Hand-Held Laser Welder (HHLW) (Air Force)
Abstract
This project will qualify a self-contained, field-deployable, gas-shielded, hand-guided laser-welding device for the in-theater repair of strategic military components, specifically those constructed of exotic titanium and other strategic alloys. The 76 Maintenance Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma will evaluate a HHLW developed by Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V (LZH) / S.E.T., LLC located in Hannover, Germany. Currently this capability is only available at the Depot level. Critical components, such as the B-2 aft deck, which, up to this point, could only be repaired at depot level, can now be repaired in-theater. The HHLW unit is self-contained, field-deployable, and can withstand extended exposure to the elements. Welding of thin parts also becomes possible with less potential for warping or burn-through. This extends HHLW benefits to new repair applications that are impractical with automated systems and, due to its compact size, can reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- e60f3c350b9b216d86ec74398549cb63