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Advanced Forming Research CentreGlobally connected FutureForge

What is FutureForge?

FutureForge is the world’s most pioneering hot forging research and innovation platform. It is a facility dedicated to advancing forging in the digitally driven, net-zero-focused era.

Utilising the fully connected digital environment, the AFRC team is working with the forging community across the world and together, we’re future-proofing the industry.

FutureForge provides the world’s forging community with real-time access to Europe’s largest hot forging research and innovation platform powered by digital data science and our established team of forging and forming experts.

The platform provides a data-rich research arena for the forging industry to de-risk the development of new products, processes, and technologies for easier adoption on the shop floor.

The advanced industry 4.0 capabilities and smart mission control room put companies in the driving seat. If overseas you can connect in real-time with the AFRC remotely and benefit from the skills and expertise of our people, along with this ground-breaking R&D equipment.

We can help you explore:

  • Routes to decarbonisation
  • Waste reduction to circular economics
  • Predictive modelling
  • New materials and processes

What's inside:

  • 2,000 tonne hydraulic press with open die, closed die and iso thermal forging capabilities
  • Two furnaces – gas and electric
  • Bespoke smart robotic manipulator arm
  • Fully connected digital environment

Funded by:

FutureForge is funded by UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme (delivered by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Innovate UK and the Aerospace Technology Institute), Scottish Enterprise and the AFRC’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult funding.