Richard Finch, Senior AM Engineer

Richard completed an undergraduate degree and a Ph.D. at the University of Liverpool (Engineering with Product Design MEng) in “Investigation and Characterisation of Binder/Powder Interactions in Binder Jet Printing” there, too.

We asked him a few questions so we can all get to know him better.

When did you first get your hands on a 3D printer?

I first properly got my hands on a 3D printer during my PhD work at the University of Liverpool, a Formlabs Form 2 SLA machine. A fantastic 3D printer which is still very capable by today’s standards even though it is 7 years old.

What impact does additive manufacturing have on the green transition?

Additive manufacturing is a disruptive technology which will decentralise and reduce the reliance on supply chains and reduce CO2 emissions associated with them. The technology enables the manufacturing of true end use components anywhere in the word whenever required.

Conventional manufacturing processes are inherently wasteful and rely on the subtraction of material to reach the final component whereas additive manufacturing deposits material exactly where it is required with less waste.

From a design perspective additive manufacturing enables complex geometries to be produced. These geometries enable less material to be consumed, higher mechanical properties to be achieved and sustained component performance for prolonged lifetimes.

What does your typical day look like?

My general workflow centres around research and development of additive manufacturing processes. Working within the engineering team at Evove is varied and exciting. My time is currently split between the development of manufacturing techniques for some of the Evove product lines and the research and development of exciting new additive manufacturing techniques.

Evove is team focussed so my work involves working with multidisciplinary teams with varying background and experience and it’s great to learn from and have input from such a broad knowledge base.

What will you be doing in 10 years?

I see myself still within the Additive Manufacturing industry and at Evove. I enjoy the fast pace of the company and the additive manufacturing sector, the two go hand-in-hand.

What is something not many colleagues know about you?

I ran the London marathon for Crohn’s and Colitis charities.