Exova signs in-house testing agreement with Grainger & Worrall
Above:
Last year the Grainger & Worrall foundry in the UK was awarded series
production of
the Graflight aero diesel engine, intended for use in single and twin engined aircraft, small helicopters, unmanned military aircraft and potentially marine applications.
The deal extends an existing relationship spanning more than 20 years and will see Exova create a dedicated mechanical testing laboratory and machine shop within Grainger & Worrall’s manufacturing facility in Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Exova will conduct mechanical tensile testing on ferrous and non-ferrous cast materials and components in a temperature controlled environment. As well as a 100KN load capacity dual column frame for conducting tensile testing, the facility will feature a dedicated machining section, housing CNC lathes and milling machines for the preparation of tensile specimens from separately cast and in-cast parts. The testing capability will be accredited to ISO 17025, a recognised and independently audited laboratory quality standard.
Grainger & Worrall is the market leader in complex structural castings for the automotive, motorsport, aerospace and defence sectors and has helped to develop some of the most important and ground-breaking engines in history. Working with Exova will bring even greater quality assurance and faster turnaround times to the precision casting specialist that boasts many prestige automotive brands among its client base.
Commenting on the agreement, Robert Plant, purchasing manager of Grainger & Worrall, said: “By partnering with Exova to create a dedicated in-house capability, we can deliver even greater efficiencies to our precision casting processes. As a global leader in our industry, lead time reduction and technical excellence remain two vital areas for us and this investment will clearly help us to deliver on that promise.”
Murray Gilder, director of industrials at Exova, said: “Having worked with Grainger & Worrall for over 20 years we understand both their testing requirements and commitment to the highest quality standards. This new partnership will allow us to better support technical teams at every stage of product development while delivering improved efficiency and turnaround times.”
