Our Capabilities
MAC SciTech is a specialist scientific and engineering consultancy led by Dr Michael Maughan.
I work with clients who need practical solutions to difficult technical problems, especially where the issue sits between disciplines: chemistry, electronics, process systems, diagnostics, control, instrumentation, machinery and data analysis.
The work often begins with a problem that is poorly understood. A process may be unreliable. A machine may be drifting. A product may fail intermittently. A system may be too dependent on operator judgement. In those cases, the first task is not to guess the answer, but to understand the system properly.
MAC SciTech helps turn uncertain technical problems into measurable, solvable engineering work.
Systems Diagnosis and Problem Definition
Many technical problems are not solved by addressing the visible symptom. They need a clearer understanding of why the problem exists, what assumptions are built into the system, and where failure is actually entering the process.
MAC SciTech can help investigate complex systems, separate symptoms from causes, identify weak points, and define the real engineering problem before time and money are spent on the wrong solution.
Sensor Systems, Data Logging and Process Analysis
MAC SciTech designs and builds bespoke sensor and data-logging systems for machines, processes and environments.
This can include temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, electrical signals, machine state, cycle timing, process events, failure modes and outcome tracking.
The aim is not just to collect data. It is to connect real-world behaviour to measurable evidence, so that hidden patterns, process drift, intermittent faults and failure mechanisms can be understood and acted on.
Electronics, Controls and Embedded Systems
MAC SciTech develops practical electronic and control systems for bespoke equipment, test rigs and process machinery.
Capabilities include sensor integration, microcontroller systems, motor and motion control, relay and solenoid control, machine interfaces, data acquisition, firmware development, control logic, and integration with mechanical or process hardware.
If you are looking for electronic services including repair, design or upgrades please see our dedicated page MAC Electronics.
Custom Instrumentation and Test Equipment
Some problems need tools that do not already exist.
MAC SciTech designs and builds custom instrumentation, diagnostic tools, test rigs and measurement systems to support research, development, production troubleshooting and process validation.
This can range from simple monitoring devices to integrated electromechanical systems combining sensors, controls, fluid handling, heating, cooling, motion and operator interfaces.
Process Engineering and Practical Automation
MAC SciTech supports the development and improvement of technical processes where chemistry, mechanics, electronics and operator workflow interact.
This can include process monitoring, fluid handling, pumping, valves, temperature control, cleaning cycles, repeatability improvement, failure reduction and practical automation of manual or semi-manual operations.
The focus is on robust, usable systems that fit the real operating environment.
Machine Rebuilds, CNC and Electromechanical Systems
MAC SciTech can help modernise specialist equipment where the mechanical platform remains valuable but the control system, electronics or operating method has become outdated.
Work can include control-system upgrades, CNC implementation, electrical integration, motion control, commissioning, machine usability improvements and process refinement.
The aim is to extend the useful life of specialist equipment while improving precision, repeatability, maintainability and operator control.
Scientific and Technical Development
With a background in chemistry, physics and engineering, MAC SciTech is well suited to projects where scientific understanding must be translated into working hardware.
Past work has included life-support technology, carbon dioxide processing, diagnostic systems, chemical process equipment, sensor systems, custom electronics and specialist manufacturing support.
How MAC SciTech Works
MAC SciTech is deliberately small. Clients work directly with the person doing the thinking, designing, building and troubleshooting.
That means less distance between problem, analysis and solution.
The approach is straightforward:
- Understand the system.
- Measure what is actually happening.
- Identify the real cause of failure or limitation.
- Design a practical solution.
- Build, test, refine and support it.
The goal is not simply to make something work once. The goal is to understand why it works, why it failed before, and what will make it robust.