The OpTIC Technology Centre, St Asaph (part of Wrexham Glyndŵr University) has unveiled its new state-of-the-art vacuum thin film coatings research and development facility, which is the first of its kind in Wales. 

Work is now complete on the new vacuum film coating facility which is equipped with the latest Bühler Leybold Syrus Pro 1350 vacuum coating machine, full spectrophotometry and environmental testing capability. This production scale plant has been established through the WEFO/ERDF funded Centre for Photonics Expertise project.

OpTIC Director Professor Caroline Gray said: “The new vacuum coating plant provides a production scale dedicated research facility to allow Welsh businesses to develop the next generation of thin film coatings enabling new products and processes to market.”

The facility is fully operational and accessible through the Centre for Photonics Expertise (CPE) which is a fully collaborative program designed to offer Welsh businesses photonics based business solutions. Together with its academic partner network of Aberystwyth University, Bangor University and the University of South Wales, they provide world leading photonics expertise.

The plant supports a range of modern optical technologies including precision optics, sensors and filters, laser and mirror coatings, camera lenses and systems, night vision and distance control, as well as microscopes and telescopes.

For more information on how to gain access to the new facility, email admincpe@glyndwr.ac.uk or get in touch with Carole Eccles (CPE Business Development Manager) direct at carole.eccles@glyndwr.ac.uk