Unison Ltd, a UK-based manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines and inventor of precision all-electric tube manipulation, has joined the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). 

A specialist centre within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the AFRC provides member organisations with access to advanced equipment and technical expertise covering manufacturing, material behaviour and processing. 

As the only tube bending machinery manufacturer within the AFRC, Unison will provide specialist consultancy and technical support across tube manipulation processes, while contributing to collaborative research projects. 

“We’re delighted to have been invited to join the AFRC,” comments Unison joint managing director Alan Pickering. “Our tier-two membership will enable us to support even more of the world’s leading companies with their tube manipulation, wire and end-forming challenges. At the same time, we look forward to utilising the AFRC’s technical forming and modelling expertise to assist in developing several new tube forming technologies currently in the pipeline, particularly for the aerospace sector.” 

AFRC director Brad Wynne adds: “As the UK’s leading manufacturer of ultra-precise tube-bending machinery, Unison will work with us to extend our research into rotary draw tube bending. We envisage that initial projects will explore areas such as tooling, process modelling, physical trials and material analysis, helping unlock rotary draw bending for higher-integrity applications across defence, aerospace, energy and other advanced manufacturing sectors.” 

Tracy McCarroll, head of membership and strategic relations at NMIS, says the partnership will also provide opportunities to combine Unison’s expertise and equipment with the capabilities of other AFRC members: “We look forward to involving Unison in suitable R&D proposals that would benefit from their considerable knowledge and input.” 

More information www.unisonltd.com