A visit to Bray Burners of Leeds by Geoff Eames of TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire) showed that interest in the help to be gained from a Product and Process Review was strong throughout the company.
Bray Burners make many burner types, using various joining methods. Seeking advice on joining technology for a new type of cylindrical burner, the main thrust of the review was to look at the TIG welding process used to join stainless steel cylinder butt joints and end caps, and resistance welding for cylinder to flange applications.
The primary aim was to obtain the optimum production parameters during the prototype stage.
Advice was given on lengthening electrode tip life and angle by better gas coverage. This also served the purpose of improving cleanliness of the HAZ area.
MAG welding of venturi to the body flange resulted in an oversized weld so it was recommended that TIG welding is a better process for this application.
Such changes, while not major, result in real benefits to the whole production process thus improving productivity and profit margins.
Technical Manager for Bray Burners, Eddie Hart was particularly pleased with the help received, 'Working with TWI has significantly improved our understanding of welding processes and their sensitivity. TWI has successfully directed suggested improvements to increase product quality and reliability'.
TWI's help was available to Bray Burners under the Joining Forces Yorkshire and Humber technology transfer programme.
For information about TWI's capabilities please contact us.