The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has agreed a Tier One partnership with Matsuura Machinery Ltd (www.matsuura.co.uk), which will supply an MX-520 CNC five-axis machining centre, widening the scope of what the AFRC can do for companies in a number of industries using different materials — in particular, difficult-to-machine alloys.

Meanwhile, Matsuura will enhance its presence in Scotland and gain access to the centre’s vast network, which includes global manufacturers and growing local businesses.

Founded in 1935 in Japan, Matsuura has its UK headquarters in Leicestershire.

Its Scotland-based area manager Barry Pender will spend time at the AFRC, imparting his knowledge and meeting Scottish firms to discuss Matsuura’s advances in CNC technology and the benefits it can bring.

The MX-520 is primarily aimed at companies making the transition from three- to five-axis operations.

Roger Howkins, Matsuura Machinery’s managing director, said: “Matsuura is delighted to announce our partnership with the prestigious AFRC.

“Scottish manufacturing and engineering are seeing a true renaissance, not only with the recovery of traditional heavy engineering but also in high-value new industries.

“These companies and institutions are helping to create the components, products and technologies of tomorrow in a very diverse range of materials.

“We are sure that our association with the AFRC will bring our ‘state of the art’ machining and 3-D printing products to a wider audience.”