National Measurement System Programme Strategies

Engineering

Version 8th July 2014

1. Introduction This Programme is an NMS Knowledge Base Programme, which underpins measurements of Temperature, Humidity, Length, Mass, Density, Force and Photometry in the UK and is responsible for the realisation and maintenance of the kelvin, kilogram and candela SI units and the practical dissemination of the metre. The programme also provides SI traceability in the form of radiometry and quality assurance in support of the response to climate change. It is delivered by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and has a value of £8.4 million per annum. This document sets out the strategic priorities for the Programme, and its contribution to the future development of the NMS, so that the UK NMS remains world-leading in appropriate technical areas. The domains addressed by the Programme include:

Advanced manufacturing, notably industrial, aerospace, energy and instrumentation.

UK Climate Change policy, through the provision of quality assurance methods for Earth Observation data

Maintenance and development of the SI The Engineering Programme is described in terms of three Top Level Theme Areas:

Theme 1 Mass and Dimensional

Theme 2 Thermometry

Theme 3 Earth Observation and Climate change The aims of the Programme are:

To enhance growth, prosperity, innovation and industrial competitiveness by improving Engineering measurements and to provide leadership amongst the UK Engineering Community in the application of leading-edge science and technology.

To provide accurate and traceable Engineering measurements to support the development of standards, regulations and to provide a sound basis for quality assurance of data used in the development of Government policies.

To transfer the outputs of the programme in terms of knowledge and technology to users, including manufacturers, SMEs, regulators and trade bodies.

To ensure the integrity of UK measurements by participation in international comparisons and the development of an infrastructure for the global acceptance of measurement results, thereby helping remove the technical barriers to trade.

2. Executive Summary The Engineering Programme provides advanced metrology solutions for the UK manufacturing and energy sectors to meet the continually developing requirements for improved traceable and accurate measurement of engineered products and systems. The requirement for increased productivity to enable the UK to improve its competitiveness places a continuous demand on the Programme to develop measurement solutions of greater speed, precision and traceability. The Programme also supports the introduction of new measurement technology by providing performance verification to inform purchasing decisions and improve user confidence. The Programme has a long track record of success in Engineering Measurement and this success has also established a regular customer base of over 500, who are reliant on the Programme for calibration and consultancy services. The Programme also provides NPL’s main response to the Climate Change agenda. NPL is developing calibration protocols and data validation techniques to ensure that the data from climate observations is of a verifiable quality in order that it can be used to inform policy decisions. This encompasses optical measurements in the UV, visible and near infrared, of which NPL has many decades of experience. The Programme also has a key role in the development, maintenance and dissemination of 4 of the 6 SI units. The Programme has a large customer base, but the main stakeholders who influence the direction of the Programme include Airbus, Rolls Royce, ESA and academic institutes such as the Universities of Bath and Huddersfield as well as the High value Manufacturing Catapult.. The focus on UK manufacturing is entirely consistent with UK government strategy, as developed by BIS in the NMO strategy. The objectives of the Programme are:

To ensure manufacturers of engineered products are provided with new measurement technologies and methodologies, and a UK standards infrastructure to meet the requirements dictated by new and innovative products.

To provide calibration and validation of optical systems used in earth observation to ensure that data provided to users of climate products is of a verifiable quality, sufficient to meet their needs and traceable to the SI.

To fulfil the UK’s role in the development of the SI, particularly in the redefinition of the kelvin and the kilogram.

3. Theme level descriptions of challenge-driven strategic measurement priorities 3.1 MASS AND DIMENSIONAL

CHALLENGE

To become internationally leading by building our capability and increasing our

stakeholder impact in the chosen areas of large volume, freeform & optical coordinate

metrology and micro-nano dimensional metrology.

To be recognised as internationally leading in the provision of traceable dimensional

measurement services, training and consultancy.

