Exova Bridgwater has expanded its composite testing capability, which covers fatigue testing of composite and metallic materials, primarily for the aerospace industry, to meet growing customer requirements.

During the last quarter of 2010 three servo hydraulic test frames were acquired and commissioned at Bridgwater in response to increased demands from Exova’s growing clientele. Following a successful audit in March 2011, Exova Bridgwater was awarded UKAS accreditation for a range of composite and metallic international fatigue standards, meaning the lab can now officially carry out fatigue testing for its customers.

The Bridgwater laboratory, which works for aerospace primes including Rolls Royce, Airbus and GKN Aerospace, has plans to increase capacity further in the future.

Exova Bridgwater specialises in the testing of composite materials, with core services including mechanical, physical, metallurgical and failure investigation.

Peter Allen, General Manager of Exova Bridgwater, said: “The expansion of our in-house testing capabilities offers customers a full suite of tests across all techniques and material types under one roof.

“This is an important development for Exova, and forms part of the Aerospace Division’s long-term strategy which includes plans for further expansion of our global testing facilities and capabilities in the future.”