This three-day course will provide an understanding of the role that surfaces play in materials behaviour of thin film and coating systems. Sessions will review concepts of surface engineering for multiple applications and how this may be used to optimise and influence the product life cycle.

The course covers the deposition and characterisation of functional coatings and thin films, focussing on coatings for aerospace and the influence of surface engineering on the product life cycle. Deposition methods covered include, physical vapour deposition, chemical vapour deposition, electroplating, and plasma spraying. The role coatings play in high temperatures tribological and environmental applications will be covered. Learn how surface engineering is driving performance improvements and innovation across these sectors.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
This course is designed to support your ongoing professional growth. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your career, stay current with industry trends, and meet the demands of your profession.

Networking Opportunities
Connect with industry peers and leaders. Build valuable relationships that could enhance your professional journey.

At a glance

Course structure

The structure covers the product life cycle from the design of a coating system to the intended application and a session on the sustainability aspects. The sessions cover deposition methods, coatings testing and coatings in applications.

What you will learn

  • Expanded knowledge of engineering PVD, CVD, electrochemical and plasma spray coating processes, and their applications.
  • Awareness of alternative coating technologies and the advantages they offer.
  • Understanding of how coatings are designed into products, and how their performance may be assessed and improved.
  • Opportunity to meet experts from different engineering coatings fields.

On successful completion of this short course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the concepts of surface engineering applied to a product lifecycle.
  • Have a greater awareness of alternative coating technologies and the advantages they offer.
  • Understanding of how coatings are designed into products, validated, and how their performance may be assessed and improved.
  • An appreciation of future materials sustainability and process technologies.

Core content

  • Surface engineering; including surface characterisation using SEM, FIB, XRD, nano-indentation, AFM, XPS, scratch testing, RFDA, optical methods such as FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis spectroscopy.
  • Coatings technology; PVD, thermal evaporation, CVD, electroplating, and plasma spraying.
 

Timetable

Please click here to download the timetable.

Who should attend

  • Engineers and scientists working in materials, coatings, and surface engineering
  • Professionals from industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy
  • Anyone looking to deepen their expertise in surface engineering and coatings

Partnerships

 

Speakers

  • Professor John Nicholls – Professor of Coatings Technology
  • Dr Jeff Rao- Senior Research Fellow
  • Dr Indrat Aria – Senior Research Fellow
  • Dr Luis Isern – Research Fellow
  • Dr Adnan Syed - Senior Research Fellow
  • Dr Edith Rogers - Research Fellow
  • Dr Steve Bomford – Oerlikon Metco UK
 

Concessions

20% discount for Cranfield Alumni. 
10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates, from the same organisation at the same time.  

Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at time of booking.

Accommodation

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found .  Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel. 

Location and travel

Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL


How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.