Embedding Additive Manufacturing to Accelerate Product Development -001581

Project Goals and Objectives
The overarching goal of the internship is to accelerate product development by establishing additive manufacturing as a reliable, repeatable in-house capability.

Specific objectives are to:

• Set up a fully operational 3D printing lab within Microspec Ltd
• Establish clear, documented 3D printing processes and standards
• Model, print and optimise 20 new product designs prior to tooling discussions
• Improve design-for-manufacture (DfM) by optimising designs for injection moulding
• Reduce reliance on the Managing Director for routine 3D printing activities
• Increase confidence in product designs before committing to injection mould tooling
• Reduce the time taken from concept design to toolmaker engagement

Scope of Work, Methods and Tools

 
The intern will work closely with the Managing Director to deliver the following activities:

• Additive Manufacturing Lab Setup
• Review current 3D printing equipment, software and workflows
• Define the physical and digital setup of a dedicated 3D printing lab
• Establish printer settings, maintenance routines and quality checks CAD Modelling and Prototyping
• Create and refine CAD models for new product concepts • Print, test and iterate prototypes to improve fit, function and manufacturability
• Support the development of 20 product designs through multiple iterations
• Design for Injection Moulding
• Liaise with the external toolmaker to review prototype designs
• Capture design feedback and modify models to optimise for moulding
• Reduce rework and iteration once tooling discussions begin Materials and Technology Exploration
• Investigate alternative 3D printing materials to better replicate final product performance
• Use the wider university / external network to:
  • Trial different materials
  • Access alternative printers or additive manufacturing technologies where beneficial
  • Document findings and recommendations for future product development
    
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer
• Produce clear, accessible documentation covering:
  • Printing processes and workflows
  • Material selection guidance
  • Design considerations for additive manufacturing and moulding 

Intern Roles and Responsibilities

The intern will:

• Set up and formalise the 3D printing lab
• Produce CAD models and prototypes for new products
• Optimise designs for injection moulding
• Trial materials and technologies through internal and external networks
• Document processes and best practice
• Report progress and findings to the Managing Director