NPL measures up with laboratory launch

THE National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s measurement institute, has completed its new facility at the University of Huddersfield and is launching a free measurement consultation service for local businesses.

The new lab, which is now fully kitted out with a range of the most modern inspection equipment, will help the local and national manufacturing industry use measurement to improve productivity and quality, and introduce new products and processes.

The activities in the laboratory are targeted at providing local manufacturing companies with direct access to NPL’s market leading measurement capabilities. Customers working with NPL will be able to improve the quality of their manufactured products, as well as introduce innovation into their manufacturing and inspection processes.

NPL is also offering free measurement surgeries each Wednesday, where manufacturers can meet with measurement and inspection experts to discuss specific problems and any wider consultancy and support requirements.

The institute said that proper measurement is essential to producing reliable products. It ensures parts such as lifesaving medical devices meet standards and are produced right first time, saving time and money.

A recent customer survey estimated that NPL has directly helped organisations achieve benefits of more than £100m a year through the introduction and application of good measurement practice.

The Huddersfield laboratory will support the development of complex, hard to measure parts such as blades and engine components used in aerospace, and medical components such as replacement joints and plastic syringes.

Andy Morris, NPL Huddersfield laboratory manager, said: “NPL employs the world’s leading measurement expertise, the most accurate equipment and carries out ground breaking research. These capabilities have been proven to have a huge impact on business, improving standards, safety and profit. The lab in Huddersfield expands our reach and provides easier access to these world leading capabilities in one of the UK’s most important manufacturing regions.”