Citation
(1998), "MCP system upgrades tube bending for BAe", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aab.016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
MCP system upgrades tube bending for BAe
MCP system upgrades tube bending for BAe
British Aerospace's Military Aircraft & Aerostructures plant at Brough has upgraded tube-bending facilities with a self-contained system for processing alloy bending media.
Custom-built by alloys manufacturer Mining and Chemical Products, the system is said to be one of the most sophisticated of its type in recent years. It is used for filling metal tubes with a 70°C low-melting-point alloy to prevent wrinkling and distortion during bending.
Designed for tubes up to 80 mm diameter and up to two metres long, the electronically controlled and monitored system is substantially constructed in stainless steel for durability. Special protective features have been included to stop constituents from the alloy reaching the factory's water supplies.
The tubes are preheated in a tank of hot water and filled with molten alloy from a separate melting tank. They are then inserted into a cold-water tank to solidify the alloy.
During bending, the solidified alloy provides firm internal support against malformation and twisting.
After forming, the alloy core is melted out of the tubes in the hot-water tank and collected for re-use in the tank base.
The installation of this system has more than doubled the length and diameter of the tubes that can be formed.
From Mining and Chemical Products Ltd, The Mill House, Laverstoke, Whitchurch, Hants RG28 7NS. Tel: 01256 897200.