A job weld done

MIG welding, one of the many conventional and advanced processes which TWI can help companies use more profitably
MIG welding

A technical support scheme for manufacturing engineering businesses in Yorkshire and Humber is now up and running and bringing real benefits to the companies involved. Typically, the Technical Manager of one such company says: 'Working with TWI has significantly improved our understanding of welding processes ... TWI has successfully suggested improvements to increase our product quality and reliability.'

Under the Joining Forces Yorkshire and Humber programme, one of the region's major technology transfer initiatives, manufacturing companies are offered an initial two free days intensive technical support, plus follow-up as appropriate.

Richard Smith, Programme Manager outlines a typical example of how this support works:

One of TWI's welding engineers was called out to a company specialising in welding aluminium and stainless steel. Welding personnel must regularly pass 'approval' tests to confirm their competence to carry out particular tasks; but this time the tests at the company had been unacceptable because of porosity in the welds. Similar tests had previously been completed successfully, and so with no obvious reason for failure, the company called on TWI for advice.

After a series of checks and trial welds, TWI's expert identified the source of the problem and advised the company on the best methods to adopt to produce welds of suitable quality. With the problem solved, the company's welders were once more properly qualified and could carry on with a full range of welding tasks.

This two day 'Product & Process Review' is one of a range of support activities, from online expertise, to near market R&D and prototyping support offered by the programme. TWI, together with partners in the region can help with welding, joining, casting, fast machining, steel and aluminium applications and a broad range of related materials engineering. The programme is supported by Yorkshire Forward and Objective 1.

Companies wishing to find out what Joining Forces Yorkshire & Humber can do for them are invited to contact Richard Smith at TWI Yorkshire on 0114 269 9046 or richard.smith@twi.co.uk. Copyright © 2004 TWI Ltd

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