SCI event focuses on future design and manufacture

The Steel Construction Institute’s [SCI] annual event, held at the National Gallery in London, focused on the theme ‘3D Printing – the future of design and manufacture.’

The event attracted a diverse audience in terms of both age and profession, and attendees saw presentations from ArcelorMittal Global R&D General Manager Olivier Vassart, Intrinsys Business Development Manager Auday Alrawe and University of Sheffield Professor of Metallurgy Iain Todd.

The presentations illustrated how additive manufacture is already used in a number of sectors, particularly aerospace but also in niche areas such as the production of handlebars used by the Team GB track cycling team at the Rio Olympics.

Adoption by the construction sector is still some way off, but according to Mr Vassart work being undertaken on a bridge in Amsterdam, The Netherlands has focused on demonstrating the possibilities.

“While ‘printing’ a complete frame is unlikely to be commercially viable, using this technology for the connections offers benefits and may not be too far off,” he said.

SCI took the opportunity to also present some recent research projects and highlight how knowledge gained is then used to solve the current problems of members and clients.