Jim Platts

Academic Interests
The development of skill and competence in design and manufacturing
Optimum performance component design in composites
Advanced production processes for composites
Advanced metal wing production processes
Ethical leadership
Background
Lecturer, Manufacturing Engineering Tripos
Examiner, Manufacturing Leaders' Programme
Spent 23 years in industry, was a partner in the consulting engineering practice Gifford and Partners, 1981-6, MD of Composite Technology Ltd 1986-9 and is now a lecturer in the Institute for Manufacturing. His interests are design and manufacturing, particularly skill-based manufacturing, and a concern for ethical leadership.

Research
At the heart of all manufacturing progress is the entrepreneurial development of manufacturing processes themselves. Clarity of perception of the core functionality of a process, and a clear perception of the competences which drive it, lead to articulate, focused work on technology and skill development, from certificated design and process simulation software, through machine and tooling design, construction and commissioning and operational competence development for total process optimisation, to transparent, auditable and sustainable quality assurance procedures and records.

The Institute for Manufacturing is involved in the strategic development of wind energy technology.