NCSX Procurement Update of 8/3/05

1. MCWF procurement

• Machining of the C-1 casting (MCWF#1) continues at Major Tool. They had to re-design the tool for machining the groove that seals the VPI mold, but after doing so the new tool is reportedly working well and will be used in the future. The impact on the delivery is still being analyzed.
  

• The C-2 casting (MCWF#2) continues making excellent progress in machining.  The first side has been roughed to a 0.25-in. stock  envelope. The part was flipped on July 27, and roughing of the second side is in progress. They believe they are well within their 13-week schedule projection for completing the C-2.
  

• Processing of the A-1 casting (MCWF#3) continues.  The weld upgrades are nearly complete and it is expected to be shipped out for radiographic testing this week.  When it returns, they will complete stress relief and then perform an additional dimensional inspection with a Romer arm to further validate the 3D ScanCo laser scanning measurement technique that revealed the thin-wall condition.  Additionally, PPPL is checking Lawton’s CAD model that they used for their pattern design, and Lawton is in discussions with 3D ScanCo about re-measuring the pattern.  PPPL is processing the NCR that EIO submitted for the thin wall. PPPL’s disposition on A1 is to accept as-is, subject to verification with the Romer arm of the minimum thickness measurement.   The NCR will be left open until the root cause analysis is completed and any processing changes required to ensure reproducibility are determined.
  

• The C-3 (MCWF#4) casting is undergoing weld upgrades.
  

• The C-4 (MCWF#5) casting is ready to be shipped out for initial radiographic testing.
  

• The mold for the C-5 (MCWF#6) casting is about 50% complete.
  

• Fabrication and assembly of the Type B pattern (the third and last) is proceeding very well. Forecast delivery date is 9/15.
  

• Earned-value data for July were submitted to PPPL earlier this week. EIO will report its updated schedule forecasts to PPPL on Friday,
  

2. VVSA procurement

• The out-of-tolerance condition on the first 60-degree sector is being corrected.  It is being done by cutting along existing weld seams and then re-welding. At last report, the process was under way and going well.
  

• Welding of the second 60-degree sector continues. The lower half is complete. The upper half is being welded.  The tolerances are significantly better than the first due to the lessons learned.  The two halves of the second 60 are expected to be joined next week.
  

• Panel production rate continues to improve. They report being 30-40% complete for remaining sectors.
  

A visit to Major Tool by project staff (Jeff Makiel, DOE-PSO; Mike Viola; and Hutch Neilson) is planned for August 9.

Hutch Neilson