Bucks professor to reveal how manufacturers can predict problems before they happen
Every product we own started its life in a factory. But what happens when something goes wrong during manufacturing? Material gets wasted, deadlines slip and costs rise.
A professor at Bucks New University is exploring how technology can help manufacturers spot problems before they happen and he’s inviting the public to find out more at a free lecture in High Wycombe next month.
Professor Javaid Butt will give The Art of Smarter Manufacturing: From Additive Processes to Digital Twins and AI on Wednesday 18 November at 2.30pm at the university’s High Wycombe campus.
He’ll explain how 3D printing, computer simulation, artificial intelligence and “digital twins” (data-connected virtual representations of real-world products and processes) can be used together to predict how a material will behave, anticipate defects and assess product performance.
In simple terms, it’s about testing manufacturing decisions virtually before paying the physical cost of getting them wrong. That matters because manufacturing mistakes can waste material and energy, increase costs, delay production, and result in products that don’t perform as intended.
“Manufacturing is where a digital idea meets physical reality,” said Professor Butt. “When something goes wrong, the consequences can include waste, delays, and products that underperform. I’ll be showing how simulation, digital twins, and AI can reveal those risks earlier, while keeping engineers responsible for the final decision.”
Drawing on his work with industry partners, Professor Butt will share examples of how these technologies are being used to improve product quality, reliability and efficiency.
He’ll also explore their limitations, including why engineering expertise remains essential when using digital tools to make decisions.
The lecture is designed for a general audience, so no technical background is needed. There will be a chance to ask questions afterwards.
Professor Butt is Professor of Additive and Sustainable Manufacturing at Bucks New University. His research explores how digital technologies can make manufacturing more efficient, reliable and sustainable, and has contributed to patent applications and the development of new products.
The lecture is part of the university’s inaugural lecture series. As an inaugural lecture, it will also trace the development of Professor Butt’s research from additive manufacturing and materials to simulation, digital twins, and AI, showing how these areas have been brought together to address practical industrial challenges.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. Those who want to reserve a place can register here. The lecture will also be recorded and made available on the university website as part of the series.