Abstract: Various technologies for providing an operator of a focused ion beam (FIB) system with navigational and processing data are described herein. An exemplary system includes a broadband light source and a narrowband light source that emit light to a target of the FIB. An optical detector receives reflections of the broadband light from the target and outputs data that is used to generate two-dimensional images of the target in a region near a location of incidence of the FIB at the target. An interferometer receives reflections of the narrowband light from the target and outputs data indicative of an interference pattern of the narrowband reflections. A computing device computes a thickness of one or more material layers that make up the target based upon the interference pattern. A two-dimensional image of the target and an indication of the computed thickness are then displayed to the operator of the FIB.

Abstract: Methods of machining a component including multiple dissimilar materials are disclosed. One method may include making a first cut in the component to remove at least a portion of a hardest material in the component and making a second cut in the component along a second cutting-path that does not include the hardest material. The first cut may expose a cut surface in the component and the second cut may extend through the cut surface. The cuts may be made using a turning operation and different cutting tools may be used for the first and second cuts. The hardest material may have a hardness of at least 50 HRC and the remaining materials may have a hardness of at most 45 HRC. The disclosed methods may be used to form a thrust face surface in a shell and sun gear assembly to extend tool life and reduce scrap.

Abstract: Methods of machining a component including multiple dissimilar materials are disclosed. One method may include making a first cut in the component to remove at least a portion of a hardest material in the component and making a second cut in the component along a second cutting-path that does not include the hardest material. The first cut may expose a cut surface in the component and the second cut may extend through the cut surface. The cuts may be made using a turning operation and different cutting tools may be used for the first and second cuts. The hardest material may have a hardness of at least 50 HRC and the remaining materials may have a hardness of at most 45 HRC. The disclosed methods may be used to form a thrust face surface in a shell and sun gear assembly to extend tool life and reduce scrap.

Abstract: A rotating machine comprises a housing defining a generally cylindrical bearing pocket and defining an interior and exterior. The machine also includes a bearing retainer having a generally cylindrical sleeve portion retained in the bearing pocket and a bearing having an outer race and an inner race, the outer race affixed within the cylindrical sleeve portion. The machine further has a rotating member mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the shaft having a portion affixed within the inner race of the bearing. In one embodiment, the bearing retainer includes anti-rotation keying projections the bearing pocket includes complementary depressions for the keying projections. The keying projections cooperate with the complementary depressions to prevent rotation of the bearing retainer with respect to the bearing pocket. In another embodiment, a cap is affixed to the bearing retainer to substantially prevent contamination from reaching the bearing from the exterior.