The breakthrough materials testing research carried out by experts at Element Hitchin, UK, has been hailed by visiting Member of European Parliament (MEP) Richard Howitt as “world-class”.
Richard Howitt, MEP for the East of England, was given a tour of Element’s laboratory, where he was shown how millions in European funding has helped the team at Hitchin make world-first breakthroughs in materials testing and qualification, innovations that are benefiting critical international industries including Oil & Gas, Aerospace and Transportation.
Following his visit, Richard Howitt MEP remarked: “I’ve seen today that Element’s work is world-class across fields as diverse as oil and gas, chemical processing, renewable energy and aerospace.”
Element Hitchin projects benefiting from EU-funding have included research into the laser welding of composite materials, self-healing materials incorporating nanotechnology, and the use of ultrasonic inspection techniques for composite pipes. Projects have ranged in total project value from €500,000 up to €35 million.
Charles Noall, President and CEO at Element Materials Technology, says: “Element’s laboratory at Hitchin has built a reputation as an internationally-leading composite materials testing and qualification centre.
“European funding has helped it to develop innovative, first-of-their-kind methodologies and, with knowledge, testing techniques and proprietary equipment designs shared across Element, the results of Hitchin’s research help maintain our position at the forefront of materials developments.”