Compact Gas/Tungten - ARC Welding Torch DevelopedNASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., has funded the development by the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International Corp. of a compact welding torch with a zirconium oxide plasma-spray coated copper cup instead of the usual ceramic head. The zirconium oxide coating insulates the torch thermally and electrically. The cup screws into the handle of the torch and can be replaced easily.The unique feature of the torch is its size. The 3/8ths inch (9.5mm) high by 1/2 inch (12.7mm) wide torch was designed for welding fuel lines on the Space Shuttle Main Engine, where the operating clearance is about 1/2 inch. The new torch is smaller than the smallest commercially available product and is useful in confined spaces where delivery of 100-A current in a confined space is needed. Licensing for commercial production of the torch is available. Persons interested in the invention should call 1-800-USA-NASA. |