Authentise Secures Three Grants to Propel Additive Manufacturing Forward
In a significant boost for the additive manufacturing (AM) sector, Authentise, a trailblazer in 3D printing software development, has been awarded three prestigious grants. These grants are set to fortify the company’s Open Innovation initiatives, focusing on advancements in lattice structures, cybersecurity, and directed energy deposition (DED) 3D printing. Funded by Innovate UK, the US Department of Energy, and Eureka, these projects underscore a collective endeavor to refine the digital thread in additive manufacturing, enhancing security, reducing costs, and unlocking innovative applications.
Empowering Open Innovation
Under the leadership of Simon McCaldin, the Open Innovation team at Authentise has been at the forefront of innovation in the additive manufacturing landscape and beyond. Established three years ago, the team leverages publicly funded research grants to collaborate with clients, identifying upcoming trends and crafting groundbreaking solutions to exceed manufacturing challenges. These latest grants add to a portfolio of five projects where Authentise has either led or played a significant role.
Simon McCaldin shared his enthusiasm, “Authentise has always embraced an open innovation approach, partnering with a diverse array of global partners to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. We’re thrilled to be recognized by our project and funding partners to provide critical digital solutions. We look forward to showcasing the advances from these and many upcoming projects.”
Erica Vlahinos, VP of Additive Manufacturing at Authentise, also highlighted the impact of the grants, “These grants illustrate Authentise’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing, accelerating the technology’s benefits for our customers and AM enthusiasts. We’re on a journey to deliver a more secure and efficient technology, ready to revolutionize manufacturing at its core,” Vlahinos added.
Grant-Funded Projects: Shaping the Future of Additive Manufacturing
The first grant will fuel the METAMAT project, aimed at addressing the challenges in 3D printing lattice structures. Working alongside NS85, Teesside University, Lancaster University, and Holdson, the Authentise team is set on devising a seamless integration between manufacturers, designers, and customers as part of the Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) programme, backed by Innovate UK.
The DISTOPIA project, Authentise’s second grant, focuses on developing a Plasma-DED process for use in manufacturing, repair, and remanufacturing, especially within the aerospace sector. Collaborating with EPOCH Wires, The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Queen Mary University London, ION Metal, and Turkish Aerospace, Authentise will apply its expertise in data-driven workflow management and digital certifications. Supported by Innovate UK and part of Eureka’s SMART advanced manufacturing cluster, DISTOPIA promises to merge advanced digital manufacturing methods with cutting-edge material technology.
Finally, the AM-Verify project, funded by the US Department of Energy through the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII), seeks to develop a secure real-time measurement system capable of detecting unauthorized access to 3D printing systems. In collaboration with i3D MFG and Addiguru, Authentise aims to integrate multiple verification data streams into CyManII’s Cyber-Physical Passport, enhancing cybersecurity measures and manufacturers’ capacity for quality assurance and reliability.
Securing the Digital Thread in Additive Manufacturing
The advent of AM-Verify by Authentise represents a leap towards securing the digital thread and the overall additive manufacturing process against prevalent cyber risks, such as intellectual property theft and process sabotage. Innovations in blockchain technology and data encryption, as demonstrated by various industry and governmental bodies, showcase the increasing reliance on sophisticated measures to safeguard the integrity and security of the additive manufacturing ecosystem.
As Authentise continues to leverage these new grants to push the boundaries of 3D printing technology, the industry watchers and practitioners alike eagerly anticipate the transformative impact these projects will have on the future of manufacturing.