To maintain NPL as a world leading laboratory for calibration and research in the area of

mass and related quantities, building on our leading work in the redefinition of the

kilogram and the development of a kilogram mise en pratique.

The Dimensional team delivers work in four dimensional sub themes - Large Volume

Metrology; Freeform; Micronano metrology and Sub-nano metrology. The Science Area

supports over 20 dimensional measurement services, the majority of which are also UKAS

accredited, and which underpin 53 CIPM MRA CMCs. The area addresses applications and

traceability routes, verification standards and techniques. It provides bespoke and generic

measurement services, including development of new measuring techniques, instruments,

measurement theory and analysis. The drivers are, therefore, closely aligned with the needs of

the end-user communities.

The Mass team has an excellent international reputation from pioneering work in the areas of mass, force, density and dynamic measurements and also due to excellent performance in Key Comparisons over the past 10 years. It has also established a unique capability to make dynamic force and pressure measurements.

The drivers for this theme are:

The UK Government’s continuing commitment to innovation and enterprise to improve

the competiveness and efficiency of the UK especially in Advanced and High-Value

Manufacturing, Aerospace and Nuclear.

UK support for international ‘Big Science’ such as Large Volume Metrology for LHC

successor, ESA space missions, ITER and IC fusion research (large volume structures, small

precise targets).

New or improved manufacturing processes (eg additive manufacturing, reel to reel

processing, automation) are driving a transition from contact measurement (CMMs) to

non contact approaches, the performance limitations of which are not yet fully

understood.

Increased availability of components and subsystems with properties defined by their

geometry at sub-micron and nanometre scales eg MEMS, functional surfaces, precision

mechanical systems.

The legal requirement for the maintenance of the national standard of mass the need to

support a wide range of derived units (force, torque, pressure, density, humidity). The

redefinition of the kilogram will introduce a step increase of >20 micrograms in the

realisation of the unit and it is vital that the additional uncertainty introduced in

dissemination of the unit NPL’s user community is minimised, in addition to ensuring

continuity of traceability to the SI

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS AND ROUTES TO DELIVERY:

Maintain the core NMI role of the area by disseminating the metre and related quantities

through certified artefacts, calibration and bespoke measurement services; consultancies;

training; best practice, in-line with the direction defined by the NMO and other roadmaps.

o Influence national and international strategy to ensure roadmaps are valid.

o Support to NPL training and provide new services for the MSD team.

o Reinvigorate the area’s role as provider of metrology systems to other NMIs and

third party customers.

Achieving measurements on high-aspect ratio or complex structures, preferably using

optical techniques. Develop traceable metrology of small surfaces as reference artefacts –

and means to verify the measurements.

Providing traceability routes for new instrumentation and techniques (e.g. XCT, additive

manufacturing) which are completely new to the NMI community and which require

costly equipment.

Become the NMI of choice for the provision of traceability, knowledge and innovative

measurement systems for Large Volume Metrology users.

Be the European primary NMI providing metrology support for structured and functional

surfaces from the micrometre to metre scale to include traceability and inline applied

metrology to support advanced manufacturing.

Provide high dynamic range measurements in manufacturing environments (long range, small feature/uncertainty, high speed), providing traceability routes for large range despite un-cooperative environments.

Investigate the case for re-establishing NPL’s links to kilogram primary realisation experiments and the feasibility of developing a next-generation watt balance possibly based on MEMS technology.

Form new strategic alliances, for instance with other NMIs, industry partners, and key universities, to leverage maximum value and impact from existing income.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Deliver the two flagship new technology projects: Metrology Space and FSI to a point

where they can be exploited internally and commercially.

Continued push to extol and utilise multi-lateration approaches e.g. FSI, laser tracer.

Increase uptake of NPL IP: work with mathematics and modelling team on LVM

measurement task optimisation through simulation; capitalise on ISO recommendation of

NPL Network Verification technique for laser trackers.

