Thomas Furness

Thomas Furness is a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Engineering, University of Huddersfield, and a member of the Centre for Precision Technologies. He currently oversees the CPT’s contribution to the HI-LHC-UK project at CERN and serves as the CPT’s attaché in Geneva, Switzerland.

Education:

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering Design, University of Huddersfield
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (part-time), University of Huddersfield

His research focuses on precision engineering, collimators, strain measurement, laser-based metrology, and reverse engineering of complex shapes. He has contributed to projects like EASE-R3 (EU Framework 7) and HI-LHC-UK (CERN collaboration), emphasizing cost-effective repair and reuse of machine tools.

His recent publications span topics such as freeform mirror-based head-up displays, composite structural members for machinery, and smart work-holding fixtures, reflecting interdisciplinary work in optical engineering, materials science, and advanced manufacturing.

Research Expertise:

• Collimators & Beam Control
• Strain Measurement via Thermography
• Laser Metrology
• Machine Tool Reuse
• Reverse Engineering
• Composite Structures

He has supervised PhD projects and served as a contributor to oral presentations at conferences like euspen, focusing on topics such as ultrasonic phase-shift temperature measurement and CMM inspection techniques.