SLM Researcher scoops two awards in July

The 4^th Dimensional X-ray Computer Tomography (DXCT) conference took place at University of Huddersfield on 25-26 June 2019. This two-day annual gathering was a great opportunity to present and disseminate the latest developments in XCT for dimensional measurement and its industrial impact across a variety of applications.

PhD researcher Mason Rowbottom, from TWI’s Laser Additive Manufacturing section, was in attendance and won the award for Best Presentation. Mason’s work focused on demonstrating the ‘Generation of a calibration artefact for the setting of optimal X-Ray Computed Tomography parameters for the investigation of porosity presence within aluminium (AlSi10MG) components produced via Selective Laser Melting (SLM)’.

Based at TWI’s technology centre in South Yorkshire, Mason is working on the development of the Selective Laser Melting process, with his research focusing more specifically on the development of an Automated Closed Feedback System. Using and improving existing Metrology methods are showing promising methodologies in the utilisation of NDT equipment, not only to validate Mason’s test results, but also to be used across further research projects within the additive manufacturing industry.

A paper is expected to be published within the coming months. In the meantime, Mason aims to plan further collaborations to investigate alternative NDT techniques as to ensure the most appropriate one is utilised, not only for his PhD study, but one that could be easily transferable into industry.

Mason also recently won the award for Best PhD Poster Presentation at the annual NSIRC Conference, held at TWI HQ in Cambridge on 2-3 July 2019. The NSIRC conference is a great opportunity for students to present and disseminate their research to an audience of fellow PhD colleagues, as well academics and partners from industry.

Mason began his PhD in October 2018, and it is through the support and knowledge of both TWI and University of Huddersfield that he is already showing promising results within his research. However, Mason’s passion for innovation within additive manufacturing is not only reflected within his research but also his extra curriculum activities as Co-Founder of the National 3D Printing Society; his aim is not only to assist with technology advancement but also its adoption.

Also in attendance at the NSIRC conference were fellow PhD researchers from the Yorkshire facility, Helen Elkington, Stephen Cullen and George Brooks.