Increase interactions with the Catapults especially AMRC and N-AMRC through

EMRP/EMPIR involvement and assisting with new challenges.

Generate a service based business from the Centre for Freeform Metrology.

Develop hybrid and novel measurement instruments for functional and structured

surface measurement operating at high dynamic range.

Understand how to achieve traceable measurements with evaluated uncertainties from

XCT instrumentation.

Advance the field of surface measurement for additive manufacturing.

Complete work on the next generation of optical interferometers for use as length

traceability links at sub-nm accuracy.

Successfully complete the EMRP project to develop a practical means of implementing

the traceable realization and dissemination of the redefined kilogram, and plan a follow-

on EMPIR research in this area

Establish centres of excellence for dynamic pressure measurement related to the health

and transport sectors and expand capability to reach a range of additional key industrial

sectors (e.g. power generation) and expand end-user networks

STAKEHOLDERS

Forge closer links with Rolls-Royce via 3rd party contracts and NPL Huddersfield – Rolls-

Royce has an expanding civil nuclear and marine business with new metrology challenges.

Airbus involvement in EMRP projects, allied with our existing links to Rolls-Royce and

developing contacts in Boeing gives us further opportunities in all areas; for example on

factory-wide metrology systems, surface metrology and freeform verification.

Large scale science needs Large Volume Metrology - CERN and ITER have expressed desire

to utilise the NPL FSI system as a key metrology tool. These science areas also have

challenging positional requirements for nano-micro metrology such as fusion target

fabrication and positioning.

Exploit the unique capability in the X-Ray Interferometer (XRI) which attracts many

collaborators via EMRP projects and other R&D collaborations, to access this facility.

Work more closely in partnership with key customers to ensure stronger buy-in at key

stages e.g. formulation. Include key customers more closely in the formulation process,

particularly those from Catapults, large aerospace and big science and keep them better

informed of our outputs through e.g. EMRP stakeholder committee membership.

Accelerate development of relationships with instrumentation suppliers in order to

develop a route to market for new technologies developed from within this theme. The

priority areas are the technology being developed within the Micro nano sub theme and

dynamic pressure.

3.2 THERMOMETRY

CHALLENGE

To be the recognised world leader in our chosen fields in primary temperature scale realisation and practical applied thermometry; and associated humidity and moisture related quantities

To play a leading role in the redefinition of the kelvin, formulation of the next temperature scale

To be widely recognised by UK industry as a provider of innovative temperature & humidity measurement solutions, with a sustainable & growing non-NMS income

To be the recognised European centre for temperature measurement in harsh environments

The Temperature and Humidity group maintains and disseminates the SI unit the kelvin (via the ITS-90), performs leading research into the redefinition of the kelvin, and novel thermometry techniques and measurement solutions for industry and other users, in addition it maintains comprehensive standards for dew point and relative humidity. It participates in and leads CCT Key Comparisons (thermometry and humidity). Besides provision of standards through calibration services it also undertakes significant research consultancy activities such as for ESA and Rolls Royce. In short the drivers for T&H group are to maintain a leading position/capability, increase impact, external engagement and sustainable growth through:

Primary and SI thermometry o Redefinition of the kelvin, Development and deployment of MeP-K, Preparation

for the new temperature scale in mid-2020’s o The requirement to ensure our standards are world leading, and demonstrably so

through leading performance in key comparisons

Thermometry in the real world o Novel thermometry approaches to solve long standing thermometry problems o Position group to address issues with sensor drift, medical requirements, extreme

environments such as plasmas and flames, and thermometry on the very small scale

Humidity and moisture o Improved humidity traceability, providing improved outcomes in fields of energy,

carbon reduction, climate and meteorology, and control of industrial processes o Lead development of traceability and metrology infrastructure for moisture

content of materials

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS AND ROUTES TO DELIVERY:

