The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining ISO 17025 accreditation for its mechanical testing laboratory. This new accreditation adds to the AFRC’s already impressive list of achievements, further solidifying its reputation as a world-class research facility.
ISO 17025 is a globally recognized standard that sets out the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is considered the benchmark of excellence in the industry, focusing on technical competence and quality management systems. By achieving this accreditation, the AFRC has demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement and meeting the high-quality standards expected by businesses both in the UK and internationally.
The accreditation was awarded by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), a leading accreditation body in the UK. The AFRC, which is also a part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, has secured the gold standard for four mechanical testing techniques. This recognition highlights the center’s dedication to excellence and its ability to deliver reliable and accurate testing services to its clients.
One of the key achievements of the AFRC is becoming the first facility in the UK to be accredited for elevated compression testing up to 1100 °C, following the National Physical Laboratory’s good practice guide. In addition to this, the center has also received accreditation for its standards in room temperature compression testing, room temperature tensile testing, and elevated temperature tensile testing up to 1000 °C. These certifications showcase the AFRC’s expertise and capabilities in a wide range of mechanical testing applications.
In addition to its mechanical testing accreditations, the AFRC also holds ISO 17025 certification for residual stress analysis, as well as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 for quality management and health and safety standards. These certifications reflect the center’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in its operations, ensuring that its research and testing services are conducted with the utmost professionalism and precision.
The AFRC’s mechanical testing team, with years of industry experience and technical expertise, played a crucial role in achieving the ISO 17025 accreditation. Through their dedication and proficiency, the team demonstrated their ability to meet the rigorous requirements of the standard and deliver accurate and reliable testing results to their clients. This accreditation not only recognizes the AFRC’s world-class research capabilities but also instills confidence in its current and future customers.
Michael King, the material science and engineering theme lead at the AFRC, emphasized the importance of achieving ISO 17025 accreditation. He stated, “This accreditation is a testament to our team’s technical proficiency and unwavering standards. It not only recognizes our research capabilities but also instills confidence among our customers. Our mechanical testing expertise is crucial to many of our projects, and by integrating it into our research, we can provide valuable insights to manufacturers across various industries.”
The AFRC’s mechanical testing services are available to businesses of all sizes, offering assistance in checking parts used in sectors ranging from automotive to aerospace. By leveraging its cutting-edge research and expertise, the center is able to provide actionable insights that help manufacturers improve their products and processes, ultimately making them more competitive in the global market.
Overall, the AFRC’s achievement of ISO 17025 accreditation for its mechanical testing laboratory is a testament to its dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. By maintaining the highest standards of quality and technical competence, the center is able to provide valuable testing services to its clients and contribute to the advancement of manufacturing technology in the UK and beyond.