Abstract: There is provided a method for depositing a modified MCrAlY coating on a surface of a gas turbine engine component. The method includes cold gas dynamic spraying techniques to provide a metallurgical bond between a substrate, such as a superalloy substrate, and the modified MCrAlY composition. The method further includes post deposition heat treatments including hot isostatic pressing. The modified MCrAlY composition includes one or more elements of Pt, Hf, Si, Zr, Ta, Re, Ru, Nb, B, and C, which improves the corrosion and environmental resistance of the coated component.

Abstract: There is provided a method for depositing a modified MCrAlY coating on a surface of a gas turbine engine component. The method includes cold gas dynamic spraying techniques to provide a metallurgical bond between a substrate, such as a superalloy substrate, and the modified MCrAlY composition. The method further includes post deposition heat treatments including hot isostatic pressing.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more filler media delivery flow passages. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be delivered via the filler media delivery passages or separate from the passages.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more removable filler media delivery extension tips. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be wholly or partially delivered via the filler media delivery passages. One or more of the extension tips may be inserted into the filler media delivery passages to efficiently, precisely, and robustly supply filler media of various types and forms to the workpiece weld area.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to restore a blade leading edge on a gas turbine engine component such as an airfoil of a turbine blisk. The method utilizes welding image technology and power control systems in order to provide effective welding with superalloy materials such as Inconel 713 and Inconel 625. The method includes machining away a damaged leading edge and providing a repaired region through successive depositions of superalloy powder filler through laser fusion welding. Deposition material is added until the repaired region exceeds the original dimensions of the airfoil. The airfoil is then machined and finished to return it to original airfoil dimensions.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms, gas, and coolant may be supplied to the hand-held laser welding wand via external systems and delivery devices without substantially impairing operation of the wand.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface of a turbine component with an environment-resistant and wear-resistant material includes the step of cold gas-dynamic spraying a powder material on the turbine component surface, the powder material comprising a mixture of MCrAlY powder and an abrasive powder such as cubic boron nitride, diamond, carbides, and oxides, with M being selected from Ni, Co and mixtures thereof. The method can further include the step of heat treating the turbine component after the cold gas-dynamic spraying. Thus, the present invention can be employed to greatly improve the performance and the durability of HPT components, and dramatically prolong their service life.

Abstract: A method for repairing a titanium alloy surface of a turbine component includes the step of cold gas-dynamic spraying a powder material comprising at least one titanium alloy directly on the titanium alloy surface. The method may further include the steps of hot isostatic pressing the cold gas-dynamic sprayed turbine component, and performing a separate heat treating step after the hot isostatic pressing. Thus, the cold gas-dynamic spray process and post-spray processing can be employed to effectively repair degraded areas on compressor turbine components.

Abstract: A diffusion bond mixture paint and method for repairing a single-crystal superalloy article that minimizes the amount of braze alloy applied to the article. The amount of boron and eutectic brittle borides of the wide gap brazing processes is minimized, resulting in a more robust repair. The braze paint includes an alloy powder mixture, a binder, and a carrier to thin the paint.

Abstract: A new method for increasing the durability of a turbine engine is provided. The method utilizes a cold gas-dynamic spray technique to apply wear resistant materials to turbine blades. These wear resistant materials improve the durability of the turbine blades, and thus can improve the overall durability, reliability and performance of the turbine engine themselves. In the cold gas-dynamic spray process particles at a temperature below their fusing temperature are accelerated and directed to a target surface on the turbine blade. When the particles strike the target surface, the kinetic energy of the particles is converted into deformation of the particle, causing the particle to form a strong bond with the target surface. Post-spray processing is then performed to consolidate the coating materials and restore material properties in the turbine blade. Thus, the cold gas-dynamic spray process can apply a coating of wear resistant materials to the turbine blades.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more removable filler media delivery extension tips. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be wholly or partially delivered via the filler media delivery passages. One or more of the extension tips may be inserted into the filler media delivery passages to efficiently, precisely, and robustly supply filler media of various types and forms to the workpiece weld area.