Temperature, and to some extent humidity and moisture, is an all pervasive measurement, required in industry, meteorology, science and medicine. The future activities of the Temperature area of the group are captured on two roadmaps (applied and primary thermometry respectively). These are consistent with the Euramet roadmap for temperature, priorities identified at the new kelvin dissemination workshop held at NPL and the CCT strategy document (Jan. 2013). In the medium term (5 years), significant opportunities exist in applied thermometry and the Programme is orienting itself to take advantage of these. The emphasis is on improving surface thermometry and addressing sensor drift. Important contributions to the development of the SI are life extension of the ITS-90 – such as fixed point uncertainties and interpolation device weaknesses. On-going sustained activity in primary thermometry is essential to support of the developing MeP-K and contribute data for possible future ITS. NPL leads identified key areas for the temperature community such as new key comparison above the silver point, fixed point development, acoustic thermometry and improved interpolation sensors for scale dissemination. In the longer term (5-15 years) develop practical primary thermometry, in-situ traceability and major contribution to the new temperature scale in mid 2020’s. Humidity and moisture measurements will evolve by incremental development, exploiting opportunities for pan European collaboration through EMPIR.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

PRIMARY THERMOMETRY

In the short to medium term lead identified key priority areas for the temperature community such as new key comparison above the silver point, high temperature fixed point development, acoustic thermometry, improved interpolation sensors for scale dissemination and increased external engagement

Play a leading role in development and implementation of the MeP-K and introduction of the new temperature scale in the mid-2020’s

Ensure that we play a leading role in the implementation of Euramet TC-T roadmap and in particular grow our leading position in the international temperature and humidity

community – e.g. through chairing key committees – (NPL will chair Euramet TC-T from Spring 2014).

APPLIED THERMOMETRY

Practical primary acoustic thermometry (and/or self-validation) will be developed to overcome long term sensor drift issues in difficult situations such as nuclear waste stores.

• Practical Johnson noise thermometry will be evaluated as a driftless, calibration free device for harsh environment temperature measurement –in partnership with end users such as RR and BAE Systems

• Focus on improved surface thermometry using non contact devices incorporating emissivity mitigation and improved understanding of uncertainties associated with contact devices.

• Exploit the emerging opportunities for the development and application of thermal imaging technology

HUMIDITY

Roll-out of NPL’s multi-gas multi-pressure humidity capability, through collaboratively funded projects and through commercial service uptake

For moisture in materials, the requirement is to develop international coherence of moisture-in-materials metrology infrastructure across both physical and chemical metrology.

STAKEHOLDERS

Significant consultancies with for e.g. ESA (self-validating sensors to 2200 C for space applications), Rolls Royce Nuclear (recommendations of sensors for reactors, validation of engine test facility), AWE (establishing reliable temperature sensing), VerdErg (sub-sea pipe insulation testing) as well as establishing standard facilities in a number of NMIs, (SP, Sweden), (NIS, Egypt), (NIMT, Thailand)

3.3 EARTH OBSERVATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

CHALLENGE

To provide calibration and validation methods and instruments to support the Climate

community’s use of remotely sensed optical data.

To ensure data used in improved climate models meets standards of quality assurance in

order that more reliable predictions of future climate change can be made.

To ensure that SI traceability is established between sensor measurements and higher

level data products related to Essential Climate Variables and Climate data Records.

To maintain existing facilities, capability and expertise used in the realisation and

dissemination of optical radiation measurement scales and standards to meet UK

industrial requirements and regulations.

To launch the TRUTHS satellite, “an NMI in space”, providing primary radiometric traceability from orbit

Optical radiation measurements are critical to understanding climate change: e.g. by providing

traceability for Earth Observation (EO) satellites and for systems for monitoring changes in

solar irradiance levels at the Earth’s surface, they allow researchers to make improvements to

climate models and to understand better the disagreements between different models and

data sets. NPL’s scientists are leading international activities to improve the quality and

reliability of EO data and are developing new measurement techniques and instrumentation

to reduce the associated measurement uncertainties.

