Prof Andy Bushby
BSc(Eng), PhD, FIMMM, FRMS, MInstPhys
Research Impact
Prof Bushby's EPSRC funded research into the nano-scale strength of materials (EP/C518044/1) lead to new understanding of why materials are stronger when their size is reduced to dimensions of less than a micrometer. The physical principles when combined with a novel maufacturing technique present a unique approach to create metallic engineering components with extraordinary properties. These advances were awarded the QMUL Innovation of the Year Award in 2018 and lead to the founding of QMUL spin-out company Ultima Forma Ltd.
Ultima Forma Ltd manufactures light-weight, high-strength, multi-functional metallic engineering components by a novel electrodeposition process (patent pending). The technology provides flexibility in component design enabling multiple functions to be integrated in a single component, such as structural and thermal properties or hybrid composites. The company facility is capable of developing prototype components and low volume production under a quality managed semi-automated process. Ultima Forma has been recognised with the prestigious 'Shaping the Future Award' by the Aerospace Technology Institute.
Current applications are in:
- Space and Aerospace
- Defence
- Hydrogen containment for clean eneregy and transport
- Advanced automotive
- Advanced materials processing