Kuka engineer’s high-flying role in aircraft parts study

As the International Women in Engineering Day approaches (23^rd June 2017), a Midlands engineer is playing a key role in creating the next generation of aircraft components.

Elena Izvolensky, linear friction welding process engineer at Kuka Systems UK, is using her expertise to help develop an advanced manufacturing system for joining structural airframe parts.

Izvolensky is a member of the TiFab project team which is studying ways in which aero companies can make major savings on component raw material costs by adopting innovative production technologies.

The three-year, £2.6 million programme, which comprises Kuka, CAV Advanced Technologies, Ten Solutions and The Welding Institute, is the largest-ever research assignment backed by Innovate UK for developing cost-effective titanium alloy airframe parts.

Izvolensky, who has degrees in mechanical design from the University of Technology of Compiègne and design of rotating machines from Cranfield University, is involved in a range of tasks such as performing weld trials, inspecting components and liaising with management, design and production team members.

Further details on the TiFab project are available online at www.nearnetshape.co.uk.

www.kuka.com