摘要 |
Downhole oilfield tools often consist of complicated "blocks" that are small in diameter (typically 1 11/16-inch to 4 3/4-inch) and long (typically 2 to 10 feet). The invention describes a novel method of designing and manufacturing the "blocks" which significantly reduces the machining and manufacturing complexity of the part. After designing the "blocks" and machining them by conventional "easy access" metal-removal methods, the new manufacturing process disclosed herein uses a full penetration electron beam weld to join two "blocks" together to create a final piece that previously would have been made from a single monolithic piece requiring extremely difficult machining processes. A preferred embodiment utilizes a variable penetration welding procedure, i.e., a weld that varies the intensity of the electron beam as it is directed around the "blocks" to be welded together.
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