The challenge

Additive manufacturing, or ‘3D printing,’ allows increased geometric freedom and is particularly applicable to high-value, low-volume products, where the ability to customise is essential. The company wanted to develop a prototype medical fluidic device and needed assistance.

The solution

Dr Allan Rennie, School of Engineering, helped the company apply for IAA funding to pay for an internship, materials, and specialist equipment to develop the prototype.

Cost

Microfab Limited successfully applied for £5000 of seed funding from Lancaster University’s Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) to develop the prototype. The IAA is £600,000 funding from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council to finance a range of activities designed to foster greater collaboration with industry and bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace.

Impact

Nathan Burley, Managing Director, Microfab Limited explained, “The IAA allowed us to take on an intern to research different 3D printing techniques, and develop prototypes and proof of concept for a low-pressure pump system and microfluid incubator which we can now go to the industry with.”

Benefits

• A new proof of concept to market
• Extra skills through an internship
• Use of 3D printing facilities
• Support and guidance on product development from experienced School of Engineering staff