01 August 2024. Brought to you by Chris Hamlett.

Visitors help repair broken turbine blades at Harwell

On the 29th of June 2024, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Harwell Campus opened its doors to the public for its once-every-five-years open day. The event attracted over 10,000 enthusiastic visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to explore the ground breaking science taking place on campus. Among the highlights was a visit to the UK’s national synchrotron, Diamond Light Source.Visitors having making their own designs using 3D printing pens

As part of the event, Discover Materials ambassadors Harry Chapman and Anastassia Milleret and their group from University College London hosted a hands-on workshop showcasing their work in additive manufacturing. The activity involved using 3D pens to repair broken turbine blades, which had been designed with various types of damage and printed using a polymer 3D printer. After completing the repairs, visitors had the chance to add their restored blades to a model disc!

Words by Anastassia Milleret