Prototype Manufacturing
Barber-Nichols, Inc. ( BNI ) routinely designs and manufactures high-performance turbomachinery and as a result, Prototype Manufacturing is a core competency. BNI 's highly experienced machinists and technicians quickly fabricate complex components and are well versed in the assembly of high-tech hardware. In addition to manufacturing its own custom designed hardware, Barber-Nichols manufactures prototypes on a contract basis. BNI manufactures proof-of-concept and preproduction prototypes for Beta unit testing as well as complete prototype systems.
Proof of Concept
BNI manufactured a high-efficiency, prototype, transonic fan that operates at an altitude of 65,000 feet. The project called for an initial demonstrator unit to confirm the project's feasibility. To operate properly at altitude, the fan blade's tip speed moves in excess of 333 m/s (1,100 ft/s). As gas accelerates through the fan's converging and diverging blades, it reaches a relative supersonic speed.
Prototype Preproduction
Barber-Nichols manufactured a prototype air turbine assembly which is now in production and is used on the U.S. Navy's Seawolf and Virginia Class Submarines. BNI also assisted in the design and utilized Electrochemical Machining to expedite the manufacturing of individual components. Additionally, the assembly conforms to the highest U.S. Military quality standards and all components are fully traceable.
Prototype Systems
BNI manufactured two prototype 6 kW emergency power systems. The first system was a proof-of-concept demonstrator and the second was a beta unit for field testing. The beta unit was built to actual size and confirmed performance expectations. Design for Manufacturability was also incorporated into the design.
Other Prototypes Include
- High Pressure Pumps for the Circulation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
- An Air Circulation Blower for a Manned Spacecraft
- Coolant Pumps for the Cooling of Computers
- Coolant Pumps for Military Vehicles
- Coolant Pumps for Satellite Applications
Please consider working with Barber-Nichols on your next development project!