Manufacture of Split Ring Breech Seals

摘要

An engineering survey relative to the problems associated with split ring manufacturing was undertaken. The results of this effort are as follows: (1) Kinking: A hydraulically operated kinking machine has been built in-house. Initial testing is promising. Modification and refinements to this unit are continuing. (2) Splitting the Ring: The feasibility of splitting the ring using an electrical discharge machine 'EDM' was investigated. A service contract for EDM cutting employing a traveling wire electrode was awarded. This method proved unsatisfactory for production application. A specification for an automated abrasive saw has been prepared. This machine will have power clamping, adjustable cutting feeds, constant surface feet per minute 'SFM' wheel control, wheel guides for stability and self-contained coolant system. (3) Polishing Split Surface: The engineering study failed in locating an adaptable state of the art polishing machine that would meet the rigid requirements of our components. In order to improve on our present method of polishing, an in-house effort has been undertaken. Two wet belt sanders have been purchased and the modification for our application has begun.