New Zwick laboratory at the University of Strathclyde

The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, is a joint project between the university, Scottish companies, the Scottish government and multinational concerns including Boeing, Rolls Royce and Ulm (Germany)-based testing-machine manufacturer Zwick, supplier of the laboratory’s high-tech testing machines.

AFRC’s core areas of research are defined in close consultation with their industrial partners and are mainly concerned with forming and forging metallic materials and components. Zwick has supplied two materials testing machines to AFRC for this purpose: an electro-mechanical testing machine (Fmax 250 kN) for low strain-rates and a servo-hydraulic testing machine (Fmax) for medium and high strain-rates.

Both testing machines are equipped with a mobile temperature chamber and various high-temperature furnaces operating at up to 1,600°C. Contact-type high-temperature extensometers are fitted for direct strain measurement, while the electro-mechanical testing machine additionally employs a high-temperature laser extensometer (laserXtens). laserXtens can provide non-contact strain measurement at temperatures up to 1,000°C and the machine is controlled in this way. Constant strain rates, based on both engineering and true strain, are of particular importance for AFRC in this context.

The uniform user interface offered by testXpert^® II and easy interchangeability of sensors and furnaces between the two machines were crucial factors in AFRC’s decision to collaborate with Zwick.

AFRC’s standing in the British research environment is reflected in the Duke of York’s presence at the ceremonial opening of the new center.