre at anytime on Wednesday and operate the printers themselves to print anything they wish.
A 3D printer in action, demonstrated by students, has become a popular attraction with children and adults alike at the University of Southampton Roadshow which takes research in science, engineering and other disciplines to festivals and other attractions during the summer.