Industrial Collaboration
NIMRC has strong links with industry in a range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, medical, instrumentation, defense, power engineering, sustainable energy, textiles and clothing, recycling and consumer products.
We have collaborated with 135 industrial companies and organisations, and 64 academic institutions over the past 10 years to develop new technologies and products and produce significant step changes in production performance, reduced costs, lower environmental impact and improved lead times.
Research has not only benefited our industrial partners but also had significant social and economic impact, for example:
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Development of the world’s first frangible legform for the automotive industry to test impact for pedestrian safety.
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A process for brazing vehicles roofs has succeeded in improving Ford in-plant performance by over 300%
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Innovative laser micro- milling/ablation techniques have produced new tooling technology that will transform the micro-fabrication industry.
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Natural fibre and resin composite applications for the small wind energy sector will create new product lines to address environmental issues.
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Development of bio-degradable composite materials for medical implants is having an impact will benefit the healthcare industry
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A prototype maintenance dashboard toolset (MDash) to extend the ‘useful phase’ within the product life-cycle of high value products will benefit the UK defense industry.
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Recycled carbon reinforced thermoplastic composite materials is producing lighter recycled components for the aerospace industry.
The Centre’s Industrial Advisory Board gives strategic direction, identifies new research opportunities and assists in dissemination and exploitation of research.
Stephen Burgess, Manufacturing Process and Technology Executive at Rolls-Royce plc said: “Working with NIMRC has helped us to generate innovative ideas for new processes and technologies and retain our strong global competitive position”.