Our success stories

Heriot-Watt University is one of the UK’s leaders in developing links between business and academia. Find out about some of our previous collaborations with industry.

Reducing environmental impact

Tapping into the expertise and knowledge base at Heriot-Watt, this project sought to identify and implement a means of reducing the environmental impact of Caledonian Aerotech’s cleaning process, improve its effectiveness and realise large cost savings. Find out more about our collaboration with Caledonian Aerotech.

Micro systems engineering

The Micro Systems Engineering Centre, based within University's James Watt Institute for High Value Manufacturing, has developed a strategic alliance with world-leading company Renishaw Strategic Alliance. Find out more about our collaboration with Renishaw Strategic Alliance.

3D-Mintegration

This project is destined to revolutionise the way small, complex products and components are manufactured by providing a radical, new way of thinking for the end-to-end design, processing, assembly, packaging, integration and testing of complete 3D miniaturised/integrated (“3D-Mintegrated”) products. Read the case study on 3D-Mintegration.

Global energy use

As part of BP’s Energy Outlook 2030, there is an ongoing need for a Statistical Review of global energy use. Read the case study on BP’s global energy use statistical review.

Design planning

A robust solution is required to automatically capture engineering processes/rationale that will fit seamlessly with industry standard design tools. Read the case study on design planning.

Remote condition monitoring

Heriot-Watt University staff have developed a device that can monitor a range of parameters designated by the customer (such as temperature, pressure, humidity, displacement etc) in real-time and display the recorded information. Read the case study on remote condition monitoring.

Precision laser cutting

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre recently called on the expertise of Heriot-Watt University to help it maintain its position at the forefront of sub millimetre astronomy technology. Read the case study on precision laser cutting.

Laser machining

In dentistry, zirconia ceramic is currently  processed by mechanical means, making this an extremely slow procedure. Alternative methods of ceramic manufacturing are required to reduce cost and improve performance. Read the case study on laser machining.

Improved efficiency in machining manganese steel

Balfour Beatty Rail technologies identified problems with their machining capacity and lead times, as well as associated work-flow and scheduling difficulties. Read the case study on improved efficiency in machining manganese steel.

Smart labels

Over £11bn of food is wasted each year in the UK. UWI Technology and Heriot-Watt are working together with the aim of producing a more reliable indicator of whether the food in previously opened jars is still safe to eat or not. Read the case study on smart labels.

Packaging of electronic systems

Heriot-Watt University researchers responded to the need to provide cooling solutions to highly packed electronic and optical components by proving that green ceramic tape (LTCC) could be laser machined to produce structures for precise photonic applications, rather than the previous emphasis on electronics. Read the case study on packaging of electronic systems.

Micro optics

The next generation of optical data storage and solid state laser pumping have contributed to laser diodes becoming a billion dollar industry. There is a constant requirement to increase product performance, while reducing cost and power consumption. Read the case study on micro optics.

Shape measurement

Heriot-Watt University’s James Watt Institute for High-Value Manufacturing investigated non-contact optical techniques comprising compact fringe projection and photogrammetry compatible with CMM technology. Read the case study on shape measurement.

Stencil manufacture

There is an on-going consumer demand for small, lightweight portable electronic devices, which require increasingly advanced, low-cost, electronic packaging solutions with finer pitch sizes. Read the case study on stencil manufacture.

Texture capture

Heriot-Watt University helped IKEA Communications AB to produce digital texture data for thousands of products in order to create photorealistic 3D models of everything they sell in stores. Read the case study on texture capture.

Virtual reality

Research in the James Watt Institute for High Value Manufacturing at Heriot-Watt was aimed at evaluating virtual reality (VR) and computer-aided design (CAD) interfaces within conduit routing for creative design. Read the case study on virtual reality.