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Ian Williams

Ian Williams is Senior Innovation Fellow for ATiC (Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre) and collaborates on healthcare related projects.

ian williams

‌After graduating with a BSc Product Design, Ian joined (PDC Innovation) Product Development Centre based at Swansea Metropolitan University and worked on research and development for SME’s and multi-national companies, including Belron®.

After successfully managing multiple Research and Innovation projects within PDC Innovation, Ian managed the IDEAS Centre as part of Commercial Services at University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

With 20 years experience developing ideas/products in industrial and consumer sectors, Ian has experience in all aspect of the product development process from the conceptual stages through to manufacturing

After developing and building a 3D scanner, current interests lie in additive manufacturing technologies including affordable 3D printers and 3D scanners to help in assistive living products and health and wellbeing product research

Ian’s research puts innovation at its core.  Over-arching interests include the use of additive manufacturing processes and digital tools and how they are incorporated within the product development workflow. Other areas of interest include assistive living and augmented reality and how this helps with visualising concepts in situ before proceeding to manufacturing.

Research and Development work includes

  • Investigation into Photogrammetry software and techniques and its use in capturing human form for bespoke products.
  • Research into 3D printing materials of CT scan data for surgical training aids. Used hi end 3D printing technology to produce flexible prints to simulate a heart valve
  • Research into the use of low cost 3D printing for dental practices. Printed dental caps on various 3D printing systems for feasibility.
  • Wheelchair direct drive product development research.
  • Research into texture mapping thermal imaging onto 3D scan data.
  • Investigating the use of 3D printing as a manufacturing process for transdermal delivery.
  • Investigation into the use of various scanning techniques to capture a human head to develop a bespoke riding helmet. Includes using additive technologies to develop a mould for Kevlar fibre lay-up.
  • Product research into Zimmer frame development for patients with Parkinson’s to aid in their mobility.
  • Development of Step to aid in the mobility of patients who have suffered a stroke.
  • Investigation into the future trends in automotive glazing.

Tel: 01792 481000 ext 4529

E-mail: ian.williams@uwtsd.ac.uk

Research Impact

Knowledge Transfer

Working on the EU-funded project, the Institute for Sustainable Design at UWTSD, Ian engaged in knowledge transfer activities, working with companies across a diverse range of industries and sectors to deliver workshop events,  technical advice and longer-term collaborative research and development projects.  The work resulted in a number of positive impact factors including ‘profit benefit’, ‘new jobs created’ and the adoption of new processes within organisations. 

One example of a successful collaborative R&D project includes Lumishore Ltd, specialist in LED lighting for the Marine industry. Working as Project manager with the Director of Lumishore and one technical officer to establish the parameters of the R&D project, agree responsibilities, time-scale and objectives, Ian managed all aspects of the project from its conception, planning, timely delivery, review and reporting.