The 3-day short course offers an intensive, industry-relevant exploration of the latest advancements in surface engineering. Designed for R&D engineers and technical specialists working in the surface engineering sectors, this course delivers practical and cutting-edge knowledge to enhance your organisation's competitiveness and product performance. Sessions will review concepts of surface engineering for multiple applications and how this may be used to optimise and influence the product life cycle.

With a focus on real-world applications, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of advanced coatings and surface treatments, essential for improving durability, efficiency, and sustainability in extreme operating environments. The course covers the deposition and characterisation of functional coatings and thin films, focussing on coatings for aerospace and the influence of surface engineering on the product life cycle. Deposition methods include physical vapour deposition (PVD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), electroplating and plasma spraying.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will:

  • Acquire knowledge of surface engineering technologies, including coatings and surface treatments applicable to extreme environments.
  • Learn to apply innovative surface engineering solutions to optimise product life and performance across sectors.
  • Understand the impact of coatings on wear resistance, corrosion protection, and overall material longevity.
  • Gain insight into the latest research and technological developments in surface treatments and how they translate into operational benefits.
  • Be equipped to drive innovation and improvements within your organisation’s surface engineering processes.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

This course is designed to support your ongoing professional growth. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your career, stay current with industry trends and be better positioned to solve industry-specific challenges, improve product performance, and increase operational efficiency within your business.

Why Choose Cranfield?

Cranfield University is renowned for its close ties to industry and cutting-edge research in manufacturing technologies. By attending this course, you will benefit from:

  • Expert Faculty: Learn from leading academics and industry professionals with extensive expertise in surface engineering and coatings.
  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with like-minded professionals and industry leaders, fostering valuable connections for future collaboration.
  • Accredited CPD: This course offers CPD accreditation, ensuring your learning contributes to your ongoing professional development and career progression.

Key benefits

  • Enhance your technical knowledge in advanced surface engineering and coatings.
  • Apply the latest techniques to improve product durability and performance in your organization.
  • Increase your understanding of sustainable practices in surface treatment processes.
  • Expand your professional network and engage with experts in the field.

At a glance

Course structure

The structure covers the product life cycle from the design of a coating system to the intended application and a session on the sustainability aspects. The sessions cover deposition methods, coatings testing and coatings in applications.

What you will learn

  • Expanded knowledge of engineering PVD, CVD, electrochemical and plasma spray coating processes, and their applications.
  • Awareness of alternative coating technologies and the advantages they offer.
  • Understanding of how coatings are designed into products, and how their performance may be assessed and improved.
  • Opportunity to meet experts from different engineering coatings fields.

On successful completion of this short course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of surface engineering applied to a product lifecycle.
  • Have a greater awareness of alternative coating technologies and the advantages they offer.
  • Understanding of how coatings are designed into products, validated, and how their performance may be assessed and improved.
  • An appreciation of future materials sustainability and process technologies.

Core content

The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, enabling participants to immediately apply learned skills to their roles. Topics covered include:
  • Introduction to Surface Engineering: Understanding the principles and importance of surface engineering in industrial applications.
  • Coating Materials and Technologies: Explore advanced coating materials, such as thermal barrier coatings, hard coatings, and corrosion-resistant systems.
  • Deposition Techniques: In-depth examination of surface modification techniques, including thermal spraying, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
  • Wear and Corrosion Resistance: Understanding the mechanisms of wear and corrosion and how to mitigate them through surface engineering.
  • Case Studies: Real-world examples of surface engineering applications in sectors such as aerospace and automotive.

Timetable

Please click here to download the timetable.

Who should attend

This course is ideal for R&D engineers, technical specialists, and managers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, manufacturing, and energy. It is particularly suited to:
  • R&D engineers and scientists looking to expand their expertise in advanced coatings.
  • Managers responsible for production, manufacturing, and quality assurance seeking to enhance operational performance.
  • Professionals involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) who want to implement best practices in surface engineering.
  • Individuals responsible for sustainability and efficiency improvements in manufacturing.

Partnerships

 

Speakers

 

Concessions

20% discount for Cranfield Alumni. 
10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates, from the same organisation at the same time.  

Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at time of booking.

Accommodation

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here.  Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel. 

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL


How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Apply now

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.