Citation
(2010), "Engineers get the measure of the larger things in life", Sensor Review, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2010.08730cab.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Engineers get the measure of the larger things in life
Article Type: News From: Sensor Review, Volume 30, Issue 3
Engineers at the University of Bath have opened a new state-of-the-art laboratory that allows them to measure very large objects, such as aeroplane wings, to within a fraction of a millimetre. The facility, named the Laboratory for Integrated Metrology Applications (LIMA), is based in the University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and has strong links with the Department’s Innovative Design and Manufacturing Research Centre.
Metrology is the science of measurement, and the researchers at LIMA are working with a number of industry partners to develop new techniques for measuring large objects such as aeroplane wings and engine parts to accuracies that were not feasible before.
Another key objective of LIMA is to develop measurement-assisted automation that will revolutionise the way robots and machines are functioning.
LIMA’s partners include the National Physical Laboratory, metrology company Renishaw and other metrology vendors, five other universities and a wide range of advanced engineering and aerospace companies including, Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Vestas.
The laboratory was officially opened on 25 November by Mr Peter Mason, CEO of the National Measurement Office, in the presence of the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell.
Peter Mason said: “It’s great to see this sort of initiative that brings together government, the national measurement institutes, industry and academia, all focusing on a very clear requirement to apply measurement to the widest possible purpose”.
Professor Geoff McFarland, Group Engineering Director of Renishaw, said: “LIMA is the first lab of its kind. Integrated metrology is very important because it is bringing together research and practical application.”