AFRC, ATI Partner to Boost Aerospace Materials Innovation

ATI Inc. announces it has joined the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Center (AFRC) as a tier one member, marking the beginning of a collaboration in advanced engineering and materials science that supports sustainable air travel.

ATI is a producer of materials to global aircraft engine manufacturers. It creates materials and component solutions, such as titanium and nickel superalloys, that can withstand extreme conditions, heat, pressure and corrosion.

Access to the AFRC’s pioneering FutureForge facility is expected to support ATI with the development of the next generation of materials and process technologies, with the forging research facility providing an industrial-scale, iso-thermal testing platform. As airlines increasingly focus on sustainability, metallic alloys that can endure higher temperatures will be key to enabling jet engines to operate at maximum efficiency and burn less fuel.

The AFRC launched FutureForge in early 2024, connecting the global forging sector with the industry-scale testbed and center’s expertise.

FutureForge comprises a tri-modal 2,000-ton press offering open die, closed die and iso-thermal forging capabilities, quick data analytics through its control room, two furnaces — one powered by electricity and the other by gas — and a custom-built smart robotics manipulator arm. Companies such as ATI can use the platform to de-risk the development of new products, processes and technologies.

“Aerospace is a hugely important sector for the global economy, and materials science is key to developing the next generation of aircraft engines that can operate more sustainably. With FutureForge, the AFRC is in a unique position to help develop these kinds of novel materials and offers an industrial-scale testbed like no other,” says Professor Brad Wynne, director of the AFRC. “The fact that ATI’s team is largely based in the USA while we are in Glasgow highlights the strength of our offering at an international level, both in terms of the facilities and the research expertise we can provide for manufacturers.”

Alongside global manufacturers, such as Rolls-Royce and Boeing, ATI is reportedly one of only seven tier one members of the AFRC. Representatives from ATI are joining the managing and technical boards of the center, unlocking additional opportunities to shape future research programs and collaborate with other members.

“ATI has the ability to perform end-to-end across the entire jet engine supply chain. As a member of the AFRC’s managing and technical boards, we’ll collaboratively share our expertise and learn from others to accelerate innovation in our industry,” says Jim Meudt, vice president of ATI global commercial strategies.