“Engaging and fun” - 2026 finalists at acclaimed polymers training academy

Our six DIP 2026 finalists have just emerged from a four-day accredited training course with

a fresh perspective on polymer materials science – and new ideas on how to continue

developing their products.

The course, held at FANUK UK’s training academy in Coventry*, and delivered by specialist

polymer training organisation, Sierra 57 Consult, is a unique benefit to being a finalist in DIP

2026, this being a part of the prize.

With introductory modules focusing on principles and applications of machinery systems

and polymer/plastics materials, the students went on to more in-depth insights revolving

around mould tool design, different uses and applications of polymers, their chemical

structure, how polymers are classified and use of chemical additives in polymers.

Sierra 57 Consult’s polymer engineering and training director, Neville Dudley, said: “All the

students remained highly engaged throughout the week. Most of them spoke specifically

about their products and asked very pertinent questions regarding component detail, with,

in one case, specific questions about how tool design and material selection would influence the product. I will hopefully keep in touch with them and will be very interested to see how their careers progress.”

Here is just a selection of the comments we received from our finalists:

• “Neville was an amazing teacher and incredibly welcoming and great at explaining everything and made my time here fun”

• “Neville was extremely clear in his teaching. I went from knowing nothing – getting to 16 percent in the pre-test … to getting 100 per cent in post-test.”

• “Everything was perfect, the whole class was very engaging”

DIP chairman, Martin Sixsmith said: “Our finalists have clearly derived a fresh perspective

into the world of polymers and how they are used to create the products we all depend on

in this modern and high-tech age. Our sincere thanks go to FANUK UK and Sierra 57 consult for accommodating them and making the course so enjoyable.”

The finalists will now go forward to final judging, which takes place in London on May 8 at

the headquarters of the Institute of Materials Mineral and Mining.

* FANUC UK is a global pioneer in in factory automation and technology leader in computer

numeric control machining, robotics and ROBOMACHINE machine tools.

ends