Importance

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Abstract

In the automated production line manufacture of nuclear fuel bundle spacers, rod-supporting ferrules are cut from tubular stock, checked for length, laser cut to create predetermined features in the ferrule sidewall, formed with rod-centering stops in the ferrule sidewall, and checked for stop height dimensional accuracy. Pairs of ferrules are subassembled with a captive spring and assembled into a spacer assembly fixture together with other spacer parts. The fixtured spacer parts are conjoined by laser welding to create a structurally rigid spacer. The various production line operating stations are served by separate controllers linked to a central computer for production status reporting, parts traceability, and overall control purposes.

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First Claim