Howmet continues conversions with titanium component for M777 Howitzer.Cast components continue playing a role in the redesign of the M777 lightweight Howitzer howitzer: see artillery. as Howitzer Castings (Alcoa Inc.), Greenwich, Conn., has begun converting the gun's cradle assembly from a fabricated fab·ri·cate tr.v. fab·ri·cat·ed, fab·ri·cat·ing, fab·ri·cates 1. To make; create. 2. To construct by combining or assembling diverse, typically standardized parts: structure to titanium investment castings investment casting Precision casting for forming metal shapes with minutely precise details. Casting bronze or precious metals typically involves several steps, including forming a mold around the sculptured form; detaching the mold (in two or more sections); coating its . This casting assembly accompanies the 17 other cast components for the M777. With multiple conversions to investment castings, the M777 is the only artillery unit that uses titanium as a major structural material. Currently the U.S. Marine Corp is targeting 2005 as when the newly constructed M777 will be used as field artillery. BAE Systems BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic Systems. , Barrow-in-Furness, England, is manufacturing the unit. Although none are on the line yet, Howmet stays prepared as other M777 fabricated parts could also be converted to investment castings in the future. By converting production to investment casting, past components have exhibited a 50% decrease in welding welding, process for joining separate pieces of metal in a continuous metallic bond. Cold-pressure welding is accomplished by the application of high pressure at room temperature; forge welding (forging) is done by means of hammering, with the addition of heat. time, increased high-stress properties and reduced distortion. Designers see this as a viable production route and more components can be developed using this method. Castings also allow the artillery unit to be lighter in weight. |
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