February 2005
Powdermatrix Declares a Successful Revolution
A capacity audience made PowdermatriX Revolution, the annual review
of the PowdermatriX Faraday Partnership, a lively and successful event.
Working with the Advanced Ceramic, Powder Metal, Hard Metal and Magnetics
industries, PowdermatriX has developed an impressive array of projects
and services since its launch in early 2003.
Despite snow storms, 120 delegates from industry and leading universities
attended the event, which was held at Holywell Park, Loughborough. In
welcoming them, Dr. John Liddle, PowdermatriX Director , described how,
in a relatively short time, PowdermatriX was demonstrating a positive
influence on the particulate engineering sectors and developing a portfolio
of longer term research projects.
Throughout the day, there was plenty to hear and see;
- Industry Members highlighted the significant benefits from the 15
SPARK award projects PowdermatriX had funded for problem solving and
feasibility studies.
- The five flagship project groups supported by EPSRC and DTI described
industrially focused research as varied as mathematical modelling to
improve process capability, innovative nano materials for better component
properties, and improved coatings and magnetic materials for energy
efficient aircraft engines.
- Interactive sessions produced a series of actions based on the recommendations
of the recently published PowdermatriX Technology Roadmaps.
In addition, details of new funding initiatives for PowdermatriX members
in 2005 were released. A call for Industrial CASE studentships gives
companies a further opportunity to work with top research departments.
A second round of SPARK awards, each worth £5,000, will establish
up to 12 projects to help industry take the first steps in developing
innovative ideas.
The meeting proved an excellent opportunity for delegates not only
to learn about emerging technologies and services, but also to help
develop activities to ensure that PowdermatriX will produce an even
greater impact in the future.
PRESS CONTACT: Catherine West-Robinson, Marketing Co-ordinator
Tel: 01782 764344 Fax: 01782 412331 Email:
catherine.west-robinson@ceram.com
