BCU to launch technology hub for jewellery students

Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery will officially open its new ‘Digital Technology Hub’ next week – housing 3D printing and laser technologies.

The investment in the hub is part of an effort to enable both the industry and students to benefit from being able to create complex jewellery as well as horological and small-scale items.

The School of Jewellery is believed to currently be the only education institution in the world to offer access to an M080 Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) machine.

Gaynor Andrews, head of the School of Jewellery, said: “The new hub increases the educational experience of our students. New technology processes are an integral part of their studies and help to prepare them for employment within the industry.

“The hub offers research opportunities to industry with our Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre (JIIC), which has an international reputation for developing and fostering global research and industry based partnerships that have helped push the boundaries and utilisation of cutting edge technology.”