State-of-the-Art Equipment for Radioactive Material Machining
BWX Technologies, Inc.'s Hot Machine Shop (HMS) stands out as a cutting-edge facility equipped with specialized tools to handle both radioactive and non-radioactive materials. The HMS boasts a range of essential machinery, including a computer numerically controlled (CNC) electrical discharge milling (EDM) machine, a vertical CNC milling machine, a CNC surface grinder, an engine lathe, a precision miniature lathe, horizontal and vertical band saws, abrasive cut-off saws, a precision diamond saw, and an optical comparator. This array of equipment ensures that the HMS can efficiently and accurately machine parts and specimens from a variety of materials, maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.
Advanced Safety Measures for Radioactive Specimens
To further enhance safety and precision, the HMS features dedicated shielding to enable the out-of-cell machining of radioactive specimens. In cases where samples emit high dose rates, they can be transferred to the Hot Cell Facility for initial rough machining to reduce their size and radiation levels, allowing for safe handling within the Hot Machine Shop. The Hot Cell Facility is equipped with remote benchtop mill and cut-off saws, facilitating the necessary preparatory work on specimens before they are transferred back to the HMS for further processing.
Diverse Services Offered by the Hot Machine Shop
The Hot Machine Shop offers a wide range of services, catering to various mechanical property specimen requirements. These services include the production of Charpy specimens in full size, half size, third size, and quarter size configurations, along with reconstituted full-size Charpy specimens, full-size tensile specimens, miniature tensile specimens, and compact tension specimens. Additionally, the HMS is proficient in preparing samples for analytical evaluations, such as transmission electron microscopy, positron annihilation, atom probe field-ion microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering. This diverse portfolio of services underscores the versatility and expertise of BWX Technologies in handling complex nuclear security challenges.
Collaborate with BWX Technologies for Cutting-Edge Solutions
In conclusion, the Hot Machine Shop by BWX Technologies represents a pivotal resource in the realm of nuclear security and material machining. With its state-of-the-art equipment, stringent safety protocols, and diverse service offerings, the HMS is well-positioned to address the unique requirements of handling radioactive materials with precision and efficiency. Organizations looking to leverage advanced machining capabilities and expert services in the nuclear security domain can benefit significantly from partnering with BWX Technologies and tapping into the specialized resources provided by the Hot Machine Shop.