Lockheed Martin gets approval for Cryogenic titanium machining
Posted by-Neelam Mathews Sept 16, 2011 Lockheed Martin says it has obtained government approval to use a groundbreaking cryogenic titanium machining process in production of the F-35 stealth fighter. Cryogenic titanium machining improves cutting-tool life by a factor of 10 with appropriate material removal processing speed. Broadly applied, this new technology could improve affordability and efficiency in the production of the F-35, which is approximately 25 percent titanium by weight. “This is a prime example of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) developed technology transitioning from the research and development phase to a system that can enhance affordability for near-term military projects, like the F-35,” said Mike Packer, vice president of Manufacturing Strategy &Technical Integration at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The team of Creare Incorporated, H.M. Dunn Company, and MAG IAS has worked with Lockheed Martin, the US Navy Small Business Innovation Researc...