CHEUNG Chi Fai, Benny is a Chair Professor of Ultra-precision Machining and Metrology at the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Ultra-precision Machining Technology. He possesses more than 26 years of working experience in innovation and technology research in the fields of precision engineering, ultra-precision machining, precision metrology and smart precision manufacturing. He obtained his B.Eng (1st Class Hons) Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, M.Phil. Degree and Ph.D. Degree from the PolyU in 1993, 1996 and 2000, respectively, and then he started his academic career at the PolyU. He was the President of the Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology (ASPEN) and Durham International Senior Research Fellow at Durham University, UK. He is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Engineering and Technology, an associate member of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP), and a Board Member of the ASPEN.
Ultra-precision machining is a kind of advanced manufacturing technology which is critical for many industries including aerospace, biomedical, automotive, semiconductor, and precision machinery, optometry, etc. Professor CHEUNG has conducted substantial amounts of both basic and translational research work which integrates ultra-precision machining technology with research into new theory, new processes, and new equipment which will enable the expansion of the interdisciplinary practices between ultra-precision machining technology and other fields such as optics, optometry, and biological science for future interdisciplinary and new technology development.
Professor CHEUNG’s pioneering Ultra-precision Nano Multi-ring Machining Technology has successfully been developed and applied for the development and precision manufacturing of the novel Nano Multi-ring Defocus Incorporated Spectacle (NMDIS) lens which features annular spaced correction zones and defocus zones: the correction zones function as a regular concave lens to correct vision at the centre of the retina, while the defocus zones focus light slightly in front of the retina to achieve myopia defocus. This effectively inhibits elongation of the eyeball, slowing the progression of myopia for children, which will benefit millions of myopic schoolchildren. Moreover, his pioneering novel magnetic field-assisted batch superfinishing technology and equipment have also been successfully developed and used for mass superfinishing surgical tools that can reduce wound trauma during bio-medical applications. His innovative research on the next generation of in-situ precision three-dimensional surface metrology can be used under various manufacturing or measurement scenarios in the context of Industry 4.0 which enhances the accuracy of the products and realizes smart precision manufacturing. Professor CHEUNG’s innovative research in ultra-precision machining, precision metrology and smart precision manufacturing contributes significantly to the betterment of the community, and has lasting scientific, social and economic impact.