Centres of Industrial Collaboration
To help businesses tap into the specialist skills and cutting-edge expertise of our universities, a unique network - the Centres of Industrial Collaboration - was created to bridge the gap between industry and university expertise.These include:
Polymer CIC
Based at the University of Bradford, the Polymer CIC develops novel materials to replace metals used in the automotive industry, which offer benefits such as reduced weight versus metals and lower cost manufacturing methods.
Engineering Design CIC
The Engineering Design CIC, based at the University of Leeds, provides the expert knowledge, advice, analysis, applied research and support to help organisations transform their product and engineering design processes. Design optimisation by computerised model, for example, in the generation of high performance structures with the least weight, is available.
Precision Technologies CIC
Based at the University of Huddersfield, the Precision Technologies CIC offers a one-stop-shop expertise for precision engineering and metrology. This includes the cutting-edge ‘Nanolab', the only metrology lab of its kind in the UK and one of the most advanced in Europe. The rapid, precise manufacturing of aerospace materials is also available from the Precision Technologies CIC.
Materials Analysis & Research Services CIC
The Materials Analysis & Research Services CIC provides research supporting the development of tools to machine new materials at the highest levels of productivity.
The Centre, based at Sheffield Hallam University, developed a new generation of nanoscale, multilayer physical vapour deposition (PVD) high performance coatings, which can protect cutting tools used for the dry-drilling of aerospace alloys.
It has also developed a range of functional and decorative coatings for automotive and motor sport markets which enhance the properties of the materials, protect them under harsh operating conditions and improve aesthetic appeal, corrosion resistance, high temperature performance, wear resistance and reduce friction.
Wireless Technologies CIC
The widespread deployment of wireless communications is creating exciting new business opportunities. The Wireless Technologies CIC boasts one of the world's most advanced centres of expertise in wireless communications, with expertise in security, surveillance and secure communications, wireless broadband systems, digital broadcasting and satellite phone technology.
Environmental Technologies CIC
Offering assistance with the environmental issues facing a wide number of sectors.