Abstract: A machine tool is provided comprising a base, a slide assembly attached to the base for supporting a tool and translating the tool along an axis, and a workpiece holder attached to the base. At least one of the slide assembly and the workpiece holder are movable laterally with respect to the axis. Means are provided for aligning the slide assembly and the workpiece holder in a desired lateral relationship. A method of aligning a machine tool is also provided.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided comprising a base, a slide assembly attached to the base for supporting a tool and translating the tool along an axis, and a workpiece holder attached to the base. At least one of the slide assembly and the workpiece holder are movable laterally with respect to the axis. Means are provided for aligning the slide assembly and the workpiece holder in a desired lateral relationship. A method of aligning a machine tool is also provided.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: A method for coating a shroud assembly is provided that includes inserting the shroud segment into a clamping fixture such that at least two edges of the shroud are masked by the clamping fixture, mounting the clamping fixture into a spraying fixture such that the shroud segment is oriented in approximately the same orientation as a sprayer, and moving the sprayer and the spraying fixture relative to each other at predetermined rates apply a layer of coating to the shroud segment.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a turbine blade assembly includes at least one locator for positioning the blade assembly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one biasing mechanism for maintaining a relative position of the blade assembly with respect to said apparatus and at least one clamping device that includes a predetermined locking position. The clamping device retains the blade assembly.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided comprising a base, a slide assembly attached to the base for supporting a tool and translating the tool along an axis, and a workpiece holder attached to the base. At least one of the slide assembly and the workpiece holder are movable laterally with respect to the axis. Means are provided for aligning the slide assembly and the workpiece holder in a desired lateral relationship. A method of aligning a machine tool is also provided.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for holding a part for a machining operation. The fixture includes a base assembly and a locator assembly. The part is placed in the base assembly and held by floating supports and spring clamps that permit a small amount of adjustment of the part in the base assembly. The locator assembly is then moved into its engaged position with the base assembly to fix the part into its machining position by adjusting the part relative to the floating supports and spring clamps. A mechanism on the base assembly is then used to fix the floating supports to hold the part in the machining position. Finally, the locator assembly is rotated into the disengaged position and the part can be machined as necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a turbine blade assembly includes at least one locator for positioning the blade assembly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one biasing mechanism for maintaining a relative position of the blade assembly with respect to said apparatus and at least one clamping device that includes a predetermined locking position. The clamping device retains the blade assembly.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus includes a single workpiece fixture for holding a workpiece and a plurality of machining heads for machining different features into the workpiece. For example, a first machining head is arranged to machine a first feature into the workpiece, and a second machining head is arranged to machine a second feature into the workpiece. Each machining head is connected to a separate control system so as to operate independently.