NPL’s activity in this theme also underpins optical radiation and photonic measurements,

traceable to the Candela, across a wide range of applications in industrial sectors. These

measurements support essential activities such as product development, quality assurance,

health and safety and compliance with regulations.

The drivers for this activity include:

The change in the Earth’s climate is likely to result in unprecedented economic and social

consequences. Monitoring and interpretation of the current health or state of the planet,

and forecast of likely changes, is heavily reliant on optical radiation based measurements.

Policy makers are increasingly reliant on Earth Observation (EO) data to make decisions on

mitigating and adapting to climate change. These decisions need to be evidence-based

and this requires complete confidence in information from EO-derived products.

Essential Climate Variable (ECV) products/services are available but lack robust

independent evidence of traceability and reproducibility. This makes it difficult for

stakeholders to reliably assess their suitability to support critical judgements at an

understood level of confidence.

Satellites have been observing the Earth for several decades, and small decadal trends

need to be detected from noisy data. SI traceability both pre-flight calibration and post-

launch must be established under operationally representative conditions to achieve this.

The UK, through UKSA, NERC, Met Office and Satellite applications Catapult, is positioning to become internationally recognised as the nation of excellence for EO applications, with QA being a significant differentiator.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS AND ROUTES TO DELIVERY:

Continued provision of the UK primary optical radiation measurement scale infrastructure and maintenance of dissemination, calibration and testing facilities. To include:

Radiometry and photometry in the UV, visible and near infrared; Measurements of the optical properties of materials calibration of optical radiation sensors for either spectral responsivity or relative

spectral responsivity Realisation and dissemination of primary optical radiation measurement scales

and standards, including the candela.

Establish an underpinning SI traceable infrastructure to support global measurements of the Earth & climate in conditions of pre-flight, post-launch and in orbit.

Develop methodologies, instrumentation and data analysis techniques to provide full end-to-end SI-traceability for ground-based instruments used to validate EO data,

Create facility to provide calibration, to climate quality uncertainties, for sensors and sub-systems under operationally representative conditions.

Establish an operational network of calibration test sites – surface areas (deserts, ocean sites, forest sites) with SI-traceable temperature, radiance and reflectance values, for the validation of satellite products.

Develop metrologically robust methods and uncertainty analysis to facilitate post launch calibration and inter-satellite data harmonisation for global observations of both primary

Level 1 measurands (e.g. radiance/reflectance) and higher level retrieved products typical of ECVs

Prototyping the TRUTHS satellite, “an NMI in space”, with primary radiometric traceability from orbit

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

EARTH OBSERVATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Create a QA framework for: End to end solutions for Essential Climate Variables (ECV) and resultant climate

data records (CDR) Methods and tools for data retrieval, correction and fusion of data from multiple

satellites over decadal timescales. Mathematical tools for uncertainty assessment of climate data records Post-launch SI-traceability for satellite derived EO data

To develop a European virtual centre of excellence in metrology for Earth observation and climate under the leadership of NPL to implement the QA framework and provide formal comparisons, sampling and characterization methods for test sites.

Develop traceable methods and training to underpin assessment of uncertainties in EO product generation from raw data through to processed ECV products and climate data records.

CLIMATE SERVICES

Development of strategies & associated standards to enable on-board SI traceable satellite sensor calibration

Establish prototype QA and validation service for multiple ECV products including a certification framework for both input data and delivered services

Generate reference standards, methods and analysis techniques to support international comparisons of field deployed (Cal/Val) instrumentation and in-orbit satellite to satellite sensors.

STAKEHOLDERS

Space agencies/international organisations are adopting traceability as requirement for

EO & climate information. NPL is sought out as a key partner in QA related ESA projects;

increasingly of larger scale and focused on services. Maximum benefit from NMO

investment at NPL in this area is obtained from detailed involvement through all stages of

the information product development as ‘users’ only see the delivered products.

