Linear friction welding machine for aerospace parts

The E100A is the first of a range of Thompson linear friction welding machines for producing aerospace components. It is designed for rapid linear friction welding of parts up to 10,000 mm². Of an open arrangement design, the E100 can accommodate a vast array of component types, not just those used in the aerospace sector, but also in other areas including oil, gas and power generation. Alan Shilton, Thompson’s managing director, explains: “This machine is ideal for producing near net shape components, such as blisks, with considerable savings in material and production costs. Typically, B2F ratios can be reduced from 10:1 to 2:1.” He adds: “One of the major benefits of linear friction welding is that it can join parts horizontally and vertically, and in a wide variety of materials, as opposed to machining parts out of a solid.”