Researchers from Manchester Met will use 3D printing to replace parts on equipment used for water infrastructure repairs
United Utilities will work with Manchester Met, ChangeMaker 3D and Scottish Water, to develop the ‘Water Industry Printfrastructure’.
The partnership is part of the Ofwat Innovation Fund, a £200 million programme supporting innovation in the water sector.
The collaboration will provide a toolbox of options to 3D print to help tackle the challenges in maintaining and upgrading the water supply system.
Upskilling the water sector in 3D printing
The wider goal is to deploy the use of 3D printing with both concrete and polymers, and digital construction and maintenance techniques into the water sector.
The project also includes a skills programme to upskill the water sector workforce in 3D printing technologies. It will run until October 2024.
Lisa Mansell, chief engineer (Innovation) at United Utilities, said: “The water industry requires unprecedented levels of construction to deliver environmental improvements and maintain existing aging assets.
“We must address these challenges sustainably, efficiently and at lowest cost.
“Our project will move 3D printing from a good idea into a valuable tool for our business.”
Alan Dempsey, project manager for PrintCity at Manchester Met, said: “Water companies face a range of challenges around the availability of replacement parts when managing their infrastructure, as well as lead times and excessive costs that can make it difficult to provide uninterrupted services for their customers.
“Working with Changemaker 3D, we will enable water companies to 3D print concrete and polymer parts when they are required.
“This will help them to reduce the reliance on the delivery of new equipment, improve the turnaround times for project delivery and take major steps forward in reducing costs, resources and impact on the environment.”
