// Design Pedagogy // Contribution to a book chapter, 2015; with Dr M.A. Evans & Dr R.I. Campbell

(Above) This book chapter, co-written with M.A. Evans and R.I. Campbell reports on research to enhance communication during product development by making tacit knowledge on the use of design representations explicit for both students and practitioners. This was achieved through the development of two design tools called CoLab and iD Cards. The report concludes that the use of appropriate research methods that integrate literature based sources with practitioner engagement has the potential to elicit valuable and unexpected tacit knowledge that can contribute to student learning. It also acknowledges that whilst the outcomes from such research can be enthusiastically received, translation into a format for effective dissemination can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, with confidence in outcomes and a desire to disseminate, opportunities can be identified if researchers are prepared to be flexible and adapt to stakeholder needs.

// Mat-Kit 3D Printing Filaments // University Knowledge Exchange Programme with L'Earth Ltd., 2014

(Above) Through market analysis, I identified that there was an opportunity to use bio-composites from rice husks to be reconstituted for 3D printing. Through a university Knowledge Transfer Programme, I was provided financial support to collaborate with an Winrigo and L'Earth to create a brief to develop a range of 3D printing filament products. Working closely with their team of polymer scientists, retail experts and polymer extrusion specialists, the Mat-Kit series of filament products was created in 2014 and launched in 2015, offering a range of high quality materials with excellent stability and incredible value for money. I played a key role in the design of the packaging by suggesting a number of innovative features such as the honeycomb structure for visual impact, and a cut-out window to identify the type of filament inside. This product won the international World Star 2014 Award for excellence in packaging. Principle Investigator: E. Pei  

// Digital Reconstruction of a Tramcar // with Joel Mann, Lee Clark & Efstratios Aligizakis for the Leicester Heritage Transport Trust, 2014.

(Above) This tram was built in 1904 by Dick Kerr and Co. of Preston. The top deck was originally open, leaving passengers to face bad weather. Top deck covers were later added to all open top trams in Leicester between 1913 and the 1920s. Further changes were made in the 1930s when the tram was fully enclosed to modernise. The stairs were reversed, which blocked the driver’s vision of traffic over his left shoulder. One of the steps was made with holes to allow the driver to get a better view. To prevent the conductor from using this feature to view ladies’ ankles which was a serious offence, a ‘decency flap’ was provided to cover the holes when not in use. Leicester 76 was withdrawn from service in 1947 and now resides in the National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire. Due to the historical links with this tram and the city of Leicester, the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust wanted to produce a digital blueprint. I was commissioned by them to lead 3 researchers to digitally rebuild the entire tram and the 24 month project was completed in December 2014. A 3D printed 1:22.5 scaled model has been produced and is undergoing assembly stages. Principle Investigator: E. Pei  

// Direct Deposition of Polymers onto Textiles // with Professor Jim Shen & Jennifer Watling, 2014

(Above) Achieving polymer deposition on textiles requires an understanding of material properties, adhesion, compatibility and deposition techniques. As the Principal Investigator, I had control over the research budget and expertise of material scientists and polymer experts. Working closely with experts and a postgraduate student, we systematically conducted numerous trials and recorded the results that has now been accepted for a journal paper. This experiment contributed to new knowledge and extended our understanding on how polymers could be directly printed onto fabrics using 3D printers. The findings support future work on wearable electronics and the production of customised medical products such as orthopaedic braces. The experiments show that PLA, Nylon and ABS adhered very well when printed onto Polywool, Cotton and Soy-based fabrics. Functional parts such as fasteners and articulated features were designed and printed onto the fabrics, paving way for functional use. Principle Investigator: E. Pei  

// Surface Finishing Techniques for Additive Manufactured Parts // with Kobus Van Der Walt, Joseph Nsengimana and Maruf Miah 2014

(Above) This research was to investigate the use of mechanical and chemical finishing methods for Alumide, Nylon and ABS parts produced from Laser Sintering and Fused Deposition Modelling. The sides of the test pieces were designed with different planar surfaces that demonstrate the stair-step effect with different build angles; truncated conical features to investigate whether smaller details will deflect or break during CNC machining; protruding prismatic features to examine the result of tumbling; and blind holes to determine whether processes such as spray painting will fill cavities. The pieces were post processed through tumbling, shot peening, hand finishing, CNC machining, spray painting and chemical treatment. A touch probe scanner quantitatively assessed the dimensional accuracy of the post processed parts and the results graphically represented for comparative studies. Principle Investigator: E. Pei  

// Sound Spheres // De Montfort University, 2013; with Dr L. Picinali & C. Feakes

(Above) The Sound Sphere is a physical representation of recorded sound. The surface is covered in ridges, which run around it laterally. Each of these ridges represent a set of frequencies within the sound, with low frequency at the bottom of the sphere (the bass); and high frequency at the top (the treble). The closer a ridge is to the north pole, the higher a band of frequencies it represents. Following these ridges laterally around the sphere is equal to observing the signal change over time (measure of time); and finally, the extent to which the ridge protrudes from the sphere represents the sound intensity at any given moment (the volume) - the more the ridge protrudes, the louder the sound is in that frequency at that given time. The Sound Sphere is being exhibited at the De Montfort University Fletcher Building foyer; was showcased at the university's Frontrunners evening; and featured in De Montfort University News and the Eureka magazine. Principle Investigator: E. Pei  

// Samian Wares // De Montfort University, 2013; with S. Manoj

(Above) We were commissioned by the Leicester Arts and Museums Service to digitise decorated Samian Ware pieces (terra sigillata, fine red ancient roman pottery) dating from between 50BC to 3rd century AD and to reproduce these as replicas that could potentially improve the museum experience of partially sighted visitors through touch. The aim was also to examine the quality of the reproduced artefacts using SLA. The first image image is the digitised scan showing clear details, while the original piece is on the right and the reproduced pieces below. Challenges include non-contact scanning, capturing the motifs and designs on the relief-decorated ware (hunting scenes), and to circumnavigate issues of the reflective glaze-like surface. Principle Investigator: E. Pei 

// Replicating an Anglo-Saxon Spindle Whorl // De Montfort University, 2013; with A. Eland & R. Gautam

(Above) Commissioned by the Leicester Arts and Museums Service, we were asked to replicate a 1500 year old rock crystal faceted spindle whorl that was dug near Lutterworth Road. A spindle whorl is a disc or spherical object fitted onto the spindle to increase and maintain the speed of the spin during weaving. Due to the mineral, initial 3D scans of the crystal were inaccurate. Subsequent fine-tuning resulted in two geometries - one from the scan data being dimensionally accurate; and another being geometrically perfect - an intervention using digital technology 1500 years later. The test pieces and final replica were fabricated with the use of 3D printing. Challenges include non-contact scanning and to circumnavigate issues of the reflectivity of the crystal. The exhibit can be seen at the Jewry Museum in Leicester today. Principle Investigator: E. Pei