Abstract: There is proposed a method of surface-treating a cast intermetallic component, which is intended primarily to reduce or remove surface porosity from the component. The method includes the steps of: providing a cast intermetallic component; placing the component in an inert atmosphere; focussing a laser beam on a surface of the component; traversing the laser beam over at least a region of said surface while the component is in said inert atmosphere; and controlling the laser beam during said traversing step so as to locally melt the intermetallic material of the component to a depth of no more than 300 ?m, as measured from said surface of the component.

Abstract: There is proposed a method of surface-treating a cast intermetallic component, which is intended primarily to reduce or remove surface porosity from the component. The method includes the steps of: providing a cast intermetallic component; placing the component in an inert atmosphere; focussing a laser beam on a surface of the component; traversing the laser beam over at least a region of said surface whilst the component is in said inert atmosphere; and controlling the laser beam during said traversing step so as to locally melt the intermetallic material of the component to a depth of no more than 300 ?m, as measured from said surface of the component.

Abstract: A method of balancing a physical rotor includes: determining a first balance state of the physical rotor at one or more rotational frequencies; identifying one or more balance zones on a surface of the rotor; providing a computerised simulation of the rotor having the first balance state; providing a first test mass in a first test location within one of the balance zones on the rotor simulation; determining a second balance state of the rotor simulation; providing at least one subsequent test mass in at least one subsequent test location within a balance zone on the rotor simulation and determining at least one subsequent balance state of the rotor simulation; selecting a mass and location from one of the first and subsequent test masses and test locations; and performing a material deposition process to add the selected mass of material to the selected location on the physical rotor.

Abstract: A surface treatment device includes an enclosure which has an opening through which the leading edge of an aerofoil passes. A sealing element is provided on the enclosure to seal the device to the surfaces of the aerofoil. An abrasive is located within the enclosure and two fluid openings are also provided through which a chemical accelerant can be pumped. In operation the enclosure is oscillated relative to the component so that material is abraded. Whilst the enclosure is oscillated a chemical accelerant is simultaneously pumped through it. The device allows for the local application of a surface treatment on a component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating an article by delivering a heating flow of fluid to a localized region of the article, and simultaneously delivering a cooling flow of fluid to a further region of the article.

Abstract: A method of balancing a physical rotor includes: determining a first balance state of the physical rotor at one or more rotational frequencies; identifying one or more balance zones on a surface of the rotor; providing a computerised simulation of the rotor having the first balance state; providing a first test mass in a first test location within one of the balance zones on the rotor simulation; determining a second balance state of the rotor simulation; providing at least one subsequent test mass in at least one subsequent test location within a balance zone on the rotor simulation and determining at least one subsequent balance state of the rotor simulation; selecting a mass and location from one of the first and subsequent test masses and test locations; and performing a material deposition process to add the selected mass of material to the selected location on the physical rotor.

Abstract: A surface treatment device includes an enclosure which has an opening through which the leading edge of an aerofoil passes. A sealing element is provided on the enclosure to seal the device to the surfaces of the aerofoil. An abrasive is located within the enclosure and two fluid openings are also provided through which a chemical accelerant can be pumped. In operation the enclosure is oscillated relative to the component so that material is abraded. Whilst the enclosure is oscillated a chemical accelerant is simultaneously pumped through it. The device allows for the local application of a surface treatment on a component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating an article by delivering a heating flow of fluid to a localised region of the article, and simultaneously delivering a cooling flow of fluid to a further region of the article.