Advanced Forming Research CentreAccess our capabilities

Work with us and unlock access to our technical capabilities. These consist of our cutting-edge equipment, our talented people and their areas of expertise. 

Tapping into our capabilities allows you to satisfy your day-to-day operational needs, while safely exploring new opportunities for growth.

Some of our key technical capabilities:

  • State of the art laboratory for residual stress evaluation and strain mapping
  • Expertise in superplastic forming, cold forming and hydroforming 
  • Two MTI rotary friction welding machines, the biggest of their kind in any UK research centre 
  • Specialists in forming R&D 
Engineers working in the AFRC 1600x600

Near net shape manufacture

Ranging from the latest in additive manufacturing to advances in cold forming, our combination of world class technical and design expertise brings real cost and sustainability benefits.

Material behaviour

We are shining a light on materials science and residual stress within manufacturing– with huge benefits for industry.

Material processing

We are using forging and complementary heating technologies to convert materials so that they are ready for the next generation of products made using stronger, lighter metals for higher temperature applications.

A member of AFRC staff sitting at a computer using process modelling software

Process modelling

Wielding advanced numerical and analytical tools, our experienced team of modellers allow us to try out manufacturing processes in the virtual world, which saves costs and resources on physical trials.

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Future Forge

The world’s most advanced research and innovation hot forging platform. FutureForge connects the global forging sector with the AFRC team and industry-scale testbed no matter where they are in the world.

A world-unique platform for hot forging innovation with advanced industry 4.0 capabilities enabling companies from overseas to connect in real-time with the AFRC remotely and benefit from our skills and expertise along with the ground-breaking R&D equipment.