Northwest Aerospace News October | November Issue No. 5 | Page 54

Welding
Quality
Into Every Job:
The Critical Role of the Feedback Loop
A
s expectations for quality and cost reach an all-time high among OEMs, suppliers are
challenged to evaluate their processes for opportunities to improve. While welding is an
age-old skill, it is very important to modern aerospace and has the potential to be expanded
further. As companies move to grow or refine their use of welding in their operations, they
will be looking to support those suppliers who step up and meet the high standards expected
in the aerospace industry. This is where some of the region’s smaller suppliers can rise to the
challenge. Exotic Tool Welding is right on our doorstep!
An introduction to Exotic Tool Welding
Fiona McKay
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance
Deputy Executive Director
www.pnaa.net
PNAA SPOTLIGHT
Since it was founded in 1975 Exotic Tool Welding, located in Everett, Washington, has be-
come an important supplier in multiple manufacturing sectors to the Pacific Northwest and
beyond. Their venture into aerospace began in the early 80’s following their Boeing approv-
al; they have subsequently received many more approvals, including Lockheed Martin, GE
Aviation, General Dynamics and Delta Airlines. Over the three decades that have followed
they have become a supplier to multiple OEMs and many Tier 2 and Tier 3 companies in
the aerospace supply chain. They now provide welding services for a variety of production,
replacement and development parts, with everything from B2 Bombers to the 737 Max to
777X development parts, in their portfolio.
The art of welding
The process of welding can be traced back to the early days of metal processing.
The technique typically involves the following steps:
54
1. Studying specifications, blueprints, and sketches
2. Calculating dimensions of welding projects
NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
3. Inspecting materials and structures to be welded
4. Monitoring work in progress to prevent overheating
5. Maintaining machinery and equipment