Thompson machine for MTC
Thompson, the Halesowen-based factory equipment manufacturer, is to supply a linear friction welding machine to a top research organisation for developing new production processes.
The machine will be used at Coventry's Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to look into ways of joining multi-metal components for the aerospace, medical and power generation industries.
It will be housed at the MTC's site at Ansty Park as part of a £90m expansion programme. The machine, which will have a 130 ton forge load capability, will not only be designed to weld parts up to 10,000mm sq, but also in a variety of materials including stainless steel, titanium and high temperature nickel alloys.
It will be equipped with a number of features including an automatic component handling system and enhanced process monitoring and data capture facilities.
Thompson produces rotary and linear friction welding equipment for component makers in the aerospace, automotive, construction machine and mineral exploration industries.
As a member of the MTC, Thompson will also share its process expertise on a range of other research projects in conjunction with collaborators such as Airbus and GKN.
"Linear friction welding has much to offer in the development of new manufacturing methods and we look forward to working with the MTC on this exciting project," said Simon Jones, Thompson's aerospace sales manager.
MTC chief executive Clive Hickman said the centre's aim is to establish a UK centre of excellence for linear friction welding technologies. in conjunction with one of its founding partners, The Welding Institute (TWI).
"We're proud to be working with Thompson Friction Welding, a West Midlands based high value manufacturing business that's well established in this field and a global supplier to industry."
The company will be highlighting its latest developments in linear friction welding when it exhibits at the Japan International Welding Show in Tokyo from Apr 23-26.
