Abstract: A support system for AFP processing of irregular members including a base assembly, first and second rotational supports, a driver for rotating the first and second rotational supports, at least one movable support for contacting and supporting the irregular member as it rotates and a control for moving the support to maintain contact with the irregular member as it is rotated, permitting AFP processing.

Abstract: Method of forming an outwardly grown aluminide diffusion coating on a superalloy substrate disposed in a coating retort including the steps of heating the substrate to a temperature of 900 to 1200 degrees C., flowing a coating gas comprising aluminum trichloride and a carrier gas through the coating retort at a flow rate of the coating gas of about 100 to about 450 standard cubic feet per hour, providing a concentration of aluminum trichloride in the retort of less than 1.4% by volume of the coating gas, and providing a total pressure of the coating gas in the coating retort of about 100 to about 450 Torr.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition apparatus and method are provided with coating gas distribution and exhaust systems that provide more uniform coating gas temperature and coating gas flow distribution among a plurality of distinct coating zones disposed along the length of a coating chamber.