MTI's Manufacturing Services Recognized For Outstanding Technical Performance

 SOUTH BEND, IN - Ball Aerospace has recognized Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI) for outstanding technical performance on the TIRS-02 Program, a NASA initiative which uses thermal infrared sensors to measure the Earth’s temperature.  MTI played an integral role by joining together titanium and copper for the TIRS-02 Cryocooler, which is used on the Landsat Data Continuity satellite.

“We were thrilled to work with Ball Aerospace and work together to find a joining solution that met their needs” said Mike Laiman, MTI’s Manufacturing Services Business Unit Manager.  “Collaboration was key to our success.”

The TIRS-02 Cryocooler is an essential component that acts as a refrigeration unit to keep the sensors inside the satellite at an optimum temperature as the satellite orbits the Earth. 

After struggling to find a proper joining solution, Ball Aerospace consulted the friction welding experts at MTI.  MTI used Rotary Friction Welding to create three different copper to titanium welds.  With a commitment to quality, MTI then sent the part for external testing and adjusted machining to meet the tight tolerances necessary for aerospace.

“This was a very demanding application,” said Laiman.  “Copper is a soft metal and titanium is a hard metal. Because of these differences in forgeability, breaking and peeling is likely.  Since the part will go into space, it was essential to create a strong weld capable of withstanding harsh temperatures.” 

MTI has established itself as a leader in friction welding, including Rotary Friction, Linear Friction, and Friction Stir Welding technologies.  In addition to contract manufacturing services, MTI has delivered machines to Boeing, GE, Rolls- Royce, Pratt and Whitney, Federal Mogul, and many of their tier one suppliers.  A family owned business founded in 1926, MTI employs 220 people in their South Bend, United Kingdom, and China locations.

Ball Aerospace, a subsidiary of Ball Corporation, engages in the design and implementation of spacecraft, instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems, and radio frequency solutions for strategic, tactical, and scientific applications. 

For more information on Ball Aerospace,
visit www.ball.com/aerospace.

For more information on MTI and its family of world-class friction welding technologies, visit www.mtiwelding.com.

For additional information about this release, please contact:

Mike Laiman
Manufacturing Services Business Unit Manager
Laiman.Michael@mtiwelding.com
O: 574.233.9490 ext 612