Q&A: Dr. Jimmy Campbell from Plastometrex talks additive manufacturing, metrology considerations, and the NPL partnership

Earlier this month, Manufacturing Quality reported on the deepening partnership between the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Plastometrex. The UK’s national metrology institute recently acquired an Indentation Plastometer from Plastometrex.

Following on from the news, Dr. Jimmy Campbell, the Chief Technology Officer at Plastometrex, answered some of our questions. We discussed Plastometrex's partnership with the NPL further as well as any future plans the two may have, while also delving into topics like the importance and demands of metrology and additive manufacturing.

MQ: What top three benefits do you believe the NPL will experience after adopting the Plastometer?

JC: One of the biggest benefits NPL will experience is the ability to characterise complex and challenging-to-test components created through additive manufacturing (AM) processes. As additive manufacturing continues to expand its reach in various industries, the materials used in these processes often exhibit unique properties that can be difficult to measure accurately. Using our Benchtop Plastometer, NPL will be able to delve deeper into the material characteristics of these emerging material groups. This then helps them to establish reliable performance benchmarks and material standards, which ultimately means more optimised components are being produced.

The use of next-gen testing technologies such as our plastometer further positions NPL as a leader in the test and measurement sector. By educating the industry about the potential of emerging measurement technologies, NPL can drive broader awareness of these techniques. This educational role has the potential to foster a culture of continuous technological advancement, benefitting both businesses and the economy as a whole.

MQ: In the press release you said you are looking forward to creating measurement technology that will benefit the economy and environment, in what ways can metrology help the economy and environment?

JC: There are three key ways the economy and environment can benefit from the use of smart testing solutions: quality control, asset management, and the minimisation of waste. 

With precise measurement techniques, manufacturers can spot and fix potential issues early in the production process. That means fewer defects, fewer failures, and happier customers. When customers are happy, companies thrive in the market, which boosts competition and drives economic growth.

When companies measure how their products hold up during use, they have a huge advantage when it comes to manufacturing and maintenance. They can plan smart strategies to extend the life of their assets. This not only cuts down on waste because things last longer, but it also means less need for new materials. Plus, by understanding how products change in real-world conditions, companies can be more strategic about maintenance, using resources efficiently and lowering emissions.

Finally, new technology like the Indentation Plastometer from Plastometrex can slash the materials needed for measuring stress-strain curves by 90%. Less material used means way less waste and fewer emissions tied to producing those materials. This switch to smarter, more efficient methods lines up with greener production practices, reducing the environmental impact of part production.

MQ: What expertise are you expecting the NPL to bring to the development of Plastometrex’s high-temperature system, the HotPIP?

JC: NPL has been instrumental in facilitating the advancement of our Portable Plastometer. This innovative technology seamlessly integrates our novel test method (PIP) into the assessment of large high-value metallic assets. Initially, the technology will be prioritising the evaluation of oil and gas pipelines. Through a project funded by Innovate UK, NPL has played a crucial role in nurturing the development of this portable tool. Their contribution extends beyond providing essential technical guidance; they have also offered invaluable insights into adapting our testing approach for hydrogen-carrying pipelines.

MQ: Aside from the development of the HotPIP, what else can we expect from this partnership?

JC: NPL are also supporting us with the development of a dedicated ASTM standard for our novel test method, PIP. This is pivotal in facilitating the widespread adoption of our technology across a multitude of industries, including Aerospace, Energy, Defence, and Automotive, among others. This validation serves as a catalyst for our technology's integration into highly regulated industries and use cases.

MQ: What unique metrology considerations does additive manufacturing require?

JC: Additive manufacturing stands out as an innovative production method capable of rapidly producing complex and compact geometries. However, these complex shapes often pose challenges for conventional metrology techniques to comprehensively analyse. Here, our technology, PIP, comes into play as a solution. It boasts a unique advantage—it can reduce the material volumes required for testing by over 90%. As a result, it not only minimises the costs linked to additive manufacturing but also empowers users to map property variations throughout components with unprecedented precision.

MQ: From your experience, what kind of demands do industries put on metrology providers today?

JC: In the current landscape, industries have an unwavering expectation for metrology providers to supply not only top-tier, reliable products but also to meet these standards consistently. Beyond this, a noticeable trend is the increasing desire for comprehensive application support. This entails technology providers not merely supplying tools, but also offering their expertise to ensure the smooth integration and proficient utilisation of these tools post-purchase. At Plastometrex, we take immense pride in positioning ourselves as more than just technology vendors; we’re steadfast partners committed to offering both cutting-edge solutions and dedicated support to our customers.