About this event

About this event

Step change improvement in Manufacturing Technology has long represented only a minor part of the broader developments in  Manufacturing Competitiveness across industry.  Cost and productivity challenges have traditionally been addressed through Modern Working Practices, lean layout and flows and a relentless drive to reduce  waste.  Whilst this approach has significantly contributed to the current high levels of good performance, most companies have missed out on an even more significant untapped potential for creating real value.

Blind spot

This untapped potential relates to the development and deployment of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.  Many in industry have suffered a collective, long term blind spot in relation to modern manufacturing processes - low R&T spend, limited pull from business leaders and hence low take up of more productive and capable production processes.  Even some successful companies have restricted their efforts to a few advanced processes pursued slowly over long periods with limited investment and equally low ambitions.  

Not surprisingly therefore, the resulting outcomes have been equally inconsequential.  One reason for this lack of progress is the historic constraint relating to 'Pre-Production' facilities to try-out and 'productionise' new manufacturing concepts and technologies.

Rolls-Royce is playing a leading role in addressing this constraint.  A unique infrastructure is being developed and  implemented in the form of Advance Manufacturing Research Centres - the AxRC network in UK.  This collaborative network is focused on the development and exploitation of advanced manufacturing technologies driven by industrial need.  

The network differs from other models on the basis of vertical integration - each network is an industrial-academic complex representing an entire supply chain relating to a specific technology theme.  

Research and Development

Members include end users of technology, high-end equipment vendors, consumable suppliers, material suppliers, as well as academics.  This provides inherent cost effectiveness, not reflected in other academic networks, and arises from end users leveraging supplier contribution, whilst the vendors get direct access to potential applications showcasing their latest offerings.

A compelling characteristic of this network is pace and scale underpinned by industrial leadership and a very non-traditional and result-led approach from the Universities.  The economic case is based upon the well known spill-over effect associated with R&D; the research centres bring universities and industrial companies together in a way that aids the generation, sharing and application of value added technology.  The independent economic appraisals have projected high returns on the initial public investment.  The most significant aspect of these centres is that they represent an important strategic resource for UK in seeking to expand its manufacturing sector.

Cost

Free of charge

Programme

18:30 for 19:00

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