Key Information
Academic Supervisors: Primary: Prof Tim Claypole. Secondary: Prof David Gethin.
Industry Supervisor: Dieter Niederstadt
Expected Interview Date: August/September 2022
Background and Project Aims:
The International Centre for Manufacture by Printing (icmPrint) was established in 2009 to develop best practice guides for the printing industry based on scientific understanding. It works with industrial partners to form consortium to fund generic research which it communicates without bias to all the industry. This project is in partnership with Asahi Photoproducts, who are a leading pioneer in the development of flexographic photopolymer plate systems. Asahi-developed materials are applied flexo plates to improve efficiency, driving print forward in balance with the environment.
Recently developments of flexo plates have graded microcell patterning superimposed on the individual dot heads to control the ink spread and hence print quality. There are several hypotheses as to the mechanisms of inking and ink release. The objective of this project is to gain a scientific understanding of the inking mechanism between anilox, plate and substrate. This would include a comparison of an amplitude modulated screening with an Esko Crystal screening dot with regard to printability and potentially ink saving.
There are key issues such as whether just the top of the microcell pattern is covered in ink or whether the cells are being filled so the plate is behaving like an anilox. When the plate engages with the substrate, is ink force beyond the perimeter of the dot or does the graded microcell structure reduce this haloing effect. The effect of ink viscosity will also be evaluated. Are there different levels of compression and void volume due to the rolling engagement?
The project will involve a systematic study using statistical design of experiments of ink transfer and release using the RK Flexo proofer and the coating line in the WCPC. It may also require the development of bespoke inks with controlled visco-elastic properties as well as some based on sustainable bio-materials. Full scale trials may also be undertaken at a press manufacturer’s research centre in Northern Spain.
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COATED M2A recognises applicants have a variety of backgrounds with different educational and research experiences. We do not expect applicants to be proficient users of any techniques /equipment mentioned, at the time of application. Our focus is to upskill our participants and training will be provided.
COATED M2A in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is a Swansea University initiative which provides postgraduate research training in partnership with industry, providing access to world class laboratories and a wealth of academic and industry expertise. COATED M2A is committed to providing top quality research opportunities within an inclusive environment, funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Swansea University and Industry partners.
The Athena SWAN charter recognises work undertaken by institutions to advance gender equality. The College of Engineering is an Athena SWAN bronze award holder and is committed to addressing unequal gender representation. Applications from women and other under-represented groups are particularly welcomed. All applications will be anonymised prior to short listing.
Are you considering making an application and have questions you’d like answered? Come and have a 1-2-1 chat with us at our applicant surgeries. We encourage all applicants to review our hints and tips document found here.
Sponsoring Company: International Centre for Manufacture by Printing (icmPrint).
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold a minimum undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), or a combination of degree and equivalent experience to the same level.
Normally, we would expect candidates to have met the University’s English Language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5+ in each component) by point of application.
Full eligibility can be found at: https://materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility/
Funding
Fees at UK rate and Stipend of £12,500, both for the period of one year.
For full details on funding eligibility, please refer to the Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) Website. Student Eligibility | M2A (materials-academy.co.uk/eligibility).
Candidates must have the legal right to live/work in the UK at the start of their studies (student visas do not apply)
Closing Date: 19th August 2022
Start Date: 1st October 2022
Applications and informal enquiries about this studentship should be directed by email to: