Advanced Manufacturing Centre’s new milestone

The casting is a milestone test piece and will become a showcase for development of the AMRC’s casting facility, which became operational earlier this year.

The piece — poured from a 680kg melt — is an industrial pump housing used in the chemical and petrochemical sectors.

AMRC Castings general manager Richard Cook said: “This test piece is a significant step forward for us and the UK as a whole.

“This achievement sends a clear signal that the country is open for business for large-scale titanium casting.

“Global capacity for titanium castings, particularly of this size, is scarce.

“Indeed it has actually decreased in recent years, despite growing demand.

“There is a clear need for this kind of capability and our research and development will underpin the ability for the UK to remain competitive in a global market.”

AMRC Castings is now aiming for a pour of more than 1,000kg.