Ultra-precision technologies and micro engineering
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Established in 1968 as the Cranfield Unit for Precision Engineering (CUPE), we are now internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in ultra-precision and microengineering. Today, the Surface Engineering and Precision Centre (SEPC) operates unique research facilities designed and built by our own leading experts or procured from leading suppliers, capable of processing and measuring large optics of up to 1.5 metres in diameter and millimetre-size components with nano-meters accuracy.
Home of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision, we support advanced manufacturing companies and our academic partners, and delivered research and functional systems into major science programmes of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), European Southern Observatory (ESO), European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
About our research
Our current research is focused on the sustainable development of ultra-precision technologies via in-process metrology and digitisation of the ultra-precision manufacturing technologies. As part of a thriving multidisciplinary group focused on sustainable materials development, we also use our acumen to work on with colleagues and industry to implement precision and metrology design rules in complementary manufacturing technologies, such as coating systems.
Our facilities
From grinding and plasma figuring of large mirrors to single point diamond turning and micro-milling, our laboratories feature contact and optical metrology systems able to evaluate the dimensional conformity across the length scales covered by our manufacturing technologies.
Clients and partners
Science programmes:
• European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
• European Space Agency (ESA)
• European Southern Observatory (ESO)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
• Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).
Industries:
• Advanced Optics
• Aerospace
• Defence
• Machine Tools
• Medical Devices
• Microelectronics
• Precision Production Systems
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Structured and Active Films.
