From: Hutch Neilson
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:17 PM
To: Barry Sullivan; Gregory Pitonak; Jeffrey Makiel; Sam Barish; Gene Nardella
Cc: Michael E. Viola; Phil Heitzenroeder; Wayne T. Reiersen; Richard J. Hawryluk; Jim Lyon; Pamela Hampton
Subject: 20050615 NCSX procurement status
Sam and all, we’ll have our Thursday telecon at 11:30 as usual.  Call 877-653-7764, code 361326#.   hn

NCSX Procurement Update of 6/15/05

1. MCWF procurement

• Machining of the C-1 casting (MCWF#1) continues at Major Tool. Despite time-saving measures such as working two long shifts per day and using the prototype for learning, the schedule continues to slip, with delivery now forecast for July 26.  The slippage is attributed to the challenging geometry and the first-time experience. The learning from this unit will apply to the remaining castings, and they think they will be able to support the overall production schedule.
  

• Weld upgrades of the C-2 casting (MCWF#2) have been completed by MetalTek. The part subsequently passed liquid penetrant inspection and was shipped out for X-ray inspection. So far, the C-2 is progressing much faster through the casting phase than did the C-1.
  

• The A-1 (MCWF#3) casting has undergone dimensional inspection, and was shipped out for X-ray inspection along with the C-2.
  

• The C-3 (MCWF#4) casting was poured on June 10 and reportedly everything went well.
  

• Modeling and fabrication of the Type B pattern (the third and last) are in full swing at Lawton.
  

2. VVSA procurement

• Fabrication of the 60-degree fixtures (2) continues: One fixture is in final inspection.  The second fixture is ready for final machine.
  

• The first ten panels have been formed and are undergoing post-polishing to remove the mill finish. The process causes some deformation, necessitating corrective re-pressing of some of the panels. The remaining panels (“production” panels) are having their mill finish removed before pressing to avoid this problem.  About four production panels have been through at least the initial press, for a total of 14 (of 60) panels in-process.
  

• Production panel flat blanks are in the process of having the mill finish, or “skin” removed from the ID side.
  

Hutch Neilson