Research
Photocentric has always devoted significant resources to research, typically 15% of turnover annually.
We work to apply LCD based 3D printing and photopolymers to solve numerous problems.
Our core vision is to deliver digital factories of the future, autonomously creating billions of parts, delivering in scale, function and cost effectiveness.
Pushing Boundaries
Space Manufacturing
We are developing the method that metals, ceramics, plastics and composites will be made in space, and doing it sustainably.
Next-generation Battery Innovation
We research into batteries with solventless cathodes and solid state 3D printed batteries.
Chemistry
We work on photopolymers curing right across the spectrum. We are turning liquids into solids to deliver durable functional plastics providing all possible properties.
Engineering
As the inventors of LCD 3D printing, we research into every aspect of LCD screen driven 3D printing. Our aim is to robotise the entire manufacturing process.
Software and Electronics
We write software to control all our digital processes and integrate into MES systems.
Research Collaborations
We are willing to collaborate on research with any organisation that widens the use of technology for the benefit of humanity.
Intellectual Property
We have many granted patents covering our methods of 3D printing using LCD screens and many more pending. With our earliest granted patent using LCD screens stretching back to Jan 2005, we are the undisputed innovators in both LCD 3D printing and visible light polymerisation.
Current Research grants
CosmicMaker II
This is £0.5m UK Space Agency sponsored, Photocentric led project to create 3 x 3D printers using Photocentric’s novel patented enclosed chamber LCD 3D printing process and test them on a parabolic flight, to validate the printing of both plastics and ceramics in zero gravity
IN-DAMMI
The project is led by Photocentric, with MTC as a technical partner, Kanthal as an industrial user and the Cast Metal Federation and Glass Futures as organisations who will enable its transfer through their members.
CosmicMaker I
This is a £0.2m UK Space Agency sponsored project created the first CosmicMaker printer designed and manufactured by Photocentric. To validate its potential suitability after construction it was tested in a contra-rotational test rig and printed both plastics and ceramics successfully.
Nexus
Intelligent Manufacturing Systems for Sustainable Bioprocessing is a 2 year £1.9m grant led by Photocentric under the Innovate sponsored Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation: Collaborative R&D program.