Only 12 months after the launch of its sub-contract Friction Stir Welding (FSW) facility, Elland-based PTG Heavy Industries (www.holroyd.com) is now offering research services to organisations looking to investigate new applications for the process.

Applications manager Peter Jowett said: “Our new sub-contract welding division has proved a considerable success, attracting projects from a number of sectors. With that in mind, we decided the time was right to extend our offering to include research into welding techniques — particularly when involving small-scale components or the jointing of exotic and particularly difficult-to-weld alloys.

Accordingly, we have installed one of our Crawford Swift Powerstir FSW ‘laboratory’ machines at the facility expressly for that purpose.

“Research departments from across the global aerospace and transport sectors have made Powerstir machines central to their studies in creating stronger, lighter and more aesthetically pleasing welds.

“It is also worth noting that, here in the UK, the Welding Institute uses a Powerstir machine for its on-going work into FSW processes, joint strength and tool development.”