Testing services supplier Element has opened a new 20,700 square foot (2,000 square meters) testing laboratory in Sheffield, UK.
The new laboratory will be a centre of excellence for non-destructive testing and inspection and is located close to Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), to give customers within the aerospace industry access to the latest testing equipment, expertise and technical support.
Element has invested £250,000 (US$320,000) in equipment for immersion ultrasonic testing (IUT), as well as dye penetrant inspection, eddy current inspection, magnetic particle inspection and on-site positive material identification.
In preparation for the opening of the laboratory, the company, in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, has trained five new engineering support and machinist apprentices. The apprentices will work closely with the skilled on-site technical team and will all be based in the new facility.
The facility complements the existing Magna Way laboratory in nearby Rotherham, which offers a machine shop with CNC machining facilities, and sample heat treatment capabilities, mechanical, chemical analysis, metallurgical testing and force calibration services.
During the opening ceremony of the new Sheffield laboratory, Charles Noall, president and CEO of Element said, “I am delighted to open this new facility which is part of the new industrial revolution within the Sheffield region. It greatly expands the range of equipment and skills we have to offer customers in the aerospace and oil and gas sectors.
“This site complements our existing NDT capabilities across Europe and North America and enables our highly experienced team to deliver a first-class experience for our customers using the latest testing techniques and equipment.”
