For more than a generation flexible welding enclosures have provided a cost-effective way of maintaining a totally inert atmosphere in which to fabricate sensitive materials for safety critical applications.

Many companies traditionally used metal enclosures, but these have always been extremely expensive to produce and operate. Now, an increasing number of aerospace companies are recognising the benefits of the flexible alternatives.

Leading British welding ancillaries manufacturer Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd (HFT) reports significant sales of its flexible enclosures to global aerospace manufacturers involved in helicopter, bellows, spacecraft and fluid handling systems production.

Managing Director Darren Sewell notes, 'We have been taken by surprise at the surge in demand from these highly demanding fabricators although we have promoted our enclosures for these very applications for many years.

The HFT enclosures are manufactured from UV resistant PVC and have proved to be extremely successful for welding with oxygen levels down to 10 parts per million. Aerospace companies are now placing orders for batches of six at a time so that they can meet production demands'.

All enclosures are manufactured as standard with two sets of glove ports but extra sets can be specified. The upper half of the enclosure is optically clear and provides excellent welding vision. An entry lock is fitted for small parts to be taken in and out without loss of purge quality. An exhaust valve allows continuous purging so that impurities can be expelled during welding.