Bristol Aerospace - Capabilities

	Design Bristol's diverse manufacturing capabilities are enhanced by having a strong engineering group on staff to participate in design and build and simultaneous engineering programs. Bristol's engineers are equipped with the latest design tools including Catia, Unigraphics CAD/CAM complete with 3D solids modeling, MSC Nastran, Aerodynamic, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Heat Transfer Modeling. These activities are supported by a research and development program which keeps Bristol in step with technological advances. Whether the requirements are for "clean sheet design" to customer specifications or re-design for product improvement, Bristol has the design experience and resources. Forming The forming and blanking capabilities include brakes, stretch presses, rubber forming presses, drop hammer, horn presses, bulge presses and NC turret punches. These range from 15 tons to 3750 tons. Welding Bristol's welding capabilities include conventional arc, tungsten inert gas, resistance - spot/continuous seam and electron beam. Bristol's welding capabilities include expertise with materials such as titanium, zirconium, super alloys - nickel and cobalt, aluminum, high strength and stainless steels. Brazing The Company performs vacuum and induction brazing including the highly specialized brazing of honeycomb panels.
	Machining Complete with 5-axis milling centres, horizontal and vertical CNC lathes, electrical discharge and conventional machine equipment, Bristol offers one of the most comprehensive machining facilities in North America. Heat Treat Bristol features a complete range of furnaces to heat treat, anneal, normalize, stress relieve and age all types of aerospace alloys. Coating and Chemical Processing Capabilities include chromic, sulphuric, and phosphoric acid anodizing as well as the application of dry film lube.
	Composites Bristol has developed extensive expertise in the manufacture of components using both composites and metal-to-metal bonding. Graphite, Kevlar, fibreglass and various core materials are used to produce lightweight, durable composite components. Bristol's 71,600 square foot, state-of-the-art Composite Manufacturing Centre features laser ply locating, 3-axis high speed CNC trimming, 5-axis CNC gantry trimming, CNC cloth cutting, CNC core cutting, freezer facilities, paint room, autoclaves, and a spacious clean room. Bristol also has experience in advanced metal-to-metal bonding. This expertise involves components such as structural panels, engine ducting and flight control surfaces.