TROY, Mich., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Delphi Corporation's Deformation
Resistance Welding (DRW) technology, a revolutionary welding process, is
now nationally recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) as a manufacturing process standard for heat exchanger
tube-to-tubesheet welding.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )
The result of this certification is the establishment of DRW as an
industry-endorsed welding process for heat exchangers and other similar
applications, which can significantly reduce cost, increase throughput and
optimize material performance.
What makes DRW unique is its formation of a near instantaneous, full
strength, leak-tight weld by heating metal surfaces only to the point of
softening; followed by rapid, engineered compression of the joint. The
process automatically bonds metals and creates solid-state joints, without
filler welding material, through the heating and deformation of mating
surfaces. DRW allows the joining of not only similar but dissimilar
materials (specifically metals), giving designers the ability to create
lean structural assemblies by using tubular components.
"The ASME certification of DRW supports our efforts to market this as a
manufacturing option for heat exchanger manufacturers," said Timothy
Forbes, Delphi Corporation director for technology commercialization and
licensing. "We hope this recognition will allow us to accelerate bringing
the DRW technology to commercial welding applications."
Delphi has analyzed, shared and validated data for the DRW technology
for more than two years through an international heat exchanger consortium
formed in the summer of 2004. The consortium involved four equipment
suppliers and nine leading heat exchanger manufacturers and produced
positive reinforcement of DRW's value in the industry.
In addition, Delphi is working with the Taylor-Winfield Corporation,
recognized as a world leader in the development of custom-built, high
performance resistance welders and for their expertise in the design and
manufacture of prototype DRW systems.
"Working on any new project is exciting, but when you're involved with
a game-changing new technology like DRW, your mind opens to new
possibilities," explains Bob Matteson, Taylor-Windfield Corp., director of
technology and product development. "We believe that DRW will soon
revolutionize the welding process in the heat exchanger industry and
provide great value to our customers."
Funding to develop DRW technology came from internal Delphi Research
and Development funds, along with several external grants, including more
than $2 million from NASA.
About Delphi: Delphi is a world leader in mobile electronics and
transportation components and systems technology. Multi-national Delphi
conducts its business operations through various subsidiaries and has
headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Delphi's two business sectors -- Dynamics, Propulsion, Thermal & Interior
Sector and Electrical, Electronics & Safety Sector -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately
177,000 employees and operates 161 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 39
joint ventures, 56 customer centers and sales offices and 32 technical
centers in 34 countries. More information on Delphi (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ)
can be found at http://www.delphi.com .
About ASME: ASME is a not-for profit professional organization
promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary
engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that
enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical
exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.
For more information, visit http://www.asme.org .
SOURCE Delphi Corporation
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