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Byline: R.D. Johnston, R.D. Diamand This paper traces the development of the BNF grain-size monitor from the earliest concept to a saleable commercial instrument. The project provides an excellent example of close collaboration between a research and development organization – BNF Metals Technology Centre – and a commercial instrument maker – Oxford Analytical Instruments Ltd. The paper explains the importance of grain size in annealed copper alloy strip and highlights the drawbacks associated with the traditional methods of grain-size measurement. The new unit, which recently became commercially available to industry, enables grain size to be determined non-destructively and instantaneously on-line, making possible swift adjustment to process controls. more...