The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a vital component of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), has secured the prestigious ISO 17025 accreditation for its mechanical testing laboratory. This recognition highlights the AFRC’s unwavering dedication to enhancing its operations and upholding the exacting quality standards crucial for aiding businesses in the UK and abroad to navigate manufacturing hurdles and enhance competitiveness.
Endorsed by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), this accolade signifies the AFRC’s attainment of the gold standard across four critical mechanical testing methodologies. ISO 17025 stands as a widely respected hallmark of excellence within the realm of testing and calibration laboratories, placing a significant emphasis on technical prowess.
A notable milestone for the AFRC is its distinction as the inaugural institution in the UK to receive accreditation for elevated compression testing up to 1100°C, aligning with the National Physical Laboratory’s esteemed good practice guide. Furthermore, the centre has been accredited for its proficiency in room temperature compression testing, room temperature tensile testing, and elevated temperature tensile testing reaching up to 1000°C.
This latest certification supplements the AFRC’s existing ISO 17025 accreditation for residual stress analysis, alongside its adherence to ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards for establishing and maintaining a robust quality management system and upholding health and safety protocols.
Leveraging years of industry experience, the AFRC’s mechanical testing team showcased their technical acumen throughout a rigorous assessment process. Supported by the centre’s cutting-edge research initiatives, these mechanical testing services cater to enterprises of all scales seeking support in evaluating components utilized across diverse sectors spanning from automotive to aerospace.
Michael King, the material science and engineering theme lead at the AFRC, emphasized the significance of achieving ISO 17025 accreditation, highlighting the team’s technical proficiency and steadfast standards. This certification not only acknowledges the AFRC’s world-class research capabilities but also instills confidence among current and potential clients.
King further elucidated on the pivotal role of mechanical testing within the AFRC’s projects, emphasizing how the integration of such testing practices into their innovative research endeavors yields actionable insights that prove invaluable for manufacturers across various industries and scales.