Advanced Metrology Centre for Heriot-Watt University

Citation

(2009), "Advanced Metrology Centre for Heriot-Watt University", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781dab.018

Advanced Metrology Centre for Heriot-Watt University

Article Type: University and research news From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 4

A new manufacturing laboratory has opened at the Heriot-Watt University aided by the donation of half a million pounds worth of equipment, software and training by Renishaw.

The Renishaw Advanced Metrology Centre will facilitate both teaching and research in modern industrial metrology and materials analysis using highly accurate capability maturity model (CMMs), equipment, and a sophisticated system.

One highlight of the new equipment is a CMM installed with Renishaw’s (image right), which will allow Heriot-Watt engineering staff and students to experience first-hand a breakthrough technology that is dramatically reducing dimensional inspection times for leading global aerospace and automotive suppliers. In addition to the hardware and software, the donation from Renishaw also includes all machine commissioning, training of University staff, and ongoing technical support.

The development has been enthusiastically received by Heriot-Watt, explains Professor James Ritchie of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. “Metrology is the science of measurement where things are measured and inspected to specific dimensions, which is critical for modern manufacturing processes which need to be at a high degree of accuracy”.

“Modern metrology techniques involve the use of highly accurate, computer controlled metrology machines, such as co-ordinate measuring machines and digitisers. These can measure components down to micron precision or better, and the new Renishaw Advanced Metrology Centre will allow research and teaching to be carried out in a wide range of metrology applications. All of this has become possible thanks to this generous contribution from Renishaw”.

Explaining the rationale behind Renishaw’s donation, Dr Nick Weston, head of Renishaw’s Scottish research facility said, “Renishaw has a huge focus on research and development, annually spending some 17 per cent of turnover to ensure that we maintain our leadership in the field of dimensional metrology and related technologies. Heriot Watt University is one of the key partners in our research programmes and it is important that staff and students are fully versed with the latest measurement systems”.