CUHK 
P R E S S   R E L E A S E
Chinese Version 
 
 
18 January 1999
 
CUHK's Materials Analysis Centre Brings Advanced Technology to Local Industry
 
     The Chinese University of Hong Kong has been actively engaging in materials science research and made significant contributions both in practical applications and theory.  Many advanced technologies and state-of-the-art machines in surface and materials analysis have been acquired for research and teaching.  Recently, with a purpose of upgrading technologies used by the local industry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong joined efforts with Hong Kong Productivity Council in setting up the Advanced Surface and Materials Analysis Centre on campus to assist manufacturers to tackle with practical production problems. 

     The setting up of the Centre exemplifies technology transfer from the University to the industry as well as the partnership between the academia and the industry in promoting technology-intensive industry in Hong Kong. 

     Established with the Industrial Support Fund granted by the Industry Department, the Centre consolidates the existing facilities and expertise of Departments of Physics, Chemistry and Electronic Engineering at CUHK and experience in industrial liaison of HKPC to provide user-friendly, one stop service to manufacturers in surface analysis, reverse engineering, process and product development, and quality control and assurance.  The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art materials analysis machines including the X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer and the Scanning Auger Microscope which are unique in Hong Kong. Over 20 manufacturers have actively participated and supported the Centre. With the participation from the final users of these advanced technologies, the Centre will serve as an important link between the University and the industry as research and development at the University can be geared towards solving practical problems facing the industry. 

     Advanced surface analysis is vital to the development of high value-added manufacturing.  The metal finishing and related industries yield a major portion of the gross manufacturing earnings in Hong Kong because they involve a series of high value-added processes, often for the production of critical components.  Their businesses include surface finishing as well as the production of watches, jewellery, spectacle frames, batteries, magnetic devices, integrated circuit leadframes, circuit boards, computer components, and electronics components.  These manufacturers demand advanced surface and materials analysis technologies to solve their production problems, and develop their own products and associated manufacturing processes.  However, installation and maintenance coast of surface analysis and surface engineering facilities are high and may not be affordable by small- and medium-size manufacturers. 

     The Centre will help metal finishing and related manufacturers to identify and solve production problems and devote to establishing appropriate operation protocols for quality control.  The Centre will also promote collaboration between the University and the industry in research and development, and training of students and their employment.