A wide range of analytical services includes the most up-to-date advanced electron and ion beam scanning microscopes, with dedicated experienced laboratory technical staff. Our facilities comprise a variety of instruments, with large chambers to provide materials analysis across the length scales from millimetre to nanometer, providing spatially-resolved microstructural information, crystallography, defect assessment chemical composition and strain properties.

Project solutions for your business

We attract some of the highest quality postgraduate students globally to our programmes in materials across aerospace, transport, manufacturing, energy, water, environment and defence. As part of these programmes, our students conduct both group and individual projects. We aim to have all of our student projects sponsored by industry; this offers benefits to both the students and the industry sponsors.

How can your business benefit?

  • Unrestricted access to state-of-the-art facilities within the University unavailable to many businesses due to the high cost of ownership;
  • A cost effective way to investigate projects of interest to you;
  • Access to a rich talent pipeline of students;
  • Projects supervised by world-renowned academic experts to ensure high quality outputs;
  • A comprehensive report on the findings of the project;
  • Networking and promotional opportunities at our project presentations days;
  • Use project sponsorship as part of a longer term strategic relationship with Cranfield.

Collaboration in research

We welcome academic and industrial collaborators to partner with us on research utilising the expertise and advanced analytical instrumentation within our microscopy analysis facilities. Please contact the team to discuss possible projects and funding opportunities.