Midlands based Thompson is choice of TWI for linear friction welding task

Midlands based Thompson is choice of TWI for linear friction welding task

THOMPSON IS CHOICE OF TWI FOR LINEAR FRICTION WELDING TASK

The Welding Institute, one of the world's leading independent research organisations, has ordered a Thompson linear friction welding machine to further develop its materials joining technology expertise for the aerospace industry.

The Cambridge-based establishment is set to take delivery of the E20 model from the award-winning manufacturer early next year and will use it for welding a range of parts such as blisks and airframe structures in a variety of materials including titanium, nickel and aluminium alloys.

Announced at the Farnborough International Air Show, the order marks another milestone in Thompson's development of a range of linear friction welding machines. It recently produced the world's first commercially-available linear friction welding machine, the E100, for joining parts up to 10,000mm.

"The linear process offers many benefits for aero component makers in comparison to machining parts from solid billets. In particular, it provides significant opportunities to save vast amounts of raw materials and substantially reduce buy-to-fly ratios.

"Thanks to the Institute's decision to update its linear friction welding equipment, TWI members will soon be able to learn more about the advantages of this highly-capable process which has been used by jet engine makers to join safety-critical components for more than 20 years," explained Nick Edge, Thompson's global sales manager.

Thompson's E20 linear friction welder, which has a 20 tonne forging capacity, features an open platform design, making it flexible for joining a wide variety of parts typically used in the aerospace sector, but also in other markets including automotive and power generation.

Equipped with Thompson's latest software for data capture and weld monitoring capabilities, the machine is suitable for joining similar/dissimilar materials in almost any shape from rings and blades to fans and square metal contactors.

"TWI is delighted to be working with Thompson to further explore the exciting opportunities offered by the linear friction welding process. The value and impact of this technology is rapidly increasing, especially in the aerospace industry," said Dr Mike Russell, manager of TWI's Friction and Forge Processes Group.

NEW MANAGER FOR SUB-CONTRACT WELDING FACILITY

Friction welding machine manufacturer Thompson has appointed a new manager to head up its sub-contract friction welding service and expanded the operation by adding a new machine.

Jayne Shimwell, who has worked in Thompson's sub-contract department for 15 years, works with a 10-strong team at the Midlands-based facility, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe.

The new 150 tonne friction welding machine, built by Thompson's engineering team at its headquarters in Halesowen, features new environment-friendly, low power consumption drives and a new linear track system for more streamlined operation of the weld head unit. It is designed for joining components such as axles, piston rods and drill pipes.

This new technology, together with the inclusion of special forge clamps and an extended back stop facility, is designed to further improve weld quality and finishing of parts, said Jayne.

"More businesses are using our sub-contract facility not only for friction welding components for small, medium or large production runs, but also for development and research purposes," she added.

The new equipment brings the total number of friction welding machines in the facility to 12. The machines are capable of welding a huge range of components in varying diameters and lengths and in a variety of dissimilar materials such as stainless steel to carbon steel and copper to aluminium.

Thompson's investment in its sub-contract facility coincides with a boom in orders for its friction welding machines, which are in high demand from many sectors including the oil and gas exploration industry.

Thompson has also unveiled the first model in a new range of linear friction welding systems that are designed for use in the aerospace and power generation industries.

Further details on Thompson's sub-contract friction welding services are available online at www.thompsonfw.co.uk or email sales@thompsonfw.co.uk.


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