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metaFAB - Micromachining, microfabrication specialists
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Address:
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School of Engineering
Queens Building
1-5 The Parade
Cardiff
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Postcode:
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CF24 3AA
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Country:
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United Kingdom
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Phone number:
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0788 9759993
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Fax number:
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+44 (0) 29 2087 4716
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Website:
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http://www.metaFAB.net
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Contact name:
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Neil Sykes
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Email address:
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sykes@metafab.net
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WMCCM Rated:
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yes
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Profile:
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The metaFAB Extreme Laser Facility accommodates a unique industrial hybrid 157nm / femtosecond laser micromachining tool designed for precision engineering including tool-making, and particularly suited to Lab-on-a-Chip, microfluidic, microreactor, photonic & separations devices. Microscale geometries in any material can be structured and is suited to high-end, niche-market low-volume manufacturing for biomedical, instrumentation, aerospace, automotive and designer fashion-ware applications. The facility is also a hands-on industrial demonstration site for VEECO Interference Microscopy and a state-of-the-art Nikon Measurement Microscopy suite.
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Ethos:
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The extreme laser facility is a unique European capability through which metaFAB continuously pushes the frontiers of laser-based micromachining. It works with clients to deliver cutting edge processing capability that enables the marketplace differentiation of their products to command a price premium.
Within a wider context metaFAB employs engineering tools at the molecular, nano- & micro-scale to enable product differentiation in a diversity of engineering sectors. To this end a core interdisciplinary brainstorming team led by Professor David Barrow (Microengineering), Professor Adrian Porch (Microwave Engineering), Professor Thomas Wirth (Chemicals Synthesis) and Dr. Chris Allender (Molecular Receptors) originate Next Generation Engineering solutions based on MicroNanoTechnology Convergence.
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Basic line of business:
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Micro-machining, micro-fabrication and micro-engineering with specialisms in laser processing.
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Products and services:
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Contract micromachining using short-pulse (femtosecond) and deep ultraviolet (157nm) lasers, particularly where superior surface finish is required.
Industrial open access Microscopy Laboratory with interference, visible, differential interference contrast, epi-fluorescent, video-rate, and non-contact capabilities.
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Runners:
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50
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Repeaters:
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20
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Strangers:
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30
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Number of Employees:
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not given
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Annual Turnover (£m):
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not given
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Annual Rate of Growth (%):
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not given
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Reference customers:
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BAE, ThermoFischer
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End customers:
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Aerospace, Biomedical, Healthcare, Instrumentation, Designer-fashion, Toolmakers
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Continuous improvements:
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Quality initial capability / resolution tools. Broadening range of inspection and level of machine tools and equipment.
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Competence transfer:
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Leading greater use of micro products in new product development and manufacture.
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Key processes:
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Key Process:
Biological Science,Boring,CNC Machining,Fabrication (General),Mechanical Design,Milling,Prototyping,Renewable & Novel Materials,Training & Education
Xtreme Laser Facility accommodates a unique industrial hybrid 157nm / femtosecond (unique to EU and market leader) laser micromachining tool designed for Lab-on-a-Chip microfluidic, microreactor, photonic & separations devices. Also, custom microscope geometries in any material can be structured.
(Mastery: Under Development, Time In Operation: 2.00 years)
Key Process:
Calibration,Certification & Approvals,CMM,Laboratory Analysis,Measuring,Quality, Statistics & Measurement,Renewable & Novel Materials
VEECO supported Optical Interference Microscope capability for 3-axis high-resolution measurements of surface topography.
(Mastery: Under Development, Time In Operation: 1.50 years)
Key Process:
Biological Science,Calibration,CMM,Laboratory Analysis,Measuring,Quality, Statistics & Measurement,Renewable & Novel Materials
Nikon measurement microscopy using iNEXIV non-contact automated imaging system for product quality control.
(Mastery: Under Development, Time In Operation: 0.25 years)
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Key skills:
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Role: metaFAB XLF CEO
Calibration,CMM,Design,Manufacturability assessment,Research,Scientific Analysis,Technical engineering
David Barrow became Professorial Fellow in Microsystems and Nanotechnology at Cardiff University School of Engineering in 2000. David has been involved with microfabrication and microfluidics for 18 years and his current interest is focused on the application of microfluidics technology for sustainable production processes. He has co-founded three microfluidics start-up companies, including MSTB Ltd, Protasis Corporation and Q-Chip Ltd.
(Skill Level: Expert, Years of Practice: 18.00 years)
Role: metaFAB XLF Facility Manager & Senior Process Engineer
Design,Manufacturing Engineering,Production Management,Scientific Analysis,Technical engineering
Neil Sykes has 15 years industrial experience in all aspects of lasers and laser micromachining. Whilst serving at Exitech Ltd. he undertook many roles in the company, including process development, job-shop manager and Chief Commissioning Officer. He is currently one of the few experts in the world with a sound knowledge of industrial machines for 157nm laser micromachining.
(Skill Level: Experienced, Years of Practice: 15.00 years)
Role: metaFAB XLF Innovation Manager
Project Management,Training & Development
Richard Bahu trained as a charted chemical engineer and work at AEA Ltd for many years working on advanced fluidic separations systems. In recent years he has worked as an innovation consultant for both industry and government and works with the Chemistry Innovation knowledge transfer network. His current interests focus on the methodologies for accelerated innovation. He is founder of The Oxis Partnership of consultants.
(Skill Level: Experienced, Years of Practice: 12.00 years)
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Locations:
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Europe, UK, Wales
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Markets:
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Aerospace, Health/Medical, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, Pharmaceutical
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Status: approved
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Last Updated: 13/11/2007 14:41:34
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