The University of Sheffield AMRC with Boeing is offering Yorkshire SMEs two days of cost-free business support from its new Design Prototype and Test Centre.

The AMRC Design Prototype and Test Centre (DPTC) is a new state-of-the-art facility, opening in autumn 2013. It brings together the AMRC's established Advanced Structural Testing Centre with the new Design & Prototyping Group, backed by the technology excellence of the AMRC's world-leading research groups.

To launch the new centre and demonstrate our support for local business, the AMRC is offering small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Yorkshire & Humber region two days of free business assistance.

The programme gives qualifying companies free access to the AMRC's multi-disciplinary team of design and testing engineers, to help companies develop new products or improve your current capabilities.

Businesses can gain practical assistance in areas including:

• Design - concept generation, design & development, analysis & simulation.
• Prototyping - 3D printing, CNC machining.
• Testing - structural testing of coupons, components or complete systems.

Regional SMEs have already benefited from free support including design brainstorming, 3D design and 3D printing. The two days of free support can also be put towards a larger project.

Derek Boaler, AMRC head of design, says: "The new AMRC Design Prototype & Test Centre will be a national hub for design engineering, and we're delighted to give Yorkshire businesses the opportunity to take advantage of our expertise.

"We can help manufacturers move innovative new designs from first concept through to fully tested pre-production prototype, and create high-value products that are designed, tested and made in Britain. If we can help your business, we want to hear from you."

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing works with companies along the supply chain to identify and resolve advanced manufacturing problems. The AMRC Design Prototype & Test Centre is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

To claim your business assistance, or to find out more, contact Craig Roberts, AMRC Design & Prototyping Group: c.roberts@amrc.co.uk

Please note that the free assistance is available to SMEs based in the Yorkshire & Humber region only. All other companies can access our services at competitive rates. For more information, see our Design & Prototyping Group and Advanced Structural Testing Centre pages.