Zhen Tong

Dr Zhen Tong joined the Centre for Precision Technologies (CPT) of the University of Huddersfield in May 2015 and became the Leader of CPT Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Group (UPMG), and responsible for managing the CPT’s Ultra-Precision Manufacturing Lab. He has substantial experience in ultra-precision diamond turning (SPDT, FTS, STS), micromachining, diamond grinding, polishing and focused ion beam (FIB) nanofabrication, process modelling and data analysis, and surface functionality. He is an active academic member of European Society for Precision Engineering & Nanotechnology (EUSPEN), the UK FIB and EM sample Preparation group (FIB&Pre), International Conference on Autonomic Computing (ICAC), and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) of UK.

Dr Zhen Tong has a BEng degree in Material Modelling and Control System awarded in 2007, and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Manufacture and Automation awarded in 2010 from Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). He moved to UK in 2011 after receiving the full scholarship of Scottish Overseas Research Students Awards (SORSAS) and James Watt Scholarship (JWS). He has a diversity of PhD research study experience in UK by studying/research in three world class universities including Heriot-Watt University (2011-2012), University of Huddersfield (2012-2013), and University of Strathclyde (2013-2014) where he received his PhD degree on Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management in Mar. 2015. This unique research experience has made him a matured and excellent scholar in both the ultra-precision manufacturing and surface metrology.

His research work now aims at the development of a deterministic ultra-precision manufacturing chain for next generation high value-added products. He has been involved in three EPSRC research programmes as a key researcher, with significant contribution on the fundamental study of ultra-precision diamond machining, development of novel surface structuring technologies, and nano-characterization of nanostructures and subsurface damage. His research work now focuses on micro-nanomanufacturing technologies for novel engineering materials, embedded measurement and process control, advanced optics manufacturing and application, R& D equipment for ultra-precision manufacturing, and process modelling and big data analysis for smart manufacturing. 

Teaching Experience

• 2013-2014 Approved Tutor for course of DM100, DM948, DMEM, University of Strathclyde, UK
• 2011-2012 Approved Tutor for courses of B58DB1, B59DF2 and B51GK, EPS, Heriot-Watt University, UK 
• 2009 - 2011 Teaching & Management Assistant, school of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), China.

Dr Zhen Tong and his research group have established expertise in ultra-precision machining, process modelling and data analysis, and surface functionality, as evidenced by more than 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, book chapters (Precision Manufacturing and Precision Machines), three opening oral presentations on EUSPEN international conference, invited talks at top precision engineering research institutes and companies.

Since 2009, he has been involved in the following research projects as a key researcher: the projects of EPSRC’s Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology (EP/I033424/1), EPSRC’s Miniature Flexible & Reconfigurable Manufacturing System for 3D Micro-products (EP/K018345/1), Sino-UK Higher Education Research Partnership for PhD Studies, and a National Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars of China (No.50925521).

In 2017 Dr Zhen Tong (Co-Investigator) has successfully secured a €5 million Horizon 2020 research grant for micro-structured surface manufacturing (FOF-06-ProSurf-767589 , with 13 EU academic and industrial partners).

Major Research Area

• Micro-nanomanufacturing technologies for functional freeform/structured surfaces;
• Embedded measurement and process control in ultra-precision machining;
• Advanced optics design, manufacture and application;
• R&D equipment for ultra-precision manufacturing;
• Process modelling and big data analysis for smart manufacturing.

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