Development of Advanced Manufacturing Platform for High Integrity Forged Components

Academic Institution: University of Strathclyde

Academic Supervisor: Professor Paul Blackwell

Industry Partner: Timet / AFRC Industrial Members

PhD Student: Sean Glyn Peters

Start Date: 1st July 2019

Abstract

The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) based in Scotland is a globally-recognised centre of excellence in innovative manufacturing technologies, engineering research and development, metal forming and forging research.

The Tier 1 industrial partners are Boeing, Rolls Royce, Timet, Aubert & Duval, Bifrangi, Baker Hughes GE and Spirit Aerospace. They represent a variety of industries and specialisms across relevant sectors for UK and Scotland (aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, energy).

Forging can create components that are stronger than those manufactured by any other metalworking processes. These components are used in applications where reliability and safety are critical. However, the manufacturing of high-integrity parts for critical applications brings important challenges. Currently, the research activities/tests, developed at lab scale are not representative of industrial processes. This introduces important challenges to companies for the development and adoption of new components/materials/processes.

One of the main aims of this industry doctorate is to bridge this gap, in good alignment with the AFRC FutureForge programme (£16.5 million project), bringing the largest piece of equipment (2000T hydraulic press) and state of the art forging facility to Scotland. This programme will bring unique capabilities to AFRC, allowing to conduct forging trials and manufacturing of prototypes at representative industrial scale. This doctorate is aligned to FutureForge programme, allowing the Tier 1 members and Scottish companies to fully exploit this advanced manufacturing platform:

  • Engage with Scottish manufacturing supply chain and key end users and sectors (Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Marine, Nuclear, Energy, Automotive);

  • Enhance the competitiveness of Tier 1 members and Scottish companies through the exploitation of high-integrity components.

  • Bring new business and development of cutting-edge research activities to AFRC.

  • Accelerate the development of new components, adoption of new materials and manufacturing processes in order to increase the competitiveness of the Scottish industry.


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