Deformation Resistance Welding (DRW) Receives Certification by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
TROY, Mich., Oct. 23, 2006 -- 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.
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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/ .
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