The largest-ever research project backed by Innovate UK for developing cost-effective titanium-alloy structural airframe parts is nearing completion. The three-year TiFab programme has studied more than 170 aircraft components to assess their suitability for an advanced-joining process which could offer annual raw material savings of around £9m. TiFab consortium members CAV Advanced Technologies, Kuka, Ten Solutions and The Welding Institute predict that manufacturers could save over 200 tonnes of titanium a year if they chose linear friction welding to bond parts instead of machining from solid billets.
For further information www.nearnetshape.co.uk