In engineering, mass production is only possible through precise and reproducible measurements. David McMurtry, who has died at the age of 84, made significant contributions to advancing the scientific study of measurement, or metrology, starting with aerospace problems and facilitating high-tech mass production in many fields. .
In 1972, while working at Rolls-Royce's Filton factory near Bristol to develop the Olympus engine for the Concorde supersonic airliner, McMurtry became frustrated with the shortcomings of existing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). One morning, he arrived at work with a homemade measuring probe that could handle the complex task of properly measuring the twisted wings of Olympus fan blades. This is the data needed to ensure that the engine is reaching the required performance.
Taking these measurements was tedious. The probe had to continuously touch the object being measured at different points in order to map the shape of the object being measured. Probes often bend or break, or objects move, resulting in the loss of several days' worth of readings.
McMurtry's invention was to create a more sensitive spring-loaded probe that worked by breaking electrical contacts. Using this electrical connection to control the CMM and capture data points greatly simplifies and speeds up the entire process. Prior to this, CMMs were expensive and were primarily used in standards laboratories such as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), or high-tech companies such as Rolls-Royce that could tolerate the high overhead costs inherent in such systems. Ta. His ideas transformed the CMM from a device of last resort to one widely used in manufacturing settings around the world.
This important invention, the trigger probe, revolutionized the measurement of complex three-dimensional objects like turbine blades, allowing precise measurements of machined components and completed assemblies. The resulting advances in manufacturing technology have provided a secure funding stream for a number of related technologies that emphasize the role of precision measurement in a technologically advancing world.
It was only when McMurtry, along with his colleague and future business partner John Deere, considered offering the probes directly that outside interest stumbled on their true financial value. The device proved so profitable that it led to the creation of Renishaw plc, one of the world's leading suppliers of measurement equipment, with sales of over £691 million last year and more than 5,000 employees worldwide. provided funding.
The company continued to innovate with additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing. One of its applications is Maxillofacial reconstruction If some of the injured person's facial bones are missing. Using computed tomography (CT) scans, we create a titanium substitute with a foam-like internal structure that mimics real bone, allowing the implant to integrate more effectively into facial tissue.
The Medical Products Division has developed Machine that can accurately position sensors It monitors and stimulates areas deep in the brain that are associated with seizures. This holds promise for minimally invasive treatment of epilepsy.
Renishaw measurement tools are used in the manufacture of the latest cutting-edge products where the most precise components are required, such as semiconductors, display screens, solar cells, aircraft and aero engines. In the case of cell phones, for example, McMurtry should be appreciated for the packaging of cases, screens, and even the electronics hidden behind them.
This is a natural progression for countries that were early to industrialize but no longer have the low-cost labor base to compete in large-scale industrial production. Metrology was pioneered in England. Starting in 1800, the great engineer Henry Moseley developed ultra-precise measurements. The Science Museum in London currently displays a version of his tabletop micrometer, which he called the “Chancellor”. This is the ultimate court of appeal for measurement in the UK. his work.
renishaw exports over 95% of its production and manufactures in the UK, primarily in South Gloucestershire and Cardiff, with additional production sites in Dublin, Stuttgart and Pune. The company has never outsourced manufacturing, preferring to complete the process at its New Mills headquarters campus in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.
David was born in Dublin, the second son. Margaret (née Plowman) and Frederick McMurtry. After leaving Mountjoy School in 1958, he moved to England and began an apprenticeship with Bristol Aero Engines, later Bristol Siddeley Engines. Bristol Aero Engines was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 1966.
After he and Deere founded Renishaw, he served as chief executive officer until 2018 and executive chairman until 2024. He was knighted in 2001.
This was also the year he received planning permission. Swinhay Housea £30 million futuristic home with a swimming pool, winter garden and dance floor that converts into a viewing tower, near Watton-under-Edge. As a side interest, he founded McMurtry Automotive,and mcmurtry spiel ring The electric single-seater car holds the current Goodwood Festival speed hill climb record.
A quiet, unassuming and polite man, McMurtry saw his wealth as a way to push the boundaries of engineering. At lunchtime, he could be seen lining up in the cafeteria with other employees, paying like everyone else, and sitting and chatting with his fellow engineers.
In 1966 he married Terry (Teresa) Adams. She is survived by her children, Richard, Ben and Yvette;
