The Problem
Rapiscan Systems is a subsidiary of US$500m turnover OSI Systems
Inc. OSI specialise in electronic, security and monitoring systems
for the healthcare, security and optoelectronics market.
Rapiscan were developing a next generation airport security
screening system. They were looking for a key development partner
to help project manage and deliver a small number of full size
prototypes within demanding timescales.
The Challenge
The initial challenge was delivering very high precision
cleaning capability as the security screening equipment requires to
be operated at high vacuum pressures.
Beyond this there was a need to put together a multi-disciplinary
team of experts to enable the prototypes to be delivered within the
tight timescales required by Rapiscan.
The Solution
The high precision cleaning capability exists through the
SuperClean facility at Daresbury Laboratory. This is one of the few
UK facilities that is legally compliant to use the high performance
trichloroethane-based technology.
The Science & Technology Facilities Council that operates
the laboratory at Daresbury as well as its sister laboratory at
Harwell, was able to bring together the necessary team of experts.
This covered the areas of advanced engineering & prototyping,
instrumentation, control systems and fabrication which were
specifically required to deliver this project.
In addition Rapiscan were able to both recruit skilled
engineering graduates and access additional R&D expertise
through another Campus stakeholder, the University of
Manchester.
Finally some core software and electronics technologies required
for the project were sourced through existing companies in the
Daresbury Innovation Centre.
The Benefits
- Rapid delivery of project to required timescales
- Assembly of wide variety of R&D and advanced prototyping
expertise through a single organisation
- Capability to bring in additional skills & technologies
through other Campus stakeholders and partners
