Dropwise control of 2D and 3D structures by inkjet printing has incredible potential to transform both the creation of functional materials and devices, and the business models that bring them to the end user. The Fluids in Advanced Manufacturing research group at University of Cambridge explores the underpinning science of inkjet printing and the challenges faced across length scales when translating inkjet printing to new applications. Within this talk, the different relevant length scales are discussed, from molecular to nano, micro and macroscale, with examples of challenges found when printing electronics and functional materials and the tools and techniques developed to accelerate assessment of each challenge.

Dr. Ronan Daly is an Associate Professor in the Science and Technology of Manufacturing at the Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, where he leads the Fluids in Advanced Manufacturing (FIAM) Research Group. He completed his Masters in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, worked as a Process Technology Manager in Unilever, and completed his PhD in Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin. Understanding fluids, colloids and interfaces is key to developing the next generation of production processes for personalised medicine, biosensing, functional coatings and inkjet printing. The FIAM research group tackles the complex fluid flow and functional material challenges and delivers the science to enable scale-up to manufacturing. The three themes of research are: A. The group brings together fundamental laboratory research in a range of disciplines – chemistry, nanoscience, fluid mechanics and interfacial science – with research into manufacturing techniques and production processes. B. The group creates new manufacturing approaches to deliver affordable healthcare. C. The group contains the Inkjet Research Centre, where researchers are looking at the scientific phenomena that constrain current inkjet applications.