Advanced Composite Manufacturing Laboratory

Industrial-scale resin injection, advanced reinforcement and 3D printing for monitored composite manufacturing.

A highly instrumented composites manufacturing facility combining industrial-scale liquid resin injection with advanced reinforcement and multi-material additive manufacturing, enabling research from small-scale material development to larger component fabrication.

Key strengths include:

Process monitoring and control: Adjustable injection pressure, temperature and flow sensing, plus in-mould sensors and a transparent mould for studying resin flow and permeability.
Integrated manufacturing capabilities: Tufting, z-pinning, microwave curing and 3D printing support hybrid and multifunctional composite development.
Broad material capability: Thermoset and vitrimer composites, complemented by high-temperature printing of PEEK composites up to 450 °C.
Industrial collaboration: Equipment and capabilities suited to collaborative manufacturing research across aerospace, automotive, energy, space and marine sectors.