Membership voice, July - August 2003
The consultancy and information services that I described in the last issue of the Bulletin represent only one aspect of the benefits of Industrial Membership. Equally important is access to results of the Core Research Programme, the large pre-competitive R&D programme that underpins all the other TWI services.
In the last 15 years, I have witnessed a major shift in attitude towards R&D in the UK. Even though industrial organisations are as keen as ever to exploit innovation, few are actually prepared to fund fundamental, pre-competitive R&D.
Many laboratories have closed down or downsized in the power generation, construction and metals sectors while the road transport sector has shifted more R&D responsibilities down the supply chain. I believe that one cannot have one's cake and eat it. One cannot expect technical innovation without some level of R&D investment, and I fear that the short-term approach of many industries today will eventually lead to technical stagnation.
TWI is fighting this unfortunate trend via the Core Research Programme (CRP). The CRP provides the framework for TWI fundamental research. TWI Industrial Member companies influence the content of the programme, ensuring the topics addressed today answer the questions that industry will ask tomorrow.
The three year programme aims to develop further a relevant knowledge and staff skills base for transfer into industry, underpinning advisory, consultancy and R&D services to Industrial Members. It aims to reduce manufacturing costs, encourage innovation, improve quality and meet safety and reliability requirements.
To give you an idea of the type of project undertaken, I have listed a few from the current suite:
- Long range ultrasonic testing
- Mechanical properties of aluminium alloy welds and their energy absorption capability under high strain rate
- Exemption from post weld heat treatment for plain C and Cr-Mo steels.
- Risk assessment and control of exposure to welding fume
- Hybrid laser/arc welding
- Resistance spot welding of high strength steels
- Assessment of defects and damage on the performance of adhesively bonded composites
- Packaging methodologies for high temperature electronics and sensors.
The common feature of the above projects is that they will benefit a wide number of organisations, not just a few.
CRP reports of final results are issued exclusively to Industrial Members. Interim information is sometimes published in the Bulletin and further information is available from the project leader. The titles of all the reports produced since 1976 are listed on the JoinIT web site, www.twi.co.uk, under 'information and know-how'.
- Member Services
- Industrial Member Reports
Make sure you consult those reports that are relevant to your business and let me know if there are topics that you feel should be included in the 2004 - 2006 Core Research Programme.
Fred Delany - Head of Industrial Membership
e-mail: fred.delany@twi.co.uk
