BNU design team conclude knowledge transfer project with local business Foam Engineers
The School of Art, Design and Performance at BNU and local manufacturing firm recently collaborated on a project funded by Innovate UK that looked at new manufacturing methods for Foam Engineers to consider as part of its innovation strategy.
Foam Engineers are based less than two miles away from the High Wycombe campus, in the heart of the local community. The opportunity to work together on an Accelerate Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project arose, and after securing just under 拢30k in funding from Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Associate, Swetha Subramanian, joined the Product Design team in March 2024 to lead the project.
Foam Engineers are a subtractive manufacturer who take large sheets of foam and cut and mould these to customer requirements. They work in high value markets such as defence, medical, and motor sports. The Managing Director, Steve, and Commercial Director, Matt, were interested to see how BNU could help them adopt new ways of manufacturing using additive techniques 鈥 namely 3D printing.
The overall objective was to help Foam Engineers to understand the technologies associated with 3D printing. This knowledge intended to provide a guide to the business towards a decision as to how these technologies could be adopted and incorporated into its existing manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the project aimed to develop an understanding of the materials available which might be applicable to Foam Engineers鈥 production methods as well as explore how 3D printing might change the company鈥檚 environmental credentials.
As a result of the AKT project Steve and Matt at Foam Engineers have a heightened understanding of 3D printing, its opportunities, limitations, and potential application at the business. The Associate, with support from the academic team, Daniel Durnin and Scott Harper in the School of Art, Design and Performance, produced several recommendations for Foam Engineers to consider post-project. These include the need to continue to evaluate the materials and technologies available; suggestion of what new technology Foam Engineers would benefit from investing in; and ideas for further research.
Steve from Foam Engineers noted:
鈥淔oam Engineers greatly enjoyed this innovative AKTP relationship with BNU, as it says on the tin 鈥 advancing our knowledge and giving us inspiration to lead Foam Engineers in new and exciting directions, working with customers to incorporate techniques/solutions uncovered by the Associate and the BNU Team during the project.鈥
As a result of the project, the Knowledge Transfer Associate, Swetha, has been offered a full-time role at the business to continue their work in adopting new technologies and driving innovation at Foam Engineers.
Future collaboration opportunities are being discussed between BNU and Foam Engineers. This includes the opportunity to access materials from Foam Engineers for design students; opportunity for the business to access machinery and tools at BNU and relevant CPD training in relation to these tools; and potential for student projects at the business to complement and enhance the curriculum.