The Innovate UK-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant will support a three-year partnership to develop innovative seal technology in the global transition towards sustainable propulsion and power generation.

Cross Manufacturing is headquartered in Bath with an extensive history in the design and manufacture of precision metallic sealing solutions for the automotive, aerospace, and power generation industries. Their factory in Devizes has pioneered the design, development and manufacture of aerospace and power generation brush seals since 1976, utilising inhouse test facilities, design tools and bespoke machinery.

They will work in partnership with the University of Bath team including Dr James Scobie, Knowledge Base Lead, and Professors Carl Sangan and Patrick Keogh, Knowledge Base Supervisors, all from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The partners will leverage advanced design tools, computational modelling, and enhanced experimental testing, to develop next-generation brush and gas film-riding seals used in a wide-variety of turbomachinery technologies.

This KTP is the latest joint activity in a longstanding partnership that has delivered high-quality publications and the development of two advanced test facilities.

The KTP represents an exciting new opportunity for the partners to co-explore and develop advanced design techniques for new products that will improve performance, reduce emissions, and expand Cross' offerings to new markets.

The partners will work towards delivering next generation sealing solutions through the development of a commercial product, while exchanging knowledge and expertise that will embed new skillsets. Impact will be generated for both partners, including valuable insights into commercial design processes and validation of the latest techniques in product development.

Peter Crudgington, Senior Business Employee, and Aaron Bowsher, Business Partner Supervisor, are from Cross Manufacturing and working on the KTP. Aaron Bowsher says:

This KTP is a further expansion of the partnership between Cross and the University of Bath. In recent years, Cross has seen growing demand for advanced sealing solutions, particularly in emerging markets such as electric aircraft propulsion, high-speed electric motors, and sustainable fuel engines. Through this partnership with the Bath team, Cross will develop key knowledge and skills to continue driving product innovation and market expansion to meet the challenges in the growing, sustainable propulsion sector.

Knowledge Base Lead, Dr James Scobie, Department of Mechanical Engineering, says:

The University of Bath has a strong relationship with Cross Manufacturing, having sponsored PhD students over many years to research a range of novel sealing technologies. This partnership provides us with access to valuable industry data and resources, enabling more comprehensive and applied research. There will be opportunities for further joint research projects and publications, enhancing our academic profile and contributing to the body of knowledge in the field. The collaboration offers the partners experience with cutting-edge industry practices, strengthening the relationship between the University and Cross Manufacturing. This will pave the way for further collaborative projects and long-term partnerships.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are funded by Innovate UK to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.

Successful KTP applications at Bath are facilitated and managed by the Knowledge Exchange Team who offer a full-life cycle support service from initial discussions and alignment, developing proposals and guiding the application process. The team further manages recruitment, finance and admin throughout the lifecycle of a live project so the focus for the partners can remain on delivery of the knowledge transfer.

We are currently advertising a Test and Development Engineer KTP Associate for this KTP with Cross Manufacturing Ltd. Closing 26 March 2025.

Contact the Business Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange team if you are interested to learn more: partnerships@bath.ac.uk.