1 July 2008

Victoria University TAFE teacher, Ken Barnett, will travel to Europe this month on a prestigious fellowship to study the emerging field of rapid manufacturing (RM).

Ken, program manager of VU's School of Automotive and Engineering Technology, at Sunshine Campus, received one of six national TAFE fellowships offered each year by the International Specialised Skills Institute (ISS).

ISS helps Australia improve its ability to compete internationally by identifying and closing knowledge and skills gaps.

RM technology uses electronic data, scanners, 3-D scanners and 3-D printers, rather than traditional factory tools or expensive injection-moulding, to build complex objects, layer by layer.

While it does not lend itself to high-volume products, it is faster and cheaper than many other manufacturing techniques for high-value objects. Architects are now using the process to construct elaborate models of buildings; high-end car manufacturers to create individualised components; and sporting goods companies to make high- performance football boots for professional athletes.

One of Ken's particular interests is in medical applications, where RM is used to make hip replacements, hearing aids, and surgical implants.

If someone was missing an ear, for example, RM could be used to build a prosthetic device based on data drawn by scanning the remaining ear in three dimensions. The data is mirror-imaged, a pattern for the missing ear is generated, and the final object - a custom-designed artificial body part - is fabricated in a flesh-like polymer.

Ken said: "We're just moving into this area in Australia, whereas America is highly into it, and Europe, especially England and Germany, have very high skill levels."

Ken, who began teaching at VU in 1985, will undertake a three-week study program overseas to gain a better understanding of the field. He then expects to begin setting up a rapid manufacturing area for VU's engineering technology students at the University's Sunshine Campus.

During his time overseas, Ken plans to attend an international conference at Loughborough University in England, recognised as one of the world's leading centres for RM teaching and research. He will pass on what he has learned through a report and a wide range of education and training activities when he returns.

ISS CEO Carolynne Bourne said increasing the understanding of RM was vital to building Australia's depth in manufacturing.

Ken Barnett is available for interview. Ph: (03) 9919 7122

A photo of Ken using RM equipment is available on request

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile 0411 255 900