Abstract: A device and method for the setup, alignment and calibration of grinding machines is disclosed. A tool (42c) is described, comprising a bar (44) and a first location feature (48) located on the bar (44) and configured to engage with a first location of a machine. The tool also provides a datum (66) located at a known but variable distance parallel to the bar (44) from the first location feature (48). A method for calibrating a grinding machine using the tool (42c) is also described.

Abstract: A method of grinding the tip of a blade which forms part of a rotor for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes mounting a plurality of blades in a disc to provide a blade assembly; mounting the blade assembly in a grinding apparatus; aligning the plurality of blades in a predetermined position using compressed fluid; and, grinding the blade tips.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the clearance between a member and a surface over and relative to which the member moves. The device has a first reference element, and a second reference element which faces the first reference element, and is movable to alter the distance to the first reference element. The device further has a fastening system for fastening the device to the member so that, during the relative motion, the first reference element is held in a fixed position relative to the member and the second reference element slides over the surface. The device further has an urging arrangement which urges the second reference element into contact with the surface so that, as the second reference element slides over the surface and the clearance between the member and the surface varies, the second reference element moves relative to the first reference element. The device further has a sensor which measures the distance between the first and second reference elements.

Abstract: A method of grinding the tip of a blade which forms part of a rotor for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes mounting a plurality of blades in a disc to provide a blade assembly; mounting the blade assembly in a grinding apparatus; aligning the plurality of blades in a predetermined position using compressed fluid; and, grinding the blade tips.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the clearance between a member and a surface over and relative to which the member moves. The device has a first reference element, and a second reference element which faces the first reference element, and is movable to alter the distance to the first reference element. The device further has a fastening system for fastening the device to the member so that, during the relative motion, the first reference element is held in a fixed position relative to the member and the second reference element slides over the surface. The device further has an urging arrangement which urges the second reference element into contact with the surface so that, as the second reference element slides over the surface and the clearance between the member and the surface varies, the second reference element moves relative to the first reference element. The device further has a sensor which measures the distance between the first and second reference elements.