Our expertise in physics, chemistry and materials science underpins everything we do.
Fundamental principles
Our knowledge of the structure and properties of different materials is used extensively in a variety of applications, from remotely monitoring tons of mining slurry to working with security inks on a molecular scale.
In particular, our fluidics and microfluidics expertise is crucial to many projects, from dispensing the perfect pint of beer to shaping the precise characteristics of sprays, foams and emulsions of all kinds.
Key strengths
Micro-structural control in fluids
We understand the intricate behaviours of fluids and their interaction with physical surfaces, a vital factor in many of our beverage projects.
Structure-property relationships
Our knowledge of materials science ensures that all elements of a system’s design use the most appropriate materials.
Thermal properties
We’re particularly experienced in phase change materials and the handling of hot and cold fluids for beverage systems.
Interested in joining us?
Tech, tools & facilities
Physical science labs
A range of wet and dry labs which allow us to perform a wide range of physical science research and development. Specific equipment includes wet and dry benches, fume hoods, malvern mastersizer particle analysis system and UV-VIS spectrometer.
Agilent GC-MS
Our Agilent Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer enables detection and chemical analysis of a wide range of organic substances down to parts-per-million levels or below. This highly specialised piece of analytical equipment allows us to determine the make-up of a very wide range of organic materials in solid, liquid or vapour form and investigate flavour and aroma chemistry.
Optics labs
Our suite optics labs enable us to build complex and high-precision optical layouts, typically for testing prototype designs and novel techniques prior to deployment. Featuring six high-spec optical benches with configurable interlocked controlled areas for high-power (class 4) laser work and specialist facilities for interferometry, spectroscopy, low-noise fluorescence imaging and photon counting. This space can be split into separate laser-controlled areas, allowing multiple experiments to run simultaneously, giving our optical engineers the capability to develop creative solutions without instrumentation restrictions.
Food & beverage lab
Specifically set up to meet the unique requirements of developing food- and beverage-safe systems, our dedicated lab means we have the necessary procedures and equipment in place to design and test new products in-house. Quantitative and scientific testing is fundamental to our science-led innovation approach, but ultimately taste tests are always needed. This is our only lab where the consumption of food and drink is not just allowed but essential!
Case studies
Vinfusion wine blending system
Vinfusion is a personalised wine blending system that allows the user to design their perfect wine. Vinfusion also makes wine recommendations based on the user’s tastes while collecting valuable market intelligence for the vendor.
Pietro Fiorentini subsea sensor
Developing a high-performance, zero-maintenance subsea water cut sensor
Best in class: molecular diagnostics
The extremely fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device we developed has sped up the diagnosis of patients and helped our client maintain its leading position in the molecular diagnostics market.
News & insights
Whitepaper
Net zero product discovery
In this whitepaper we examine the potential rewards of sustainable yet multidimensional business growth and reveal why whole system mapping is a prerequisite for driving essential system-level – not just product-level – innovation.
- Industrial design
- Physical sciences
- Product realisation
- Strategic advice
Report
Driving net zero – is agritech ready to capture carbon?
The changing regulatory and subsidy systems underpinning farming are changing radically. Furthermore, issues such as soil health, net zero and farm nature value are increasingly in the public eye.
- AI & Analytics
- Digital service innovation
- Optics
- Physical sciences
- Sensing
- Signal processing
Press release
Cambridge Consultants partners with Hitachi Central Research Laboratory to address the global challenge of plastic waste
Cambridge Consultants joins the Kyōsō-no-Mori Partnership Program and will work with Hitachi to investigate the applications and business models for applying synthetic biology to plastic recycling.
Press release
Cambridge Consultants and Exact Imaging harnessing AI in the fight to detect prostate cancer
Cambridge Consultants has partnered with Exact Imaging as the two companies work to improve the way prostate cancer is visualized and detected. Early results show real promise.