A 1m machine that pumps out power pulses with the same intesity as a lightening strike
is developing technology for the aerospace and micro-electronics industries from its base at Sheffield Hallam University
Experts working on the machine at Sheffield Hallam are also revolutionising the staying power of every day objects like spectacles and mobile phones by giving them the same density treatment as a jet engine.
It is part of a HIPIMS process first pioneered by Sheffield Hallam in 2001.
Now academics will enhance the University's world-leading reputation by hosting Sheffield's first ever international conference on HIPIMS - High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering - on 6th and 7th July this year.
The machine can help the manufacture of a range of products from jet engines to knee joints by pumping out an eight mega Watt HIPIMS power supply that creates a plasma to improve coatings.
And international companies are queuing up to work with Sheffield Hallam to develop better performing coatings for jet turbines, microelectronics, space satellites, photovoltaics, titanium-framed spectacles and tea cups.
Dr Arutiun P Ehiasarian, Head of the HIPIMS Technology Centre, said:"The process is known as physical vapour deposition (PVD) and puts high quality coatings on parts to protect them from the environment.
"The innovation in the process involves creating the plasma using HIPIMS technology, and Sheffield Hallam has worked with Huettinger Electronic in Poland to market the first commercial equipment for HIPIMS to make the technology available to the world.
"The PVD coating is produced by bombarding the surface of the product with carefully prepared ions and atoms.
"This leap forward can lead to replacement knee and hip joints becoming longer-lasting, and to jet engines performing at a higher temperature and with greater efficiency."