Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design

The Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design (CAMMD) undertakes fundamental, applied and translational research on materials, manufacturing processes, performance and design. It unites complimentary expertise and capabilities, located within a unique physical facility on the Newmarket Campus that connects the pathway from materials development through manufacturing and products.

The centre has world class capabilities in additive manufacturing, polymer and composite processing and advanced design, modelling and testing. CAMMD will also bring together capabilities from three existing successful centres (CACM, PCOE and CDAM) to create multi-material/hybrid solutions (polymers, metals, ceramics and biomaterials)

The focus of this centre is directly aligned with MBIE’s 2022-2024 investment plan on creating new knowledge pathways to support the transition to a low emissions and climate resilient economy, as well as supporting new or existing industries to be knowledge intensive. It also addresses many of the challenges identified in MBIE’s Industry Transformation Plan for the Advanced Manufacturing Sector.

At the Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design, we apply transdisciplinary approaches in our research. A diversity of STEM and other disciplines are engaged in our research, including Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Engineering Science, Chemical and Materials, Civil and Environmental, Electrical), Science (Polymer Chemistry), Design and Business.

Our centre addresses two research themes:

1. Energy Efficient Design and Manufacturing
   Based on advances in materials, manufacturing technologies, and numerical and optimization methods we will create new opportunities to generate multi-functional structures, and higher efficiency long service structures/products, e.g. lightweight composites that empower renewable energy generation, and fuel efficient vehicles for water, road, air and space. Other current examples include highly volumetrically/mass efficient heat exchangers, and new solutions for mould tools
   
   
2. Sustainable Materials to Products
   We need to increase resource efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The centre will focus on innovative solutions to create value from waste or renewable sources, particularly around polymers and polymer composites. For example, drawing from wider expertise in chemistry and engineering we will create new materials from recycled polymers, biopolymers and manufacturing technology to manipulate their properties development of sustainable products.

CAMMD’s core expertise and capabilities cover fundamental as well as highly applied research strengths across a variety of disciplines. This enables other collaboration opportunities where the collective strength of the centre is leveraged. For example, in Power Electronics, Civil Structures, Architecture and Medical Devices.

At the Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design, we apply transdisciplinary approaches in our research. A diversity of STEM and other disciplines are engaged in our research, including Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Engineering Science, Chemical and Materials, Civil and Environmental, Electrical), Science (Polymer Chemistry), Design and Business.

Our centre addresses two research themes:

1.           Energy Efficient Design and Manufacturing
Based on advances in materials, manufacturing technologies, and numerical and optimization methods we will create new opportunities to generate multi-functional structures, and higher efficiency long service structures/products, e.g. lightweight composites that empower renewable energy generation, and fuel efficient vehicles for water, road, air and space. Other current examples include highly volumetrically/mass efficient heat exchangers, and new solutions for mould tools

2.           Sustainable Materials to Products
We need to increase resource efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The centre will focus on innovative solutions to create value from waste or renewable sources, particularly around polymers and polymer composites. For example, drawing from wider expertise in chemistry and engineering we will create new materials from recycled polymers, biopolymers and manufacturing technology to manipulate their properties development of sustainable products.

CAMMD’s core expertise and capabilities cover fundamental as well as highly applied research strengths across a variety of disciplines. This enables other collaboration opportunities where the collective strength of the centre is leveraged. For example, in Power Electronics, Civil Structures, Architecture and Medical Devices

The Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Design also works to generate impact in the advanced manufacturing sector by building authentic and long-lasting research partnerships between our staff and companies, and with cross-sector groups.

The CAMMD team are deeply engaged with the key New Zealand Industry associations, notably Plastics New Zealand and the Composites Association of New Zealand, contributing to national conferences, while also participating in association research projects.

We have attracted projects from international companies such as Disney and BMW, as well as recent projects from Rocket Lab, SailGP Technologies, Replas, Weta Workshop, Elite Polymers and a variety of New Zealand companies in the advanced manufacturing sector. Our centre is also globally networked, having established collaborative relationships with a significant number of internationally renowned universities and institutes.

If you are interested in working with us, please contact our centre’s directors.

Director
Professor Johan Verbeek

Deputy Director
Professor Mark Battley