SME Focussed Support
Through Translating ‘Hydrogen into Action’ we have the capacity to provide tailored support to Scottish small to medium enterprises, SMEs. This can be through knowledge exchange activities, project management support, identification of academics across Scotland who can provide advice on specific aspects of hydrogen focused technologies and support to build a professional network. To learn more about what we offer and can do for you, contact our team.
A list of current funding opportunities is available. If you would like us to help you identify partners for projects, or discuss any aspects of these opportunities get in touch with the Translating Hydrogen into Action team.
Laboratory Facilities
Our new laboratory facilities for SMEs will soon be available at Eden Campus. These will focus on hydrogen fuel cell materials synthesis and analysis. These are available free of charge to Scottish SMEs. To learn more about these instruments and how to access these facilities contact us.
We can also support the development and deployment of novel hydrogen technologies and systems through capabilities at the University of Strathclyde.
3D Metal Printer
The Metal X is an innovative 3D printer. By printing metal powder bound in a plastic matrix, the safety risks of printing tradition metal 3D printing have been eliminated, while enabling new features such as closed-cell infill for
reduced part weight and lower costs.
The printer utilises Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) – a novel way to build metal parts: Design-Print-Sinter-Part
The printer currently has the capability of printing the following materials:
- 17-4 stainless steel,
- H13/A2/D2 tool steel,
- Inconel 625
- Copper
Other substrates are under development for printing. The large build volume of the Metal X enables the production of major components, individual parts or spare parts quickly and cost effectively. The components are printed with a layer height of 50μm, where even the smallest details have the highest precision.
Laser Cutter
The laser cutter is a mixed metal and non-metal cutting CO2 laser. This powerful, multipurpose laser cutter is suitable for research and development applications where high precision cutting is required.
The laser cutter has the ability to process the following materials:
- Mild steel (1.5mm cutting thickness),
- Stainless steel (1.2mm cutting thickness),
- Acrylic,
- Wood,
- Foam,
- Glass,
- Marble,
- MDF,
- Paper,
- Rubber,
- Stone,
- Slate,
- Laminated plastics and many others
Rheometer
The MCR 72 rheometer allows sample viscosity to be monitored from one measuring point to the next. This allows an instant analysis of sample deformation, flow behaviour and structure allowing sample characteristics to be altered to have better properties.
The rheometer is equipped with a ball bearing motor allowing measurements in both rotational and also oscillatory mode for special applications allowing you to tailor the analysis to perfectly match the application.
Particle Size Analyser
The particle size analyser, PSA 1190 uses the laser diffraction technique which is an established method to measure particles from the upper nanometre to the millimetre range. The PSA 1190 has the capability of measuring dry and liquid samples with high measuring accuracy and repeatability. The PSA 1190 has the capability of measuring from 0.04µm to 2500µm using the liquid method and 0.1µm to 2500µm using the dry analysis method.
SEM
The Jeol JCM 7000 allows for fast confirmation of the morphology and composition (constituent elements) which
cannot be determined using an optical microscope. With SEM it is possible to observe the constitutional contrast that cannot be seen under an optical image, so even at the same magnification more detailed information can be obtained. The JCM 7000 allows for real time EDS analysis so that spatial distribution of elements can be analysed, leading to an increased probability of finding elements of interest or detecting possible contaminants.
Screen Printer
The DEK Neo-Horizon screen printer is capable of high-volume production, high mix runs of small lots, ultra-fine apertures for super-small components, unusual substrates and many different paste types. The DEK Neo-Horizon platform can accommodate the correct configuration for the required printing needs.
With advanced controllers and bus systems the DEK Neo-Horizon screen printer achieves a process repeatability of up to ±20µm @ 2°C based on the external AVS measurement system.
Triple Roller Mill
The 50i triple roller mill used in the dispersing process guarantees that 100% of the product will be
passed through both shear zones. This ensures that agglomerates and powder clumps are broken up and homogenised. Using more controlled energy input helps ensure more precise processing. The 50i triple roller mill can be crucially important in the research, development and production of various material groups. They enable high precision dispersion down to the nano range with a defined targeted and careful energy input.