Lab will help manufacturers beyond measure

They are also among the most critical to safety, so it is vital that manufacturers have access to the most accurate measurement technology.

The National Physical Laboratory has opened a state-of-the-art inspection facility at Huddersfield University to support engineering companies with product development and to help introduce innovative new processes.

The taxpayer-funded laboratory will offer free measurement surgeries to help Yorkshire manufacturers to improve productivity and quality.

Companies will be able to meet measurement and inspection experts to discuss specific problems and also find out about the application of new technology and established best practice in measurement.

“Proper measurement is essential to producing reliable products,” said a spokesman for the laboratory.

“It ensures parts such as life-saving medical devices meet standards and are produced right first time, saving time, money and maybe lives.

“It enables product improvements to be introduced at reduced risk and ensures confidence in the quality of parts delivered to customers.”

The spokesman highlighted a recent customer survey for the National Physical Laboratory which showed that it helped organisations achieve annual benefits worth more than £100m through the introduction and application of good measurement practice.

The Huddersfield laboratory will support the development of aerospace components such as turbine blades and ceramic cores and medical components such as replacement joints and plastic syringes.

Laboratory manager Andy Morris told the Yorkshire Post that the facility will give companies in the region easy access to world-leading measurement capabilities, which can have “a huge impact” on standards, safety and profit.

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