Professor Neil Hopkinson

Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sir Frederick Mappin Building
Mappin Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD
UK

Telephone: +44 (0) 114 222 7766
Fax: +44 (0) 114 222 7890

Profile

Professor Hopkinson graduated from The University of Nottingham in 1993 with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management. After a brief career experiment as a football (soccer) coach in USA he opted to embark on a PhD in Rapid Prototyping/Tooling at Nottingham in 1996 – moving his PhD to De Montfort University in 1998.

Upon completing his PhD in 1999 Neil took up a lectureship at De Montfort University and moved to Loughborough University in 2001. In 2011 he took the post of Professor of Manufacturing Engineering at The University of Sheffield.

Research Areas

Neil’s research is field is Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D Printing among many other names). He has been pioneer of the technology as a manufacturing process, publishing the first work proposing the use of "3D Printing" for series manufacture and being the lead editor on the world’s first book into the subject.

The field of Additive Manufacturing spans many disciplines that Neil has embraced through numerous collaborations with industry and academia across the globe. However the majority of his research has been into manufacturing process/material aspects and this has led to him being an inventor on two patent families.

Neil’s work has been recognised internationally by academia (e.g. IMechE A.M. Strickland award 2011, Rapid Prototyping Journal Outstanding paper of 2010) and industry (e.g. USA Society of Manufacturing Engineers Breakthrough Technology Award 2009). He is a member of the EPSRC Peer review College (2003 to present) and has advised various organisations globally regarding manufacturing strategy.

To date Neil has secured over £3.5M of cash from public sources (EPSRC, TSB etc.) and industry funding plus further in-kind support. He has been engaged as a consultant for a number of organisations.

Research Grants Over £100,000 as Principle Investigator

£184,729 from EPSRC Follow on Fund for Anchorless Selective Laser Melting (ASLM) of high melt temperature metals (1/10/11 - 30/9/12).
£349,628 from EPSRC/IMCRC on Advanced Understanding and Control of Polymer Sintering (1/4/09 – 30/9/11).
£1,092,013 from EPSRC/IMCRC plus £120,000 industrial cash for Integrated Project on Personalised Sports Footwear: From elite to High Street (1/10/06 – 30/9/11).
£108,656 from EPSRC Follow on Fund for Proving commercial viability of high speed sintering through a larger build area (1/10/06 – 30/9/07)
£264,751 from EPSRC/IMCRC for High Speed Sintering of Powders (1/4/04 – 30/9/06)
£419,632 from EPSRC for Investigation into Laminate Tools for Polyurethane Foam Moulding (1/10/01 – 30/9/04)

Books

Hopkinson N (2006) Rapid manufacturing. Wiley.

