Abstract: A method and apparatus to test for oil leaks in an engine component after being machined. The method and apparatus include a wash station that washes the engine component after being machined, and a buffer that heats the engine component to a first temperature. An oil leak test station tests the engine component at about the first temperature for oil leaks.

Abstract: A laser ablation method is used to polish a bearing surface of an automotive crankshaft. A laser ablation device generates a laser according to parameters such as wavelength, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and beam quality. The laser is applied to the surface of a rotating engine component, such as a crankshaft, as the component is rotated in order to polish the surface according to the parameters. The laser substantially improves tribological performance of the bearing surface by changing the waviness and form of the surface profile. Further, oil-retention reservoirs are formed in the surface. As a result, the friction coefficient of the crankshaft surface is reduced while the roughness of the crankshaft surface is maintained, reduced, or increased.

Abstract: A themial insulation method for an internal surface of an injection molding casting die includes forming a thermal insulation blanket on the internal surface using laser cladding. One or more layers of a metal material having suitable thermal emittance and melting point characteristics is applied to the internal surface using laser cladding. Because the impact area of the injected molten metal is subject to greater stress and temperature gradients than the remainder of the surface, laser cladding can be used to apply the thermal insulation blanket only to areas that require additional protection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to test for oil leaks in an engine component after being machined. The method and apparatus include a wash station that washes the engine component after being machined, and a buffer that heats the engine component to a first temperature. An oil leak test station tests the engine component at about the first temperature for oil leaks.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for implanting atoms of a filler material into surface voids of a metallic component. The resulting component surface has fewer and smaller pores or surface voids making a component failure due to stress cracking less likely.