Firms will soon have access to technology that enables them to carry out the ultra-precise and ultra-fast measurements which will deliver the automation that is increasingly vital for manufacturing growth.

Now, a University of Huddersfield scientist who played a key role in the breakthrough has been awarded an Enterprise Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE).
Dr Hussam Muhamedsalih is a senior research fellow at the University’s EPSRC Future Metrology Hub. He and his colleagues have developed and patented a new optical interferometry system that can carry out accurate measurement in fractions of a second.
For example, the roll-to-roll process – crucial to meet the demand for devices such as smartphones and printable sensors – often has to go offline for vital accuracy checks. The University of Huddersfield technology will mean this is no longer necessary, leading to big efficiency gains and cost savings.
Dr Muhamedsalih’s Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship will help him to demonstrate the full potential of the device and to commercialise it. The fellowship provides funding of up to £60,000 over a year, mentoring and help with PR and promotion, plus lifetime membership of the RAE Enterprise Hub, paving the way for a spin-out a company from the university.
Earning the award was challenging. There is immense competition for fellowships and, after he had made the final shortlist, Dr Muhamedsalih was summoned to London for a tough session with five interviewers. He was delighted to receive a fellowship at the end of the process and, when the 12 months have elapsed, he will attend the Enterprise Hub’s 2020 showcase event.
For further information http://fmh.hud.ac.uk/

Vision Engineering, a manufacturer of visual inspection and measurement technologies, has introduced its latest flagship product, the Deep Reality Viewer (DRV-Z1) microscope.

Designed at its Woking, UK headquarters, the DRV-Z1 enables the user to view high-definition 3D images under magnification without using a flat screen, or requiring operators to wear goggles or specialist glasses. Innovatively, by linking multiple DRV systems via wired or wireless technologies, users can share and manipulate 3D images of components or products in real time.
Vision Engineering says that the DRV-Z1 is set to transform supply network collaboration in manufacturing and quality, design and rapid prototyping, and even in the healthcare and medical sectors. The ability to simultaneously share and discuss full 3D images of critical parts, repairs or design enhancements without any delay offers tangible benefits.
In terms of transferring vital information and quality of view, colleagues across multi-site organisations, suppliers and their customers and designers and manufacturing engineers can use the DRV’s real-time connectivity to accelerate and improve both product design and client response.
Using Vision Engineering’s globally patented TriTeQ3 digital 3D display technology, the DRV-Z1 moves these advantages even further forward, combining improved ergonomics with real-time transfer of 3D product images for rapid and informed decision-making. DRV-Z1 systems are designed to address important quality control and production requirements in sectors including electronics, aerospace, automotive and medical.
Mark Curtis, managing director, Vision Engineering says: “This breakthrough technology sets a new industry standard, offering users an incredible 3D viewing experience, without the need for glasses or headsets. The ability to share high-definition images with other users anywhere in the world presents a huge opportunity to improve standards across key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and automotive.”
For further information www.visioneng.com