This section forms the core of the Hot Gas Path Components Cell providing fabricated and sheet metal components for Nozzle Guide Vanes and similar gas turbine parts, as well as a number of machined items, including parts for industrial turbochargers. The components, manufactured in materials ranging from stainless steel to heat resisting alloys vary from simple, flat, laser cut details to complex vane forms requiring multiple forming and welding operations to complete the part.

Component information usually in electronic format is processed using SolidWorks 2008 and the subsequent tooling designs downloaded directly to the machine tools via the CAD/CAM facility.  This gives us the ability to respond swiftly to design changes from the customer, for tooling changes during the development process and to accommodate the changing of cores during the parent component life cycle.  This ability to react swiftly means that short batch runs for development purposes and the one off batches sometimes required in the repair and overhaul market can be accommodated at cost effective prices

All the necessary tooling is designed and manufactured in house with external support required only for heat treatment and plating operations.  This ensures that the necessary flexibility and quick response times are constantly available.  It also allows for ongoing process development and for new ideas to be quickly translated into tangible results.

The Cell covers all aspects of this work from cutting, pre-forming, manual and auto TIG welding to final forming and drilling of cooling holes using both the EDM and YAG laser capabilities.  Additionally a number of allied components both machined and sheet metal are supplied in conjunction with the tubes and plates so that complete kits of parts are supplied ready for assembly to the machined Nozzle Guide Vane Casting.
Some of our customers also require completed nozzle guide vane assemblies. In these instances we have the ability and facilities to assemble the components and weld them in place.  In circumstances where vacuum brazing and or heat treatment is required we have relationships with a select number of specialised, approved companies who can provide these facilities, with fully documented processes, enabling us to offer a full assembly service.