The UKSA, NERC, Met office and the Satellite Applications Catapult have a goal for the UK

to become internationally recognised as the nation of excellence for EO (particularly

climate) applications and services. Metrologically robust QA is seen as a key enabler and

market differentiator and one which the UK seeks to access from NPL.

Horizon 2020 will establish an integrated climate service, complementing the ESA

(Harwell) CCI program. The UK has ambition to lead this service with QA, and NPL seen as

having a key enabling role.

NPL, through its leadership role in CEOS and GEO, has collaborations with many public

funded organisations (inc. ESA, UKSA, NASA, NERC, CNES, WMO, JRC) and universities, and

commercial organisations (inc. Astrium and SSTL).

NPL and its NMI partners have indirect support from a variety of collaborators ranging

from NASA, German Aerospace Centre, Astrium, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and NIM

(China).

4. Alignment with Government and other strategies, including NMS strategy The direction of Engineering and Flow Programme takes its lead from the BIS Industrial policy set within the following framework (Sep 2013). This sets the agenda for the Aerospace, Automotive, Nuclear Energy and Offshore wind sectors, each one of which has had major policy updates in the past two years. Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership (Apr 14 update) The NMS strategy in support innovation is led by the BIS science and innovation policy, Investing in research, development and innovation. The Aerospace Growth Partnership including both Government and the Aerospace manufacturing sector provides leadership in Strategy, Technology, Manufacturing Capability, Supply Chain Competitiveness and Engagement and Communications as outlined in Reach for the Skies - a Strategic Vision for UK Aerospace (July 2012) and Lifting Off – Implementing the Strategic Vision for UK Aerospace (Mar 13) Many of NPL’s customers and partners (eg Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and the HVM Catapult) form part of this vision and NPL works closely with them to define the strategic direction for the Programme. The Sharing in Growth scheme under the BIS Industrial policy supports NPL’s Product Verification Programme. This programme draws on many years investment into dimensional metrology and will act as a route to market for future developments. The TSB High Value Manufacturing Strategy identifies 22 competencies required by the UK for future success; a number of which are addressed from within the Engineering Programme. Two of the 8 Technical priorities (Satellites and Robotics) fall within the remit of the Programme but will be addressed through partnerships with external collaborators. A great deal of expectation is being placed in the Catapults and, specifically, the Programme will continue to support many areas of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. The BIS space policy is defined by Space Growth Action Plan (produced by the UK Space agency, and the Government response to it, and DECC Earth observation strategy is also relevant. Specific support by NPL is called up in innovation and growth strategy Leadership in Climate Technologies & Services

5. International strategy The outputs of this Programme, particularly national measurement standards, will be co-ordinated and recognised internationally. This requires NPL to demonstrate agreement with other national standards and to carry out collaborative research with other national measurement institutes. Collaborative research both reduces costs and may enable tests to

be carried in different laboratories with significant benefits in terms of knowledge gained. The European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) has become important to the Programme and has supported 17 projects, in which NPL is lead co-ordinator in 5. The Programme will continue to play a major role in the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) through the Consultative Committees for Length, Temperature and Mass. It also funds representation on the three corresponding EURAMET technical committees, one of which, Temperature, is chaired by NPL. Membership of international metrological committees necessitates participation in, and coordination of, measurement comparisons. This facilitates international trade through universal acceptance of measurements made in the UK by regulators and manufacturers. Priority is being given to establishment of a mise-en-practique for the realisation of the kilogram. It is anticipated that the last remaining artefact standard, the kilogram, will be re-defined in the next decade. In order to provide a practical mass scale base on the re-definition it is important to establish protocols with a sound scientific basis that will enable the realisation of a robust mass scale that fully meets industrial requirements. This is a global initiative in which NPL is playing a major role.

