The assembly is a five-piece, tubular structure manufactured entirely from 4330V steel. It consists of a hollow tube approximately 1500mm long by 120mm in diameter, two fittings (upper and lower) that are TIG welded to each end of the tube and two backing rings that bridge the gaps between the fittings and the tube during the welding operation. For many years, VAC AERO has been performing welding and heat treating operations on a landing gear component for a popular turboprop aircraft. Because of the part design, the welding operation in particular is complex and challenging and often involves substantial re-work. In order to minimize the rate of re-work…read more. by Jeff Pritchard CEO, VAC AERO International Inc.