Thompson adds machine to subcontract welding facility

The welding machine, built by Thompson's Halesowen engineering team, features environmentally friendly, low power consumption drives and a 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. The machine brings the total number of friction welding machines in the subcontracting 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 says it is currently experiencing a "boom in demand" for its friction welding machines, particularly from the oil and gas exploration industry. Thompson has also unveiled the first model in a range of linear friction welding systems that are designed for use in the aerospace and power generation industries.