National Physical Laboratory

  • Science + Technology

    Science + Technology

    NPL maintains a wide portfolio of internationally visible research programmes that advances measurement science, underpins the SI system and supports various cross-disciplinary technologies.

    Science stories

    • New insight into HIV

      Collaborative research provides new insight into a fusion protein that enables HIV to infect host cells.
      More

    • The world's slowest clock

      Collaborative research between NPL and SUERC has calibrated the argon-argon clock, which is used to date geological events.
      More

    • Finite element code released

      'Zinc' is a multiphysics finite element code capable of solving a wide range of physics and multiphysics problems.
      More
  • Commercial Services

    Commercial Services

    NPL's commercial services are built on 100 years of leadership in accuracy, innovation and scientific research. Experienced consultants and project managers draw upon a unique combination of industry know-how and world-leading scientific discovery to deliver real-world business solutions and enable innovation and secure competitive advantage.

    Testimonials

    • Bentley Logo

      Thanks to NPL Training, the measurement associates are now thinking out of the box. We are already seeing a faster turnaround of measurement activities with higher accuracy and increased confidence. NPL is known for its technical expertise in this area, and can provide the highest level validated training. It's added to our professionalism and improved communication with our suppliers

      Mark Imms
      Metrology Manager
      Bentley Motors

    • surreysat2

      NPL has provided us with very valuable services, which have helped ensure that our satellites offer the accuracy needed provide our customers with technology they can trust, and remain ahead of our competitors.

      Dr Martin Unwin
      Head of GNSS/GPS Team
      Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

    • bpGif



      BP Exploration has continued to benefit from NPL's world class corrosion testing and modelling capabilities in 2009, and we intend to cooperate even more closely in 2010 and beyond.

      Steve Groves
      Programmes Manager
      Inherently Reliable Facilities Flagship BP
  • Educate + Explore

    Educate + Explore

    We strive to actively promote public awareness and appreciation of science and technology, particularly the importance of measurement and the role of NPL. Here you can find out more about the interesting things we do, science outreach activities you can get involved in or take a look at some of our educational resources.

    Outreach Activites

  • NMS Learning Zone
  • Measurement Network

    Measurement Network

    For anyone with an interest in measurement. It aims to facilitate the sharing of measurement knowledge and information between NPL scientists and members of the network, as well as providing a forum for the sharing and exchange of information and advice between members and other measurement experts.

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Sectors

Advanced Manufacturing

NPL is working with companies in the advanced manufacturing sector to help drive innovation, improve processes and quality while reducing costs through the application of measurement science. Choosing NPL as your partner in R&D will help your business overcome even the most challenging technical issues faced, maximising your success, every time.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us.

How Can NPL Help?

  • New materials development - NPL's expertise in the area of functional and multifunctional materials can help companies review new materials for fit-for-purpose application along with assessing their performance under different environmental conditions.
  • Condition monitoring systems - NPL can work with you to develop systems to monitor structures, such as bridges, buildings, and aircraft to understand their structural health, developing robust through life monitoring methods and mechanisms to predict failure and residual life.
  • Testing in harsh conditions - NPL has extensive facilities for environment assisted cracking and corrosion/electrochemical testing at ambient and elevated temperatures. We have two laboratories dedicated to H2S testing and tests are conducted to most of the common ISO, ASTM and NACE standards.
  • Materials for sustainable energy systems - By understanding the needs of a sustainable low carbon economy, our technical teams can work with business to ensure that the development and use of materials in sustainable technologies, systems and processes are going to deliver the requirements of a low carbon future.
  • Training - NPL carries out a range of training courses that are based on the principles of measurement designed to teach technical staff the difference between how to use a measurement tool and knowing how to use measurement as a tool.

From aerospace to food processing, NPL is working closely with the Advanced Manufacturing sector in the development of new products and processes helping drive forward innovation.

Underpinned by our expertise in measurement science, NPL's applied approach to research and development is working with industry to understand the costs of through life management of equipment, modelled from purchase, through running, monitoring, maintenance, and decommissioning, allowing companies to be competitive on a global scale.  As the desire for efficient and sustainable innovation increases, working with NPL will give you access to solution driven technical experts that will ensure a successful outcome for all projects.

Challenge Driven, Solution Focused
NPL is a world leading National Measurement Institute for the physical sciences committed to using the science of measurement to help drive innovation, support industry and improve the quality of life.
NPL is working with the Advanced Manufacturing sector by developing solutions driven by your challenges through the application of cutting edge measurement that meets our customer's needs. 

Our capability includes:

Materials development and characterisation

Dimensional metrology

Processing and process parameters

Instrumentation - validation and optimisation

Training and skills development

Working with business and industry, NPL's Research and Development programmes focus on identifying and addressing customer needs, ensuring our expertise and knowledge is always relevant and easily applied by our partners.

For more information, please contact Matt Smith