Abstract: A new method for repairing turbine engine components is provided. The method utilizes a cold gas-dynamic spray technique to repair degradation on turbine blades, vanes and other components. In the cold gas-dynamic spray process particles at a temperature below their fusing temperature are accelerated and directed to a target surface on the turbine blade. When the particles strike the target surface, the kinetic energy of the particles is converted into plastic deformation of the particle, causing the particle to form a strong bond with the target surface. Post-spray processing is then performed to consolidate and homogenize the applied materials and restore integrity to the material properties in the repaired turbine component. Thus, the cold gas-dynamic spray process and post-spray processing can be employed to effectively repair degraded areas on gas turbine components.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms, gas, and coolant may be supplied to the hand-held laser welding wand via external systems and delivery devices without substantially impairing operation of the wand.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes a reflection shield that reflects laser light that is reflected off a work piece surface away from the hand of a user of the hand-held laser welding wand. The shield also reflects the thermal radiation transmitted from the work piece toward the wand during the weld process. This will help guard against a user of the wand absorbing laser light that may be reflected off the work piece, as well as significantly reduce any heat that might be transferred to the wand as a result of the reflected laser light.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more filler media delivery flow passages. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be delivered via the filler media delivery passages or separate from the passages.

Abstract: A powder feed splitter and a machine using a powder feed splitter, to divide a powder flow into two or more streams in a predictable, adjustable, and reliable manner for use in material processing such as welding. A housing encloses an inlet disk having an inlet regulator preferably a disk, having an inlet tube which may be adjustable radially or laterally with respect to the housing. An adjustment mechanism can selectively move the inlet regulator to adjust the powder flow amongst the several powder outlet ports. Funnel-shaped cavities within the housing may have optional gas inlets to enable the introduction of additional gas to the separated powder flow streams. A one-way fit may be present between the interior powder flow splitter and the exterior casing. Smooth interior surfaces through the device prevent turbulence and buildup of powder.

Abstract: A novel and inventive hand held powder-fed laser fusion welding torch providing manual flexibility for laser welding with powder-fed material. The hand held laser includes a body, handle, and nozzle assembly. The nozzle may be shrouded by a cover that is slightly spaced apart from the nozzle. The gap between the two may provide space through which inert gas may flow. Laser light from a remote source shines through the nozzle's central aperture. The nozzle aperture may be circumscribed by powder channel outlets aligned upon a working focal point coincident with the laser beam to treat a workpiece. A proximity sensor may enable selective welding torch operation according to the presence of a workpiece.

Abstract: A novel and inventive hand held powder-fed laser fusion welding torch providing manual flexibility for laser welding with powder-fed material. The hand held laser includes a body, handle, and nozzle assembly. The nozzle may be shrouded by a cover that is slightly spaced apart from the nozzle. The gap between the two may provide space through which inert gas may flow. Laser light from a remote source shines through the nozzle's central aperture. The nozzle aperture may be circumscribed by powder channel outlets aligned upon a working focal point coincident with the laser beam to treat a workpiece. A proximity sensor may enable selective welding torch operation according to the presence of a workpiece.

Abstract: A diffusion bond mixture paint and method for repairing a single-crystal superalloy article that minimizes the amount of braze alloy applied to the article. The amount of boron and eutectic brittle borides of the wide gap brazing processes is minimized, resulting in a more robust repair. The braze paint includes an alloy powder mixture, a binder, and a carrier to thin the paint.

Abstract: A powder feed splitter and a machine using a powder feed splitter, to divide a powder flow into two or more streams in a predictable, adjustable, and reliable manner for use in material processing such as welding. A housing encloses an inlet disk having an inlet regulator preferably a disk, having an inlet tube which may be adjustable radially or laterally with 000respect to the housing. An adjustment mechanism can selectively move the inlet regulator to adjust the powder flow amongst the several powder outlet ports. Funnel-shaped cavities within the housing may have optional gas inlets to enable the introduction of additional gas to the separated powder flow streams. A one-way fit may be present between the interior powder flow splitter and the exterior casing. Smooth interior surfaces through the device prevent turbulence and buildup of powder.