Journal articles

Vasquez M, Haworth B & Hopkinson N (2013) Methods for quantifying the stable sintering region in laser sintered polyamide-12. Polymer Engineering and Science, 53(6), 1230-1240.
Hopkinson N, Haworth B, Hitt DJ & Zhong X (2013) Shear Viscosity Measurements on Polyamide-12 Polymers for Laser Sintering. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 19(1), 28-36.
Vasquez M, Haworth B & Hopkinson N (2012) Methods for quantifying the stable sintering region in laser sintered polyamide-12. Polymer Engineering and Science.
Hopkinson N, Hitt DJ & Haworth B (2011) Shear Viscosity Measurements on Polyamide-12 Polymers for Laser Sintering. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 225(9), 1663-1672.
Hopkinson N, Vasquez GM & Haworth B (2011) Optimum sintering region for laser sintered Nylon-12. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B-Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 225, 2240-2248.
Hopkinson N & Majewski CE (2011) Effect of Section Thickness and build orientation on tensile properties and material characteristics of Laser Sintered Nylon-12 parts. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 17, 176-180.
Vasquez M, Hopkinson N & Haworth B (2011) Laser sintering processes: Practical verification of particle coalescence for polyamides and thermoplastic elastomers. Annual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings, 3, 2458-2462.
Mumtaz KA & Hopkinson (2010) Selective laser melting of Inconel 625 using pulse shaping. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 16(4), 248-257.
Mumtaz K & Hopkinson N (2010) Selective laser melting of Inconel 625 using pulse shaping. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 16(4), 248-257.
Mumtaz KA & Hopkinson N (2010) Selective Laser Melting of thin wall parts using pulse shaping. J MATER PROCESS TECH, 210(2), 279-287.
Mumtaz KA & hopkinson (2009) Top surface and side roughness of Inconel 625 parts processed using selective laser melting. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 15(2), 96-103.
Toon D, Williams B, Hopkinson N & Caine M (2009) A comparison of barefoot and sprint spike conditions in sprinting. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 223(2), 77-87.
Toon D, Williams B, Hopkinson N & Caine M (2009) A comparison of barefoot and sprint spike conditions in sprinting. P I MECH ENG P-J SPO, 223(P2), 77-87.
Zarringhalam H, Majewski C & Hopkinson N (2009) Degree of particle melt in Nylon-12 selective laser-sintered parts. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 15(2), 126-132.
Mumtaz K & Hopkinson N (2009) Top surface and side roughness of Inconel 625 parts processed using selective laser melting. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 15(2), 96-103.
Hopkinson N, Majewski CE & Zarringhalam H (2009) Quantifying the degree of particle melt in Selective Laser Sintering (R). CIRP ANN-MANUF TECHN, 58(1), 197-200.
Hopkinson N (2009) 2009 Innovation: High-Speed Sintering. MANUF ENG, 143(2), 15-16.
Majewski CE, Zarringhalam H, Toon D, Ajoku U, Hopkinson N & Caine MP (2009) The use of off-line part production to predict the tensile properties of parts produced by Selective Laser Sintering. J MATER PROCESS TECH, 209(6), 2855-2863.
Webb DP, Hutt DA, Hopkinson N, Conway PP & Palmer PJ (2009) Packaging of Microfluidic Devices for Fluid Interconnection Using Thermoplastics. J MICROELECTROMECH S, 18(2), 354-362.
Majewski C, Zarringhalam H & Hopkinson N (2008) Effect of the degree of particle melt on mechanical properties in selective laser-sintered Nylon-12 parts. P I MECH ENG B-J ENG, 222(9), 1055-1064.
Majewski CE, Oduye D, Thomas HR & Hopkinson N (2008) Effect of infra-red power level on the sintering behaviour in the high speed sintering process. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 14(3), 155-160.
Beal VE, Erasenthiran P, Hopkinson N, Dickens P & Ahrens CH (2008) Scanning strategies and spacing effect on laser fusion of H13 tool steel powder using high power Nd : YAG pulsed laser. INT J PROD RES, 46(1), 217-232.
Mumtaz KA, Erasenthiran P & Hopkinson N (2008) High density selective laser melting of Waspaloy (R). J MATER PROCESS TECH, 195(1-3), 77-87.
Hopkinson N & Sercombe TB (2008) Process repeatability and sources of error in indirect SLS of aluminium. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 14(2), 108-113.
Majewski CE, Hobbs BS & Hopkinson N (2007) Effect of bed temperature and infra-red lamp power on the mechanical properties of parts produced using high-speed sintering. Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2(2), 103-110.
Majewski CE & Hopkinson N (2007) Release characteristics of polymer surface when moulding polyurethane foam. PLAST RUBBER COMPOS, 36(10), 438-444.
Mumtaz KA & Hopkinson N (2007) Laser melting functionally graded composition of Waspaloy((R)) and Zirconia powders. J MATER SCI, 42(18), 7647-7656.
