NCSX Procurement Update of 5/4/05

1. MCWF procurement

• Machining of the C-1 casting is going well. Initially, Major Tool’s planned machining strategies did not go as well as expected , but by the time of our visit on April 28, they had found a tool and machining program that is working well.  They are confident they can achieve the June 24 delivery schedule but are unable to commit to any improvement at this time.  They are working round the clock (two 10- or 12-hour shifts) six days a week, sometimes seven.
  

• Processing of the C-2 casting continues at MetalTek. All the gates and risers have been cut off. Primary visual inspection results are very positive, with no evidence of the problems that were seen on the C-1.
  

• Preparations for pouring the A-1 casting continue at MetalTek. The initial rigging of the pattern was complete but took longer than expected because of its large size compared to the C. They expect to pour this week.
  

2. VVSA procurement

• Three panels have been pressed and ready for polishing.
  

• Fabrication of inspection gages continues
  

• Fabrication of the 60-degree weld fixture is in full swing, with many parts in various stages of fabrication and inspection.
  

3.  Plans for completing the winding of the first coil per the Joule milestone (to be discussed at the telecon)

Hutch Neilson