Heraeus Noblelight, the centre of excellence for flash systems technology, has become a Tier 2 member at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The Tier 2 membership gives Heraeus Noblelight access to the AMRC’s world-class research and development facilities to increase the technology readiness level of filament winding for composite pressure vessels and pipes using its breakthrough humm3 heating technology.

Peter Lascelles, Senior Sales Manager for humm3, commented: “We are delighted to take the opportunity to confirm our commitment to the AMRC by joining as a member. This enables us to explore the capabilities of using thermoplastics for filament winding using our humm3 heating technology. It is a fantastic opportunity, as we can develop the use of filament winding and how this may bring about innovations in the hydrogen and green economy.

“It is a hugely exciting time to be at the forefront of innovation, as we believe thermoplastics will play an integral part in future hydrogen pipes and pressure vessels. Heraeus Noblelight are continually working with new materials using our humm3 technology and we are pleased to be working with the AMRC and other partners to pioneer this technology in the UK.”

As part of its membership, Heraeus Noblelight will be leading a project with the AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, to investigate the use of its humm3 technology for high-speed filament winding of thermoplastic components for composite pipes and pressure vessels.

Dr Betime Nuhiji, Technical Lead at the AMRC Composite Centre, said: “It is fantastic to have an organisation of the stature of Heraeus Noblelight as one of the AMRC’s members. Our partnership has enormous potential and, through close collaboration, we can utilise Heraeus’ expertise to enhance our own capabilities in rapid composite manufacture.

“The humm3 heating system is an emerging technology that is proving to be more sustainable, safe and affordable compared to the current laser heating methods used in aerospace and automotive sectors. Collaboratively, there is an opportunity to integrate this technology with the AMRC’s filament winding and automated fibre placement (AFP) systems and eliminate the need for a post consolidation step. This could potentially reduce energy consumption and increase production rates for the manufacture of composite components.”

To discover more about humm3 technology click here.