Hopkinson N, Attanasio DC, Kehrberger R, Sridhar A & Witt G (2006) Application and Modelling of Hybrid Stereolithography Injection Mould Tooling. Journal of Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 1, 197-206.
Hopkinson N, Gao Y & McAfee DJ (2006) Design for environment analyses applied to rapid manufacturing. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 220(10), 1363-1372.
Beal VE, Erasenthiran P, Hopkinson N, Dickens P & Ahrens CH (2006) The effect of scanning strategy on laser fusion of functionally graded H13/Cu materials. INT J ADV MANUF TECH, 30(9-10), 844-852.
Sercombe TB & Hopkinson N (2006) Process shrinkage and accuracy during indirect laser sintering of aluminium. ADV ENG MATER, 8(4), 260-264.
Beal VE, Erasenthiran P, Hopkinson N, Dickens P & Ahrens CH (2006) Optimisation of processing parameters in laser fused H13/Cu materials using response surface method (RSM). J MATER PROCESS TECH, 174(1-3), 145-154.
Ajoku U, Hopkinson N & Caine M (2006) Experimental measurement and finite element modelling of the compressive properties of laser sintered Nylon-12. MAT SCI ENG A-STRUCT, 428(1-2), 211-216.
Ajoku U, Saleh N, Hopkinson N, Hague R & Erasenthiran P (2006) Investigating mechanical anisotropy and end-of-vector effect in laser-sintered nylon parts. P I MECH ENG B-J ENG, 220(7), 1077-1086.
Hopkinson N, Gao Y & McAfee DJ (2006) Design for environment analyses applied to rapid manufacturing. P I MECH ENG D-J AUT, 220(D10), 1363-1372.
Zarringhalam H, Hopkinson N, Kamperman NF & de Vlieger JJ (2006) Effects of processing on microstructure and properties of SLS Nylon 12. MAT SCI ENG A-STRUCT, 435, 172-180.
Abdul-Rani AM, Hopkinson N & Dickens PM (2005) Effect of mold temperature on high-resilience cold-cure flexible polyurethane foam surface texture. J CELL PLAST, 41(2), 133-151.
Abdul-Rani AM, Hopkinson N & Dickens PM (2004) Effect of mold temperature on foam density and surface texture. FOAMS 2004: 4th International Conference on Thermoplastic Foam Processing and Technology - Technical Papers, 237-248.
Saleh N, Hopkinson N, Hague RJM & Wise S (2004) Effects of electroplating on the mechanical properties of stereolithography and laser sintered parts. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 10(5), 305-315.
Dimla DE, Hopkinson N & Rothe H (2004) Investigation of complex rapid EDM electrodes for rapid tooling applications. INT J ADV MANUF TECH, 23(3-4), 249-255.
Ribeiro AS, Hopkinson N & Ahrens CH (2004) Thermal effects on stereolithography tools during injection moulding. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 10(3), 176-180.
Majewski C & Hopkinson N (2004) Reducing ejection forces for parts moulded into direct metal laser sintered tools. INT J ADV MANUF TECH, 24(1-2), 16-23.
Majewski C & Hopkinson N (2003) Effect of tool finishing on ejection forces for injection moulded parts made using direct metal laser sintered tools. INT J PROD RES, 41(3), 581-592.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (2003) Analysis of rapid manufacturing - using layer manufacturing processes for production. P I MECH ENG C-J MEC, 217(1), 31-39.
Harris R, Hopkinson N, Newlyn H, Hague R & Dickens P (2002) Layer thickness and draft angle selection for stereolithography injection mould tooling. INT J PROD RES, 40(3), 719-729.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (2001) Rapid prototyping for direct manufacture. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 7(4), 197-202.
Hopkinson N, Norris B, Wilson J & Cobb R (2000) Investigating a potential hazard of carbonated drinks bottles. International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 7(4), 245-259.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (2000) A comparison between stereolithography and aluminium injection moulding tooling. RAPID PROTOTYPING J, 6(4), 253-258.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (2000) Predicting stereolithography injection mould tool behaviour using models to predict ejection force and tool strength. INT J PROD RES, 38(16), 3747-3757.
Hopkinson N & Dickens PM (2000) Using stereolithography tools for injection moulding: research into tensile tool failure and unexpected benefits of the process. P I MECH ENG B-J ENG, 214(10), 891-899.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (1999) Study of ejection forces in the AIM(TM) process. MATER DESIGN, 20(2-3), 99-105.
Hopkinson N, Haworth B & Hitt DJ () Fracture Mechanics Approach to compare Laser Sintered parts and Injection Mouldings of Nylon-12. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B, 225(9), 1663-1672.
Majewski C, Plummer K, Vasquez M & Hopkinson N () Study into the recyclability of a thermoplastic polyurethane powder for use in laser sintering. Proc IMechE Part B:J Engineering Manufacture, 7(226), 1127-1135.
Mumtaz KA & hopkinson () Eutectic allow formation and stress reducation during the selective laser melting of metallic powder. ACTA MATERIALIA.

