Abstract: In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.

Abstract: A method of holding a billet of material (70) to a machining table (106) includes determining a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. The billet of material (70) is selected in response to the first set of outer dimensions to have a second set of outer dimensions. Dimensions of the second set of outer dimensions are approximately equal to or greater than corresponding dimensions of the first set of outer dimensions. Multiple tabs (76) are attached to the billet of material (70). The tabs (76) are rigidly fixed to the machining table (106). A machining system (50) includes a controller (52) that determines a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. A tab-forming mechanism (54) generates multiple tabs (76) that are configured to be rigidly fixed to a machining table (106).

Abstract: The present application is directed to a process for forming a machined part. The process comprises providing a substrate and depositing a rough part on the substrate. One or more sacrificial supports are deposited adjacent to the rough part on the substrate. All or a portion of the one or more sacrificial supports and a portion of the rough part are removed. Additional embodiments are directed to aircraft part assemblies, and aircraft parts made by the above process.

Abstract: An air turbine driven rotary machine tool having a tool casing, a turbine rotor mounted within the casing for rotation, a stator mounted in fixed position in the tool casing coaxially aligned with the turbine rotor, a annular cavity defined within the casing and coaxially aligned with the stator and rotor for supplying air to the stator blades, a cylindrical spindle coaxially mounted with the turbine rotor in the tool casing for rotation with the turbine rotor, and a tool holder mounted coaxially to the spindle for rotation therewith and having an end thereof for operably receiving a cutting tool.