NWI Nashville developed a custom built conveyor driven machine that can’t be found anywhere else in this world. The peening machine has 26 air driven guns that cover all surfaces of a stringer with small diameter ceramic shot allowing all surfaces of the stringer to be peened simultaneously as it passes through the blast cabinet at 3′ per minute. Steel shot saturation peening for machined parts. One horizontal system and one vertical system that allows shot peening of both sides of the part simultaneously.

NWI Wichita manufactures some of the most complex aluminum components in the world by utilizing an optimized approach to high speed machining along with some of the fastest metal removal rates available. We take our equipment to the next level, continually challenging ourselves to use the full advantage of what the technology offers. Our proven new product introduction process provides high first part yield rate and faster time to market for our customers. With a proven track record to adapt to market demands, innovative engineering, technical know-how, and machining expertise along with established fine-tuned processes, consistent delivery performance, and impressive new product introduction, you’ll find more than just incredible machinery at NWI Wichita. You’ll find a fully integrated process and a dedicated team of employees that are excited to make parts and assemblies for you. PRODUCTS: Wing ribs Wing spars & spar caps Stringers Bulkheads Beams Hinge assemblies Fuselage frames Floor panels Fittings Hinge & latch beams Empennage components Other structural components

The age forming process, now utilized by many companies, was developed by our Nashville facility and patented during the 1980’s. This process is still in production today, and NWI Aerostructures continues to be an innovator in the forming of wing skins and stringers. Components are mechanically constrained with tooling to a spring back shape and then aged to its final temper and shape. During the aging process the stress in the material partially relaxes which allows the part to stay in the desired formed contour. The result is a superior part with much lower residual stresses as compared to mechanical forming. Five systems of shot peen forming are employed for wing skins on material alloys not suitable for age forming. Through continued innovation, Nashville has developed a patented, automated cold forming method and machine for stringers that provides a solution that’s more efficient than the current industry standard of manual forming.

Seven automated riveters for NC drilling and fastener install up to 200' long and three manual positioning autoriveters. PRODUCTS: Wing assemblies Fuselage Wing to body assemblies Empennage assemblies Floor structure assemblies Floor beam assemblies