All of our research is in the area of vat polymerization 3D printing, driven by illumination from LCD screens, predominantly in the visible part of the spectrum. We believe that LCD screens are the most suitable method of digital imaging for a wide variety of SLA applications and will open up the future of industrial 3D printing. Our research is spread across a wide variety of projects, at varying TRL levels, funded by ourselves, Innovate and direct corporate partnerships. Our aim is to bring novel products targeted at industrial applications that provide all three of the following; scale, function and cost effectiveness.

LCD printer research

We have developed commercialized ranges of polymers active across the spectrum from 355nm, 380nm, 405nm and up to 460nm. We convert photons into electrons to ring open cations or free radically split double bonds. Although our research is predominantly in the visible range we are investigating many other energy sources. We have optimized formulations at all wavelengths in a wide palette of colors to give the following properties; cast able, flexible, firm, tough, high tensile, high temperature, modelling, firm and hard.
All of our formulations have been formulated to deliver minimal shrinkage. We have worked to deliver combinations of high tensile strength and extreme elongation. We are researching into the benefits obtained from loading with a number of particles such as graphene, glass spheres, voided glass, carbon fiber and glass fiber to enhance properties.

We have made numerous successful ceramic objects printed in our Precisions and HR printers. We have made alumina, zirconia and silica objects. We are now working with harder-to-process ceramics such as silicon carbide and silicon nitride. We have a research program on 3D printing hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and bio-glass for bone implants. This project aims to deliver biocompatible and bioabsorbable implants using machine learning to derive accurate shapes.