Britain’s Duke of York has given the royal seal of approval to 3-D printing.
The 54-year-old royal – who is Queen Elizabeth’s third child – visited the Renishaw-supported additive-manufacturing research facilities at the University of Liverpool and stated that he was impressed with their work.
However, Prince Andrew voiced his concern about the slow uptake of 3-D printing by the industry and questioned whether it was due to a lack of training and technology transfer.
During the visit he was shown two additive-manufacturing machines (3-D printers) recently supplied by Renishaw to the university’s School of Engineering and discussed the applications for the technology with its general manager of additive-manufacturing products division Simon Scott and its R&D director Chris Sutcliffe.
Mr. Scott expressed his surprise at the royal’s knowledge of the technology, saying: "He asked many thoughtful questions regarding the technology, particularly concerning its use in applications with tighter regulatory environments – such as the aerospace and medical industries."
The Duke also met with a number of PhD students, including Ian Ashton, a Renishaw-sponsored research student who is investigating the process control of additive-manufacturing machines.
Mr. Ashton said of the visit: "It was great to see such high levels of knowledge and interest in UK science and technology expressed by a member of the Royal Family."
Britain’s Duke of York approves of 3-D printing
