Thompson plays key role in auto and aerospace parts project

BLACK Country friction welding specialist Thompson has played a key role in a research project to develop advanced manufacturing processes for the production of aerospace and automotive parts.

The two-year study, supported by Innovate UK, not only explored the solid state bonding of new and dissimilar materials, but also the joining of primary assemblies.

Thompson, together with project partners Birmingham University, Constellium and project leader GKN Aerospace, used its range of linear friction welding machines to produce a selection of components including an airframe wing rib and automotive structure.

The venture also created a 20-inch sq large scale titanium friction weld, which is thought to be the largest achieved anywhere in the world to date.

As a result of the project, Halesowen-based Thompson has been asked to undertake further research work on behalf of a number of global component makers keen to examine ways of reducing weight and cutting costs of automotive parts.

“This work has pushed forward the technology readiness level of near net shape parts using linear friction welding. It has generated interest from a wide variety of manufacturers who want to explore the benefits of the process,” said Thompson’s sales engineer Simon Jones.

Thompson, part of KUKA Systems UK, has developed a range of machines that use the linear method to join one or more parts together to create larger structures and shapes.

The company aims to expand the use of the technique beyond the aircraft industry where it is employed to produce engine components to other sectors such as automotive and medical.