6. Documentary Standards, Legislative requirements, Regulations and Directives Documentary standards are used in many diverse industries by large and small companies alike. It has been estimated from a government report (2005) that documentary Standards contribute approximately £2.5 billion per annum to the UK GDP. The Programme ensures that the knowledge gained in one market sector is, where appropriate, disseminated to a wide range of sectors. Much of this dissemination is achieved through the production of documentary Standards, such as British, European or International Standards. Taking a leadership role not only ensures scientific rigour and impartiality in the Standards but also gives the opportunity for the UK to have a strong influence on the development of international Standards and to ensure that as far as possible they support innovation and reflect British practice. The Engineering Programme directly supports a significant number of regulations, statutes, Acts and European Directives, most obviously the Weights and Measures Act (1985) which is arguably the most important of the statutes. This Act specifies a statutory duty on the Secretary of State to cause to be maintained standard of length and mass for trade.

7. Knowledge Transfer, Exploitation and Provision of Services The Engineering Programme utilises the full range of exploitation and Knowledge Transfer routes available to it. It currently produces: Over 1850 calibration certificates per annum Over 20 Good Practice Guides (10 of which are the most frequently downloaded of all of NPL’s publications) 13 Good Practice online modules Content for successful National Training Scheme for Dimensional measurement 5 CPD training modules covering temperature, laser safety and humidity The programme has provided the means for sales of equipment and systems for commercial purposes including thermocouples (through Commercial catalogues), radiometric equipment

and dimensional instrumentation. Licence income (dimensional, optical and temperature) is also generated. For example, the majority of European NMIs use gauge block interferometers designed by NPL and built under licence by a UK company. Future exploitation opportunities include the Freeform Artefact (of which four have been delivered externally) and a set of Areal Calibration artefacts for which, based on the level of interest that has been shown, significant orders are anticipated. Nine prototypes have been delivered prior to full launch. Work co-funded under the EMRP is expected to lead to new technologies which can be commercially exploited by UK companies in the form of new measurement techniques and new product lines. The measurement services provided by NPL represent a response to market failure where the services provided are of a nature that the market would under provide, or even fail to provide, if the government did not intervene. These services help to maintain UK industrial competitiveness and, should NPL be unable to provide them, UK industry would be faced with expensive and less responsive alternatives. Maintenance of measurement equipment and services accounts for just under 40% of the Programme budget, but provides a considerable contribution to NPL’s turnover. This area will respond to emerging needs for service provision and the key strategic objectives for this area include:

Development of a plan for the upgrade/replacement of the NPL force capability. This is a substantial capability which will require additional resource to that which can be afforded by the Engineering Programme.

Development of a measurement infrastructure (guides, services, training) to support the transition from CMM based metrology to non contact metrology.

Development of the Centre for Freeform metrology into a leading service centre.

Develop the work in this area in response to the outcomes of the Product Verification Programme in order that a total end to end service, from health check to measurement solution, can be provided.

Ensure EO calibration support capability is maintained, as the business grows. .

8. Conclusions The Engineering Programme is poised to make significant achievements within the next few years and its aspirations are limited only by the funding available.

From the Mass and Dimensional area, several opportunities for licensing are expected, and the team’s ability to offer solutions from picometre scale to 10s of metres will be exploited.

The Earth Observation team will attain a European lead in QA for EO data, an area that will increase in visibility as it becomes a recognised international centre of expertise.

The Temperature and Humidity area will provide innovative solutions to what is often thought of as a mature area, not only for industrial applications, but also medical.

The support given by the Programme for 4 of the 6 base units will continue to maintain NPL as one of the 3 top NMIs.

ANNEX 1 – Roadmaps Figure 1 shows the current distribution of discretionary funding across the Programme themes.

Fig 1 Finally, there follows the current editions of the Programme Roadmaps for the major themes described in this strategy. The roadmaps describe only the major areas of strategy; those areas where it is largely only possible to fund one project at a given time (eg force, humidity) are not covered by roadmaps.