Visitors from Outer Space!

MicroWelded interior Corner

Well, not really, but from the folks that send people to outer space. Several years ago, I got a call from N.A.S.A. They wanted to know how we were able to pull off some of the welding we were doing. The caller asked if we were using a laser. I kept things pretty vague because, let’s face it, we have some well-guarded secrets about our welding and finishing techniques. Then he asked if they could send two of their welders over to visit. I thought it might be a hoax at first, but nope, two N.A.S.A. welders showed up at our door.

The first thing they said was how clean and organized our shop was (I’ll admit, I took that as a huge compliment). Then, they were floored to see we had the exact same welding equipment they used—two machines, no less! They mentioned they’d had 100 of these welders on backorder because of the chip shortage a few years back. One of them even joked, asking if I’d sell them one of ours.

We showed them some of our welding and finishing work, and honestly, their reactions made my day. They were stunned. One of them was so impressed that he ended up ordering a custom sink from us shortly after the visit. A little while later, they asked if two more welders could come by. Of course, I said yes, and wouldn’t you know it, one of them ordered a sink too!

A few months after that, one of the original welders called me. He said N.A.S.A. had done some digging into the techniques they’d seen and discovered that Boeing was using similar methods on their tiny welds.

I have to say, hearing all those accolades from such experienced and sophisticated welders was a proud moment for me and my small team. Knowing that our work could impress people from a company like N.A.S.A. really validated what we do here. It’s one of those moments I’ll never forget.