I M AGE C OURT ES Y: Airbus
A E R O S PA C E M A N U FA C T U R I N G | T E C H N O L O G Y
TARGETING AEROSPACE CHALLENGES Currently, the Indian industry is facing challenges in competency development and establishing world-class technologies to meet the stringent aerospace. The part-two series of the article briefs on the technical requirements for the aerospace applications.
Godrej Aerospace, a division of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing, started way back in 1985. The company is manufacturing components and assemblies for the aerospace industry. The product groups cater to space, defence and aviation industry in India and abroad customers. It deals with various exotic materials & welding techniques during the manufacturing process.
Technical requirements in aerospace Low thickness: The main challenge in aerospace requirement is thinned sheet welding (normally 0.6 mm to maximum 4.00 mm). Distortion-free welding can be achieved only through the lowest possible heat input and effective cooling system. Any distortion generated in the welding process will have huge impact on the further processes. Also, the acceptance
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level of radiography testing is 1/10 T, that means, eventually the limit of any indication in the 0.6 mm sheet is only 60 microns and in many cases, even repair is not allowed. Control on weld penetration & reinforcements: Unlike other industry in aerospace, the depth of penetration is controlled and measured in microns. Measurement of the same is normally carried out through radiography images. Contoured structure: Almost 99% of structures are 3D contoured. Due to its complex shape, the weld set-up and welding process needs modern fixtures and technology.
Challenges in welding techniques The nature of welding in the aeronautical industry is characterised by low unit production, high unit cost, extreme reliability, and severe operating conditions.
EM | Jul 2015