Location History:
- Nottingham, GB (2011 - 2013)
- Sheffield, GB (2021 - 2023)
Company Filing History:
4 out of 16 
2 out of 4 Years Active: 2011-2023
Title: Inventor Neil Hopkinson: A Pioneer in Selective Combination of Particulate Material
Introduction
Neil Hopkinson is a distinguished inventor based in Nottingham, GB, known for his contributions to the field of additive manufacturing and material science. With a total of six patents to his name, he is recognized for his innovative methods and apparatus that significantly enhance the process of creating three-dimensional objects from particulate materials.
Latest Patents
Among his most recent contributions, Neil Hopkinson has developed a method for selectively combining particulate material. This method involves several key steps: first, a layer of particulate material is deposited onto a part bed. Next, radiation is applied to sinter a portion of this layer. Following this, an additional layer of particulate material is placed over the previous layer, including the already sintered portion. Radiation is again used to sinter another section of the new layer while integrating it with the previously sintered layer. This process is successively repeated to construct a three-dimensional object. A notable aspect of this invention is that some layers of particulate material are pre-heated using a movable heater before any sintering occurs.
Career Highlights
Neil Hopkinson has had a notable career, particularly with institutions such as Loughborough University and Loughborough University Enterprises Limited. His work at these organizations has contributed to advancing research and innovation in the field of additive manufacturing, leading to practical applications of his patented technologies.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Neil has collaborated with various professionals, including Michael Thomas Furlong and Kamran Aamir Mumtaz. These collaborations have allowed him to broaden the scope of his research and develop innovative solutions in material processing and engineering.
Conclusion
Neil Hopkinson's innovations in selectively combining particulate material mark a significant advancement in additive manufacturing. With six patents and a strong professional background at esteemed institutions, he continues to contribute to the evolution of technology in this pivotal field. His work not only enhances manufacturing processes but also paves the way for new applications and innovations in material science.