Licensing Opportunity: Method of Part Segmentation and Assembly for Fabrication of Complex Cylindrical Housings

Complex protective casings and housings are necessary for many applications, including combustion chambers of gas turbines used in aerospace engines. Manufacturing these components from forging and/or casting as a whole is challenging, costly, and time-consuming. This technology is a method for machining the internal features for these structures in segments, joining the segments and finally finish machine the exterior features of the assembly, providing greater lead time and significant cost benefit.

Description This technology is a method for manufacturing complex cylindrical housings with internal features of high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances. The method can accelerate the manufacturing of such parts by dividing the component in segments able to fit within readily available rolled or forged plate of similar material specifications, rather than long lead time special forgings.

This approach improves tool access to all internal features by using a 5-axis machining center avoiding the use of angle heads which typically offer limited productivity. The segments then are joined by electron beam welding to assure full thickness penetration. Once the assembly process is completed, all external features are machined to final dimensions and specifications.

Overall production time is improved by avoiding the dependence on special forgings with long lead time and, by improving machining productivity with the use of stiffer tool assemblies and avoiding the use of angle head tool assemblies.

Benefits Easier machining access Faster; shortened cycle time No long waits for special forging, welding and delivery Inexpensive quick-turn solution Saves time and money; less production costs Applications and Industries Aerospace engine manufacturers Contact To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.