Projects
The Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre (JIIC), part of The Birmingham City University in Birmingham's School of Jewellery, was set up in 1997 to assist the jewellery and silversmithing industries with new technology applications.
During the 10 years since it was established, the Centre has developed an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally for its holistic 'concept to prototype' approach to new product development, and for working closely with industry, small and medium sized enterprises, associations, universities, and research institutes. The JIIC provides companies with the opportunity to assess and research new technologies, facilitates technology transfer from other industries and encourages take-up of new processes by providing technical support and training in their use and application. The team of 15 offer a one stop option for companies, ranging from SME to micro businesses, seeking assistance in the areas of new product development, design, technology application and close to market research. We also offer our services and expertise to companies producing small products, or giftware, automotive, ceramic, engineering, and white goods industries. The Centre offers industry a holistic approach to new product development which provides clients with a “concept to prototype” solution to their design/product development requirements. In order to provide clients with their individual new product development solution, the team utilise their collective skills, maintaining close links between all departments and specialists within the Centre to ensure design continuity and unique product development opportunities.
Our areas of expertise are, design, new product development, scanning and reverse engineering, laser welding and marking, surface finishing, anodising and colouring, investment casting, rapid prototyping, computer aided design (CAD), and computer aided manufacture (CAM). Training, mentoring and support is offered in all of these areas. The JIIC has completed over 300 individual five day consultancies for industry, since 2002, and is an associate of the West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service.
The Centre has participated in a number of European research projects related to the jewellery and precious metal industry undertaking collaborative research in partnership with research and industrial partners across Europe. The Centre is currently a partner in a live cooperative EU F6 CRAFT project. As a specialist team we continue to investigate research questions and identify new technologies in relation to their application within industry. Our research work is presented through a range of outputs including conference papers, technical reports, journal articles and industry seminars. Centre staff are members of several academic and industrial networks.
The Centre is externally funded through a wide range of projects, and receives support from ERDF and RDA organisations.
Contact: gay.penfold@bcu.ac.uk
CDCI, Jewellery Research Group
© Birmingham City University
Research: BIADResearch@bcu.ac.uk
BIAD, Birmingham City University, Gosta Green, Birmingham B4 7DX