Tecomet Precision Technologies Manufactures Critical Life-Support Equipment for Astronauts
-From a March 2007 interview with Dave Joaquin, Engineering Manager of Tecomet Precision Technologies.
Astronauts working in space rely on precision equipment as part of the critical systems needed for life-support. The VIASYS Company "Tecomet Precision Technologies" contributes to keeping astronauts alive and safe in space by manufacturing oxygen bottles for the hi-tech space suits they wear.
Contracted by Hamilton Sundstrand, the supplier of the EMU (Extravehicular Mobile Unit) Space Suit to NASA, Tecomet Precision Technologies manufactures the Secondary Oxygen Bottles for the suit.
During space walks astronauts have two primary and two secondary oxygen bottles in each backpack. The primary bottles generally last around eight hours; if needed the secondary bottles are automatically turned on to supply oxygen to the astronauts.
The manufacturing process for making the bottles requires advanced metalworking technologies - a specialty at Tecomet. The bottles consist of two half spheres, an upper segment and a lower segment. These segments are paired and precision machined. The lower segment has a formed tube which is coiled around the inside profile and vacuum brazed in place. Each segment is then machined for a precise weld joint fit up and then subsequently welded, x-rayed, finished machined, and pressure tested.
As one of the longest running programs in the company's history, Tecomet produced the first group of secondary oxygen bottles nearly a decade ago-a contract that lasted about 5 years. In awarding this subsequent contract, Hamilton Sundstrand was extremely grateful that Tecomet had kept superior documentation from the first group. In fact, many of the same employees involved with the first group are still with Tecomet. With their expertise and new laborsaving procedures, Tecomet will be able to cut delivery time by more than 50% on the current order.
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