UCD unveils new $25.7mn 3D printing and digital technologies facility

A new facility that specialises in 3D printing and digital technologies has been unveiled at the University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland, 3D Printing Industry reports.

The development, The I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, is set to cost €22.2 million ($25.7 million) and has been provided by government-backed Science Foundation Ireland and industry stakeholders.

Heather Humphreys, Ireland’s Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, said: “Innovation is at the core of the Government’s science strategy and is exemplified by the visionary technologies being developed here in I-Form.”

The research conducted at the centre is assigned into three platforms; Digitization of Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Analytics and Engineer Feedback and Additive Manufacturing Process and Simulation.

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It has been revealed that more than 31 companies have demonstrated a commitment to work with the I-Form.

The centre holds a number of academic partners in institutions such as Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin City University, the NUI Galway, Waterford Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Maynooth University.

“Through our research into digital solutions for materials processing technologies, we are changing how things are made,” said Professor Dowling, I-Form Centre Director.

“The I-Form will drive regional development through industry collaborations in areas of advanced manufacturing and digital technologies for Industry 4.0.”