Monday, 10 February 2025

GRANTS FOR EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES

 The Scottish Association for Metals (www.scottishmetals.org) invites formally constituted student societies or student groups at Scottish universities to apply for a grant to support extra-mural activities focussed on developing knowledge, expertise or experience in the science or engineering of materials and related manufacturing.

The grant may be used to support the costs of the following types of activities:

  • The purchase of engineering materials 
  • The cost of shaping, coating or fabricating engineering materials
  • The costs of the inspection or testing of fabricated components
  • Travel and accommodation costs for society members to attend events away from the home university

Applications for funding should be sent by email to scottishmetals@gmail.com outlining the intended purpose of the grant and the size of grant being sought.  Grants will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis and this call will close once the budget allocated has been committed.  The amount available to an individual society or student group will range from £100 to £1000 but will typically be approximately £500.

Successful applicants are expected to acknowledge publicly the support of the Scottish Association for Metals and may be asked to give a short report or presentation of their activities.

Grant awards are made at the sole discretion of the Association and no correspondence can be entered into.


Monday, 3 February 2025

Introducing Dr Alireza Valizadeh (Council Member)

 Ali is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Dundee.A person smiling at camera

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What 3 words would describe your materials expertise?


MetalsMetals inspire me as I investigate their atoms seat next to each other to give us a specific property. My work spans widely from metals like aluminium to rare earth elements essential to civilisation.


Artificial Intelligence:  I use the transformative potential of AI in materials science by using algorithms to uncover insights, predict material behaviour, and optimise manufacturing processes. AI is revolutionising how we design and utilise materials.


Manufacturing: My passion lies in understanding how things are made. From the Stone Age to the modern era of silicon semiconductors, I explore the history and innovation of manufacturing that shapes our digital lives and technological advancements.

Describe a favourite materials moment:

The interconnectedness of a material’s microstructure, processing, properties, and performance has remained an elusive puzzle for humankind. I truly believe that with the power of artificial intelligence, we are on the verge of revealing the fundamental truths that lie hidden in the fabric of nature.


Tuesday, 28 January 2025

IOM3 Scotland Young Persons Lecture Competition

 



Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

2025 Young Persons

Lecture Competition


Scotland Heat

organised by the Mining Institute of Scotland and the Scottish Association for Metals



2pm Wednesday 26th February 2025 

Lecture Theatre D, Bute Building, St. Andrews University, Queens Terrace, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS


Pre event refreshments & networking 1-2pm Room A15 Results, refreshments & networking 4-5pm Room A15



Prizes

1st £250, 2nd £200, 3rd £150, runners up £100


1st placed will represent Scotland in the UK Final at the Armourers Hall, London on the 8th May 2025, expenses paid



Apply and find full details at: www.iom3.org/yplc


Deadline for applications 19th February 2025


Local Contact: Eur Ing Steve Bedford BEng CEng FIMMM FGS, stevebedford5@gmail.com


Monday, 20 January 2025

Introducing Dr. Faezeh Shalchy, Council Member (SAM)

:

Faezeh is an Assistant Professor  at Heriot-Watt University.

What 3 words would describe your materials expertise:

Innovation: The evolving frontiers of metallurgy, from advanced additive manufacturing to lightweight, high-performance materials, have driven my curiosity and career. Exploring cutting-edge techniques to design and produce metal components with precision has been a constant source of inspiration.

Structure: From the microstructural intricacies of traditional alloys to the bio-inspired designs of lightweight, optimized structures, my work has centered on understanding how form and function intertwine in metals. 

Sustainability: The future of metallurgy lies in efficiency—creating durable, sustainable materials while minimizing waste and energy use. Whether through lightweighting, recyclable alloys, or innovative design, I am committed to advancing sustainable solutions in the field.

Describe a favourite materials moment

Metallurgy combines the art of transformation with the science of discovery. From bio-inspired forms to the precision of additive manufacturing, I am continually captivated by the possibilities metals offer to innovate, inspire, and shape the future.


Friday, 17 January 2025

February Webinar: Application of digital tools to streamline Additive Manufacturing

 Overview:- Additive manufacturing (AM) technology was emerged three decades ago. Its adoption curve is currently at the third lifecycle stage (ie. early majority). There is a necessity to prove that AM has unique potentials by capturing real life engineering cases that meet the highly regulatory industries standards. Whilst AM technology aspects like design, material and processes have been advanced over the years, it is vital to develop the digital systems that complement them. Baker Hughes has co-developed an end-to-end digital solution that streamlines AM production of critical assets in energy sector. The digital platform is a state-of-the-art order management system that establishes full traceability of the AM product’s manufacturing cycle, including the corresponding quality certificates that would qualify it for the energy application. Our digital tools promote data driven decision making about the quality of our AM products by enabling both in-house and decentralized AM production.

When:  Thu 27 February 2025 @ 6pm

Who:  Dr Lampros Gerasimos Giourntas
(Senior Digital Product Manager, Global Additive Manufacturing Services, Baker Hughes)

This is a joint event organised by the Welding Institute North Scottish Branch and the Scottish Association for Metals (IOM3). Members of both organisations and non-members are very welcome to join us.  Please register here or use the QR code below.

Lampros is currently working as a Senior Digital Product Manager at the Global Additive Manufacturing Services in Baker Hughes. His engineering experience spans from AM material development and assessment, design for additive, AM process optimization and data science. His current work is mainly focused on developing digital tools that aim to support the AM operations of Baker Hughes globally.  He studied at the University of Strathclyde.

Registration:  




Saturday, 23 November 2024

SAM Council and Committees 2024/25

COUNCIL 

President:             Dr Tiziana Marrocco


Vice-President:      Prof Brad Wynne

Hon Secretary:      Dr John Wilcox

Hon Treasurer:       Dr Neil Shearer

Council Members:  Dr Tatyana Konkova

                            Dr Peifeng Li

                            Prof Nadimul Faisal

                            Dr Faezeh Shalchy

                            Mr Chibuzor Nwanebu

                            Dr Alireza Valizadeh

Younger member:  Mr Obey Suleyman


INVESTMENT COMMITTEE                    ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Dr Norrie McPherson                                      Dr Tiziana Marrocco

Dr Salah Rahimi                                             Mr Obey Suleyman

Prof Bob Reuben                                            Dr Tatyana Konkova

Dr Neil Shearer                                               Prof Nadimul Faisal

Dr John Wilcox                                               Dr Neil Shearer

                                                                     Dr John Wilcox 



Friday, 22 November 2024

Edinburgh Napier University 2024 Prize-Winner





 


Anju Saji is the 2024 winner of the Scottish Association for Metals (SAM) prize at Edinburgh Napier University for her project examining electrochemical capacitors as a way of storing electrical energy.


The project was a collaboration between Napier University and the Indian University
in Kerala and formed part of Anju's studies for the MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering, a postgraduate degree course accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.  

The work evaluated the structural and electrochemical analysis of such a device with Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) Perovskite and Poly- Vinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Composite.  

Anju presented her work at a meeting of the Association on 16th January and was presented with a certificate and cheque by Dr Neil Shearer.



GRANTS FOR EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES

 The Scottish Association for Metals (www.scottishmetals.org) invites formally constituted student societies or student groups at Scottish u...