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[July 2003]
Industrial Partners needed for UK Public Funded Project
CERAM Research will be submitting a proposal relating to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
The proposal will investigate a technique called Speckle Interferometry which it is believed has the potential to reveal internal faults like voids and invisible surface cracks in both the green and fired state.The aim is to submit a proposal under the Sustainable Technologies Initiative (STI) scheme where EPSRC and DTI funding is used to support projects involving University / Research & Technology Organisations / Industry collaboration. All STI projects must demonstrate an ability to raise production efficiency whilst at the same time have a positive environmental and social impact. CERAM Research believes that in-line NDT can give an early indication of faults and so prevent firing of ware that is destined to become scrap. End customers will gain reassurance that ceramic products will be fit for service.
In January 2003, CERAM Research submitted an outline proposal on Speckle Interferometry. The STI committee approved the proposal and we were invited to submit a full proposal in May 2003. Unfortunately, we were unable to attract sufficient industrial partners to meet the deadline. The good news is that our success at the outline stage is still recognised by the STI committee and we will be able to submit a full proposal under the next call (deadline: 26 September 2003).
The consortium currently comprises:
Loughborough University and CERAM Research Ltd (as research performers)
An SME spin-off company with expertise in providing Speckle Interferometry systems)
X2 tableware producers (negotiations with a third company is on-going)
X1 advanced ceramics producer
Ideally, we would like to involve a second advanced ceramic producer (preferably one that uses a non-pressing fabrication route (tape casting etc)). We also envisage a minor role for material or equipment suppliers – involvement of the whole supply chain at status meetings has been shown to provide better guidance for longer-term R&D projects.More details relating to the STI scheme can be found at http://www.oakdenehollins.co.uk/
To find out more about the proposed project (current partners, objectives, milestones etc.) please contact Phil Jackson on:
Tel: 01782 764253
Email: phil.jackson@ceram.com
ENDS