Conferences

Mumtaz KA & hopkinson (2011) A Method to Eliminate Anchors/Supports from Directly Laser Melted Metal Powder Bed Processes. Proc. Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 55-64.
Majewski C & Hopkinson N (2011) Effect of section thickness and build orientation on tensile properties and material characteristics of laser sintered nylon-12 parts. RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL, 17(3), 176-180.
Toon D, Majewski C, Zarringhalam H, Hopkinson N & Caine M (2008) A novel approach to personalising the mechanical properties of sprint footwear (P179). ENGINEERING OF SPORT 7, VOL 2, 207-213.
Williams BJ, Caine MP & Hopkinson N (2008) Benchmarking The Mechanical Properties of Currently Available Running Shoes. PROCEEDINGS OF FIRST JOINT INTERNATIONAL PRE-OLYMPIC CONFERENCE OF SPORTS SCIENCE AND SPORTS ENGINEERING, VOL II, 293-298.
Toon DT, Hopkinson N & Caine MP (2008) The effect of shoe bending stiffness on predictors of sprint performance: A pilot study. IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON SPORTS II, 643-648.
Williams BJ, Toon DT, Caine MR & Hopkinson N (2008) Kinematics of the foot segments during the acceleration phase of sprinting: A comparison of barefoot and sprint spike conditions. IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON SPORTS II, 199-204.
Webb DP, Hutt DA, Hopkinson N, Palmer PJ & Conway PP (2006) Integration and packaging of microsystems by polymer overmoulding. ESTC 2006: 1st Electronics Systemintegration Technology Conference, Vols 1 and 2, Proceedings, 567-574.
Webb DP, Hsu CC, Hutt DA, Hopkinson N, Conway PP & Palmer PJ (2005) Polymer overmoulding for microfluidic device packaging and system integration. Polytronic 2005, Proceedings, 134-139.
Abdul-Rani AM, Hopkinson N & Dickens PM (2004) Analysing the effect of mold temperature on foam density and foam surface texture. CELLULAR POLYMERS, 23(6), 387-402.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (1998) Study of ejection forces ire the AIM (TM) process. SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION PROCEEDINGS, AUGUST, 1998, 65-77.
Hopkinson N, Dickens PM & Jacobs PF (1997) Accuracy issues affecting the 3DKeltool(TM) process. FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: MANAGING ENTERPRISES - STAKEHOLDERS, ENGINEERING, LOGISTICS, AND ACHIEVEMENT (ME-SELA'97), 387-395.
Hopkinson N & Dickens P (1997) Thermal effects on accuracy in the 3DKeltool (TM) process. SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION PROCEEDINGS, SEPTEMBER 1997, 267-274.
Mumtaz KA, HOPKINSON & Erasenthiran P () High Density Selective Laser Melting of Waspaloy. Proc. Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 220-232.
Mumtaz KA & hopkinson () Selective Laser Melting of Inconel 625 using Pulse Shaping. Proc. Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 165-178.

Patents

Mumtaz KA, Furlong MT & hopkinson (2011) Method, apparatus, computer readable storage medium and computer program for forming an object. US 2011/0042031 A1 (US). Appl. 24 Feb 2011.