Abstract: A method is described for the separation of metal articles from surplus metal by the use of a laser. The articles may be cast or wrought. Several examples are given of gas turbine engine components being separated from a gating system by the use of a YAG laser. Benefits include lack of heat generation and, therefore, little or no distortion in the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the automatic gauging of engineering components. The apparatus includes a clamp for holding a component to be gauged, probes for scanning a surface of the component, drives to provide relative motion between the component and the probes in three mutually perpendicular axes, measuring transducers associated with the drives and the probes to generate signals to measure the degree of movement between the component and the probes, computer memory for storing data relating to a reference profile having dimensions which it is desired to achieve, computer apparatus for comparing signals generated by the measuring transducers with the corresponding signals in the memory, computer apparatus for calculating any error between the stored data and signals generated by the measuring transducers to stack the component to maximize desired coincidence between the dimensions of the reference profile and the actual component.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of holes having curvilinear paths in engineering components. The process comprises the steps of producing relative motion along a curvilinear path between a workpiece in which it is desired to form a curved hole and a drill bit wherein the drill bit comprises a curved delivery tube of an ECM apparatus, the curved tube passing through an aperture in a guidance member which is positioned adjacent the workpiece, the aperture length being less than the diameter of the tube. An example is described of the production of curved holes in a gas turbine engine blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the automatic gauging of engineering components. The apparatus includes a clamp for holding a component to be gauged, probes for scanning a surface of the component, drives to provide relative motion between the component and the probes in three mutually perpendicular axes, measuring transducers associated with the drives and the probes to generate signals to measure the degree of movement between the component and the probes, computer memory for storing data relating to a reference profile having dimensions which it is desired to achieve, computer apparatus for comparing signals generated by the measuring transducers with the corresponding signals in the memory, computer apparatus for calculating any error between the stored data and signals generated by the measuring transducers to stack the component to maximize desired coincidence between the dimensions of the reference profile and the actual component.