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Rare capability in autoclave age forming, shot peen forming, and oven forming up to
The age forming process, now utilized by many companies, was developed by our Nashville facility and patented during the 1980’s. This process is still in production today, and NWI Aerostructures continues to be an innovator in the forming of wing skins and stringers. Components are mechanically constrained with tooling to a spring back shape and then aged to its final temper and shape. During the aging process the stress in the material partially relaxes which allows the part to stay in the desired formed contour. The result is a superior part with much lower residual stresses as compared to mechanical forming.
Five systems of shot peen forming are employed for wing skins on material alloys not suitable for age forming.
Through continued innovation, Nashville has developed a patented, automated cold forming method and machine for stringers that provides a solution that’s more efficient than the current industry standard of manual forming.
| Equipment | Size | Temp | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoclave #4 | 15' x 85' | 650ºF | 250 psi |
| Autoclave #6 | 15' x 80' | 650ºF | 160 psi |
| Oven #3 | 12' x 16' x 100' | 400ºF | |
| Oven #43 | 12' x 16' x 100' | 400ºF | |
| Oven #47 | 12' x 16' x 100' | 400ºF | |
| Oven #49 | 13' x 16' x 90' | 400ºF |
| Manufacturer | Blast Pot Size | Nozzle Size | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Abrasive Equipment | |||
| Empire Abrasive Equipment | 3/8" | 100 psi | |
| Empire Abrasive Equipment | 3/8" | 100 psi | |
| DeLong Equipment Company | 3.5 cubic foot | 3/8" | 100 psi |
| Abrasive Blast Systems | 3/8" | 100 psi |
