BAE Systems Delegation Visits TWI

A delegation from BAE Systems plc visited TWI’s headquarters near Cambridge on Wednesday, 19 August 2019.

The delegation were given a variety of demonstrations throughout the day, showcasing techniques including friction welding, electron beam, process modelling, cold spray and coatings application.

The visitors included Group Chief Technology Officer Mr Nigel Whitehead, Manufacturing and Support Director Mr Richard Hamilton, Manufacturing and Materials Strategy and Technology Director Mr Andy Schofield, and Lead Technologist for Metallics Mr Howard Price.

They were met by a team from TWI, led by Joining 4.0 Innovation Centre Director Professor Chris Dungey, including TWI Research Director Dr Paul Woollin, Professor Rob Scudamore, Dr Steve Dodds, and Defence Business Development Manager James Smith.

The visitors were given an introduction to the work of TWI before embarking on a tour of the facilities. This included a look at the library services, an investigation into non-destructive testing, an insight into friction welding processes, and an overview of electron beam (EB) welding. The BAE delegation were also shown TWI’s additive manufacturing expertise and provided with an insight into our work with cold spray and coating applications.

The productive visit was closed with a wrap-up and a discussion of next steps for future collaboration between TWI and BAE Systems.

Speaking on the visit, Mr Nigel Whitehead said, “It was well conceived, well-structured and very well executed,” adding, “You left us with a very positive impression of TWI.”