Bicester-based CAM software developer Open Mind Technologies (www.openmind-tech.com) is the latest company to become a member of the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) in Strathclyde, Scotland.

The AFRC is a globally recognised centre of excellence in innovative manufacturing technologies, metal forming and forging research.

Working with renowned OEMs such as Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Mettis Aerospace, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, SSE, Scottish Power and the Weir Group, it is at the heart of Scotland’s manufacturing R&D sector and is the country’s only High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre (and one of only seven in the UK).

As an extension of the University of Strathclyde’s engineering faculty, the AFRC now employs over 130 people and is fitted out with the world’s most technologically advanced precision engineering equipment, including HyperMill CAM software from Open Mind Technologies to drive the machine tools.

Open Mind applications engineer Matthew Coulson said: “The AFRC has recently seconded the services of Professor Keith Ridgway, the founder and figurehead of the AMRC facility in Sheffield.

"Following our on-going success and partnership with the AMRC, Mr Ridgway asked us to be involved in the AFRC enterprise, and we were honoured to be invited to join.

“Open Mind has been instrumental in building success for manufacturers in the Sheffield area and the global aerospace industry that rely on the technical expertise and innovation at the AMRC.

"Having the opportunity to emulate this model in the Scottish manufacturing industry is a huge opportunity for Open Mind and the manufacturing companies that will be working with the AFRC in the coming years.”