Abstract: A hollow airfoil is fabricated by providing a casting mold assembly including a casting mold, a casting core, and a standoff spacer that prevents the casting core from contacting the casting mold to define a casting space. A first nickel-base superalloy is cast into the casting space and solidified to form the hollow airfoil. The presence of a through-hole extending through a wall of the hollow airfoil is identified, and the through-hole is closed by welding using a second nickel-base superalloy, without using any freestanding closure element.

Abstract: A method and computer system for generating detailed cost estimates and leveraging suppliers therewith during price negotiations. Computer software reaches input defining items to add to a cost estimate. Automatically, detailed burden information is provided for each item. Additionally, a supply chain including pictures is provided for each item by the item's constituent components and corresponding supplier tier. Detailed burden information is provided for each constituent component. Estimates are output in a format similar to supplier estimates/quotes to facilitate comparison during negotiation. A negotiation method is provided in which suppliers are leveraged with the detailed cost burden and value chain information during price negotiations with the computer software provided.