The Vitebsk-based machine tool producer Vistan will manufacture a unique numeric-control grinding tool designed to manufacture reactor fuel elements for the Russian TVEL Corporation, Vistan representatives told.

Vistan has contracted to manufacture and supply a centerless grinding machine VSh-826M. The machine tool is designed to finish uranium pellets before they are assembled in rods. Stainless steel rods are the main component in the complicated design of fuel rod arrays, which are the nuclear fuel.

Such machine tools are mounted inside boxes designed to protect human personnel from radiation and are hard to access if they malfunction. This is why top-notch quality is required. Vistan has won the contract by beating German and Spanish machine-tool producers. Vistan has been cooperating with TVEL companies since 2001 and has earned excellent reputation. As part of the contract Vistan will use components manufactured by major German and American companies.

The Vitebsk-based machine tool producer Vistan is one of the oldest mechanical engineering companies in Belarus and the CIS’ largest manufacturer of machine tools. The company offers over 50 basic models of semiautomatic machines. New products account for around 40% of the total make. The company’s quality management system used in making machine tools is certified for compliance with ISO 9001-2001.

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