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Timothy C. Claypole BSc, PhD

Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
 
Centre Director
Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating
 
 

BIOGRAPHY

Tim Claypole joined this University in 1986, after nine years as a member of the research staff of University College, Cardiff and two years in industry with GKN (Rolled and Bright Steel). His main research is in printing and coating. He founded the Welsh Centre for Printing & Coating, which has become one of Europe’s leading centre’s for research in printing and coating with a track record of performing fundamental research and then transferring the technology into industry. The Centre has attracted £2.7M in funding from both government and industrial sources.

As well as being the Director of the centre he has expertise in the experimental optimisation of all processes, process physics, fluid mechanics, colour measurement, quality control and production management . The research has made a significant contribution to all aspects of their understanding and the  transfer of this knowledge into the industry. Major contributions have been concerned with improving colour control and product quality. The size of most printing presses  has precluded the installation of all but the most basic test rigs within the University and therefore a whole experimental philosophy has had to be developed to enable commercial production units to be used to perform scientific experiments which can be used to understand the physics with minimum disruption to production. The total value of the research to date is £2.7M.

Tim Claypole was also responsible for the creation of the Printing and Coating Forum in Wales which attracts audiences in excess of 100 and the development of the Sector Technology Groups which have enabled SME’s to become involved in University research.

Tim Claypole is also active in the fluid mechanics research, specialising in understanding the behaviour of turbulent and coherent flow structures. This has significant implications for the development of analytical and numerical models. During his time in Swansea, he has developed the experimental capabilities using his expertise in optical design and signal processing. He has also been involved in the development and application of Laser Anemometry systems to arduous and difficult flow situations.

Tim’s main field of teaching is manufacture, his specialisation being the application of statistics to process control, reliability, quality and process optimisation.

ACADEMIC AWARDS

1989-1993 Esso Centenary Education Award
1986  Lubrock Sambrook Award for the best paper in Journal of the Inst. of Energy
1981  WDA Project Prize
1979  Institute of Energy McAndrew Award for best student paper
1978  IEE Young Members Premium for best paper presented at a branch meeting
1975  King’s College Engineering Society Medal for best final year project

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Member of Agile Machinery Committee (DTI supported)
  • ISO British expert on TC130 for the Graphic Arts 1994-
  • Chairman of the Screen Printing Sub-Committee
    • 1988-1995 Member of Committee
    • 1989  Local Chairman for ASME Conference
    • 1994-1995 Chairman

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

  • Neighbourhood Engineer for Oystermouth Primary School 1994-
  • Governor, Oystermouth Primary School, 1996-
  • SATIS, Science and Technology into Junior Schools 1988-1990
  • Advisory Committee of the Mumbles Science 2000 Project 1996-
  • Member of Executive, Sailing, Training and Development Committees of Mumbles Yacht Club 1997-
 

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

 

The Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, School of Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK SA2 8PP
Telephone: +44 (0)1792 295091  Fax +44 (0)1792 295814
Last updated on 16/09/09 by: G.R.Davies@swan.ac.uk