Electron beam welding FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What services does Andrews Hi-Tec Corporation provide?

At Andrews Hi-Tec Corporation, we specialize in electron beam (EB) welding services for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and electronics. Our services include 3-axis EB welding, design assistance, tooling design and manufacturing, pre-weld and post-weld machining, inspection, helium leak testing, and heat treating.

Fixture tooling, resistance spot welding and helium leak testing are in-house supporting capabilities for customer EB welding orders, not standalone services.

2. What industries do you serve?

We serve a variety of industries, including:

  • Aerospace
  • Defense
  • Automotive
  • Medical
  • Electronics
  • Oil & Gas
  • Transportation

And many more specialized fields that require precision welding.

3. What materials can you weld?

Our team is experienced in welding a wide range of materials, including:

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
  • Titanium
  • Refractory Metals (such as Tungsten and Tantalum)
  • Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Inconel, Niobium, Hastelloy, Columbium

And more specialized metals

4. What is electron beam welding (EBW)?

Electron beam welding is a fusion welding process where a focused beam of high-velocity electrons is directed at the materials to be joined. The kinetic energy of the electrons is converted into heat upon impact, melting the materials and allowing them to fuse together. EBW is ideal for applications requiring high precision, deep penetration, and minimal distortion, making it perfect for complex components and high-performance industries like aerospace and medical.

5. What are the benefits of using electron beam welding?

  • Precision: The ability to control the width and depth of the weld with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Minimal Heat Distortion: EB welding generates less heat compared to other welding methods, reducing distortion in sensitive components.
  • Cleaner Welds: The process is conducted in a vacuum, limiting atmospheric contamination during welding. Clean surfaces and suitable preparation remain important.
  • Versatility: Can weld dissimilar metals and thin to thick materials in a single operation.

6. How long has Andrews Hi-Tec Corporation been in business?

We were established in 1984, and for over 40 years we have been a leader in the field of electron beam welding. Our president, Julian Andrews, has more than 50 years of experience in the EB welding industry.

7. What welding qualifications and quality-system requirements apply?

Welding Qualifications: AWS D17.1, MIL-STD-1595A, AMS-STD-1595, AMS 2680, and AMS 2681.

Quality System: Incorporates applicable requirements of MIL-I-45208A, AS9003, ISO 9001:2015 (selected sections), and AS9100D.

Customer Approval: Programs requiring formal AS9100 certification or Nadcap accreditation may be supported through a customer-specific waiver or alternate-source approval.

8. Do you provide custom fixture tooling?

Yes! Andrews Hi-Tec designs and builds custom fixture tooling for electron beam welding. Our tooling is designed to increase productivity, reduce setup time, and provide reliable, cost-effective solutions. We create fixtures for prototyping, one-time use, short production runs, and high-volume production.

This tooling is made for our customer EB welding jobs. We do not accept standalone fixture design or fabrication orders.

9. What equipment do you use for electron beam welding?

Our facility houses an extensive range of equipment to handle a variety of welding and metalworking projects, including:

  • Electron beam welding machines
  • Plasma welders
  • Helium leak checking systems
  • Resistance welders and arc welders
  • Brazing torches and air ovens
  • 120-ton press
  • Lathes and mills
  • We also have comprehensive metallographic facilities for material analysis and quality inspection.

These capabilities support our EB welding orders. We do not offer standalone helium leak testing or resistance spot welding.

10. Can Andrews Hi-Tec weld dissimilar metals?

Yes, one of the advantages of electron beam welding is its ability to join dissimilar metals, which can be challenging for other welding processes. This is especially useful in industries requiring hybrid components with unique properties.

The specific material combination must be reviewed for compatibility; not every pair of metals is suitable.

11. How can I contact Andrews Hi-Tec for a quote or consultation?

We’d be happy to discuss your project and provide a custom solution for your needs. You can reach us by phone or through our website to request a quote or consultation. Our team is ready to assist with technical support, design assistance, and any specific requirements you may have.

Include your drawing, material specification, quantity, required weld and inspection standards, and delivery date. Prepare a quote inquiry.

12. Where is Andrews Hi-Tec Corporation located?

Our facility is located in Southern California at: 2447 Merced Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733

13. What makes Andrews Hi-Tec different from other welding service providers?

Our experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art facility set us apart. With over 40 years in business, we are known for our high-quality work, precision, and commitment to innovation. We offer not just welding services, but also design, assembly, and testing, ensuring end-to-end solutions that meet your needs. Additionally, we are veteran-owned and pride ourselves on our core values of integrity, continuous learning, and customer success.

14. Can I order helium leak testing or resistance spot welding without EB welding?

No. Helium leak testing and resistance spot welding are available only in-house for customer EB welding orders that require them. Fixture tooling is likewise provided for our own customer welding projects.

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