Robert Dowding Email & Phone Number

I am a Chartered Engineer with a PhD working in research. Currently working as a research associate at Manchester Metropolitan University. Previous roles include working as a KTP associate at Cutting and Wear Resistant Development Ltd., the University of Sheffield and the AMRC. Developing a means of machining super hard diamond composites and enhancing the business's capability to perform research by integrating machining optimisation sensors within existing equipment. My PhD was at the University of Sheffield researching the bendability of ultra high strength steels. Prior to my PhD, I worked as a production engineer at Alamo Manufacturing implementing an MRP II system in an enterprise software package, working across two sites as well as inspecting and optimising the manufacturing of products.The KTP has made rapid progress taking over a project that had fallen behind and having a limited timeframe to develop a new machining methodology. I developed an innovative approach to material processing. Using the expertise at the AMRC I have learned how to extract data from a dynameter and power meter and process in MATLAB. This has been paired with laser trials at Birmingham University and the metrology techniques available at the University of Sheffield.My PhD has resulted in the development of a new methodology for studying bendability at a microscopic level. Designed customised tooling using new specimen designs requiring sample preparation for use in an SEM and DIC post-processing. These enabled the observation of shear bands and damage in bending. These results were replicated in ABAQUS FEM software and were compared to the experimental results. This has provided insight for Tata Steel into the features affecting the bendability of ultra high strength steels and will help develop the next grades of these steels.While working as a PhD student I have found I have a passion and aptitude for teaching. This culminated in being a facilitator for the global engineering challenge week where I was responsible for lecturing and tutoring 30 students. I taught how to produce a project plan, give an effective presentation, and answer questions. The aim was to improve student's communication skills while gaining experience in presentations and group work.

Listed skills include Engineering Drawings, Design For Manufacturing, Jd Edwards, Manufacturing, and 3 others.