New ways of making aerospace parts

Plymouth-based Fine Tubes (www.finetubes.co.uk), a precision engineering company, has begun working with the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) at the local university to look at new ways of making aerospace components.

Its titanium alloy tubes are mainly used in aircraft hydraulic systems, where they need to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures.

Technical manager Val Hart said: “Fine Tubes has been collaborating with Plymouth University for a long time and has always used its electron microscopy facilities for testing and fault finding. Having such a good team and facilities just half an hour from our premises is invaluable.

“This new project takes our relationship to a new level. We are working with PEMC to see if we can change our manufacturing processes by benchmarking our product, which could have a massive impact on our standing in the international market.”