Defence leadership and expertise
With numerous defence projects completed in the areas of optical, electro-optical, and advanced coating materials, we have a history of delivering reliable and effective glass applications. We also work under NDA where necessary to protect the security and confidentiality of our customers and partners.
Dr Owen McGann
Martyn Marshall
Areas of expertise:
Dr Marlin Magallanes
Areas of expertise:
David Eustice
Areas of expertise:
Defence services
Bespoke glass development and manufacture
We can create glass materials with properties designed to meet specific requirements. Example glass types:
- Advanced glass materials: We can produce phosphate fluoride and heavy metal oxide glasses which provide a range of novel optical and electronic properties and are key for a range of defence applications, such as optics and communications.
- Advanced glass composites: Our team works with composite glass materials engineered to provide enhanced strength, durability, and lightweight properties. These materials are critical for applications in aerospace and vehicle armour, offering both protection and performance.
- Advanced toughned glass: We have access to a range of novel toughening technologies which can be applied to glass materials to enhance the durabilty in a range of applications.
Products this service is relevant to:
Glass failure analysis
Circumstances surrounding broken glass during the glass production process can often be unclear. Product failure can result in disputes between glass manufacturers and suppliers, or with the end user. Glass failure (or fracture) analysis is a powerful tool enabling us to determine the root cause of a glass breakage. We can also perform preventative quality assessments and performance testing to ensure due diligence is completed before products are placed on the market.
Using broken glass fragments and intact samples, we can diagnose the true cause of glass failure. Our comprehensive glass failure analysis service combines glass fractography, laboratory analysis and microscopy on-site investigation, auditing, inspection and expert witness support (if required by a failure scenario).
As well as specialist expertise, we can guarantee independence, confidentiality, speed and flexibility.
Products this service is relevant to:
Materials characterisation
Using our in-house characterisation tools, we can determine a wide range of properties relevant to your materials. This ensures product specifications are met and they are fit for purpose.
Products this service is relevant to:
Glass property measurement
Our team are experts in the chemical and physical properties of glass materials. We work with manufacturers to optimise production, troubleshoot issues and support the development of novel glasses. We offer analysis of glass colour, dilatometry and thermal expansion, electrical properties, density, light transmission and absorbance, littleton softening point, refractive index, refractory corrosion and stability, temperature-viscosity, and thermal and solar properties.
Glass quality assessment
We can ensure the quality standards and performance of your glass product through a range of glass quality testing methods and technical support – helping you maintain a positive brand image and prevent product recalls.
Conformity to dimensional specifications
We help glass manufacturers measure and verify the critical dimensions of a product against specific requirements. Our intricate processes identify any dim issues related to packaging and decorating glass containers, such as applying lids and labels.
Laser process development
We can help you develop laser processing techniques tailored specifically to glass materials. We have specialist expertise in areas including laser welding technologies, glass laser processing and cutting, additive manufacture (3D printing) and targeted property modification. Working together, we can develop new products for sectors such as micro-machining, biomedical technologies and advanced optics. We support and collaborate with partners and customers spanning academia and industry.
Glass defects and contamination analysis
Our technical experts analyse glass composition and causes of defective glass to quickly resolve your production issues. We undertake composition analysis of glass inclusion defects, stone, cord, knot, bubbles and blisters, and we examine surface contamination, delamination, misting and blooms. We also assess forming defects in glass manufacturing and quality concerns in finished products.
Finite element analysis (FEA) modelling
We use finite element analysis (FEA) modelling to provide insights into a vast range of processes and scenarios. We combine our FEA software capability with expertise in glass materials and glass manufacture to model heat transfer and stress generating processes, ranging from furnaces to laser processing. Our finite element analysis modelling provides vital information that allows you to minimise costs and reduce the probability of failures.
Glass composition analysis
We provide ISO/IEC 17025-accredited composition analysis, enabling glass manufacturers to confirm that glass has been made as intended, and potentially determine the cause of a problem. Our methods are created specifically for glass, so they’re accurate and reproducible.