LTi Metaltech develops a new class of high performance cryogenic pressure vessels for use in Siemens next generation of super-conducting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
The challenge
Siemens MR Magnet Technology challenged LTi to develop a new high performance cryogenic pressure vessel for use in its next generation of MRI scanners.
Working to an extremely demanding technical brief, LTi were tasked with producing a new smaller, lighter system combining improved cryogenic performance with a reduction in cost and materials usage.
The solution
Our experienced engineering team used a ‘design to cost’ approach from early concept development through to prototyping and volume manufacture.
By combining innovative fabrication solutions, new manufacturing technologies, and its global supply chain, LTi was able to deliver the lower cost, higher repeatability parts crucial to the development of a smaller, lighter system.
The results
The design prototype developed by LTi in partnership with Siemens achieved significant improvements in terms of cryogenic performance together with a weight reduction of 20% and an overall cost and size reduction of 10%.
As a result, Siemens has selected LTi Metaltech to put the prototype design into full production resulting in investment in new manufacturing facilities and advanced fabrication equipment at LTi’s Milton Park offices.
