• Fast: By eliminating the need for multiple practice runs in order to get an acceptable bead, this technology significantly saves time in the welding process.
  
  
• Precise: The technology allows monitoring and precision control of the internal purge pressure for dead-end welds.
  
  
• High quality: Consistently above NASA’s standard requirements, the dead-end welds produced with this technology are consistent, structurally sound, and of high quality.
  
  
• Versatile: The technology has been proven effective on many alloys and in many configurations.

• Pneumatic or hydraulic tubing
  – Submarines
  – Satellite propulsion systems
  – Nuclear power plants
  – High-purity gas processing facilities
  
  
• Brake lines
  – Automobiles
  – Aircraft

The welding of tubing presents specific challenges, particularly in dead-end configurations. In order to meet welding standards, typical tubal welding requires an internal gas flow-through purge with a restrictor on the end of the purge component. The restrictor controls the internal pressure to prevent the weld from “falling in” or “blowing out.” When confronted with a tube’s closed end (i.e., a dead-end configuration), however, the gas purge has no exit. The increase in pressure within the component produces a faulty weld. Using conventional techniques, the only way to get an acceptable weld in a dead-end configuration is to do numerous practice welds before welding the actual component.

By controlling the internal pressure of the gas purge during welding, this new technology produces consistently reliable and high quality welds with minimal setup time.

How it works

The unique device is composed of a vent tube with vent holes, a gas supply, a flexible Teflon tube connected to a flow meter, and a T fitting (see diagram below). Gas flows from the gas supply to the T fitting and then flows through the tube to the dead-end weld configuration assembly. As the pressure within the tube increases, the flow of gas exits through holes in the vent tube and escapes through the Teflon tube. The flow meter, which is attached to the Teflon tube and preset to a specific value based on the tube size, regulates the pressure along the Teflon tubing.

Why it is better

This technology has been proven to be highly successful with many dead-end weld configurations as well as with various alloys. It produces a consistently higher quality dead-end weld than conventional welding techniques
and does so in a fraction of the time. Its monitoring capability enables precision control in any dead-end configuration. It is a reliable and very low maintenance device that presents no safety concerns.

These devices are part of NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program Office, the goal of which is to transfer technologies into and out of NASA to benefit both NASA space missions and the American public. NASA invites companies to consider licensing the Dead-End Welding Device (GSC-14960-1) for use in commercial applications.

For information and forms related to the technology licensing and partnering process, please visit the Licensing and Partnering page. (Link opens new browser window)

If you are interested in more information or want to pursue transfer of this technology (GSC-14960-1), please contact:

Innovative Partnerships Program Office
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Phone: (301) 286-2198
E-mail: dead-end-welder@gsfc.nasa.gov