The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has received international accreditation for three laboratory testing and calibration techniques, marking a significant endorsement for the centre’s materials testing and research capabilities.

AFRC has become one of only a few organisations in the UK to gain ISO 17025:2005 for measuring the geometry and dimensions of parts with a CMM. Similarly, the centre is one of only a small number of places in the UK to be accredited to ISO17025 standard for measuring residual stress in engineering materials and components using both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and incremental central hole-drilling (ICHD) methods.
ISO 17025:2005 is the AFRC’s third accreditation, adding to its ISO 9001 and BS18001 certificates. The former recognises the centre’s ability to meet customer and regulatory requirements, while the latter assures a high level of health and safety.
Dr Salah Rahimi, principal materials fellow at the AFRC, says: “By achieving this international standard, our expertise in materials research has been recognised at the highest level. It underlines our commitment to advancing our research in this area and further develops the trust our customers place in us to work on their projects.
“For a number of years now we have been investing heavily in our materials research capabilities, particularly in the area of residual stress,” he adds. “These capabilities are the backbone of many of the centre’s research projects. This standard acknowledges all of this hard work and gives further credit to our research findings.”
For further information www.strath.ac.uk/research