Abstract: A plasma spray system including a turntable subsystem operable to position a multiple of work pieces on a respective multiple of workpiece mounts; a plasma spray subsystem operable to plasma spray the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem; and an overspray wash subsystem operable to wash the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem subsequent to plasma spray of the multiple of work pieces.

Abstract: A plasma spray system including a turntable subsystem operable to position a multiple of work pieces on a respective multiple of workpiece mounts; a plasma spray subsystem operable to plasma spray the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem; and an overspray wash subsystem operable to wash the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem subsequent to plasma spray of the multiple of work pieces.

Abstract: A plasma spray system including a turntable subsystem operable to position a multiple of work pieces on a respective multiple of workpiece mounts; a plasma spray subsystem operable to plasma spray the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem; and an overspray wash subsystem operable to wash the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem subsequent to plasma spray of the multiple of work pieces.

Abstract: A plasma spray system including a turntable subsystem operable to position a multiple of work pieces on a respective multiple of workpiece mounts; a plasma spray subsystem operable to plasma spray the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem; and an overspray wash subsystem operable to wash the multiple of work pieces on said turntable subsystem subsequent to plasma spray of the multiple of work pieces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microplasma spray coating a portion of a turbine vane without masking any portions thereof. The apparatus includes a microplasma gun with an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. An arc gas emitter injects gas through the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector injects powdered material into a plasma stream. A localized area of the turbine vane is coated with the powdered material without having to mask the turbine vane.

Abstract: A microplasma spray coating apparatus includes a microplasma apparatus with an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. An arc gas emitter injects inert gas through the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector nozzle extends through the anode and injects powdered material into the plasma stream for transfer to the workpiece.

Abstract: A masking system protects portions of a part, such as a turbine engine component, to be coated. The masking system has a base, a conduit positioned on said base, a part to be coated being positioned over the conduit, and an annular plate positioned over the conduit and resting on a first portion of the part.

Abstract: A coating end effector may be carried by a robot. A plasma spray head is mounted by a joint to the end effector. A plurality of actuators couple the end effector and plasma spray head to provide articulation of the joint. The apparatus may be used to coat an airfoil cluster of a gas turbine engine. The coating may include passing the head between the airfoils.

Abstract: A method for coating a part includes applying a ceramic mask to a first surface portion of the part. A coating is applied to a second surface portion of the part and at least partially contacting the mask. The mask is destructively removed.

Abstract: A coating end effector may be carried by a robot. A plasma spray head is mounted by a joint to the end effector. A plurality of actuators couple the end effector and plasma spray head to provide articulation of the joint. The apparatus may be used to coat an airfoil cluster of a gas turbine engine. The coating may include passing the head between the airfoils.

Abstract: A masking system protects portions of a part, such as a turbine engine component, to be coated. The masking system has a base, a conduit positioned on said base, a part to be coated being positioned over the conduit, and an annular plate positioned over the conduit and resting on a first portion of the part.

Abstract: A process for forming a dense abrading thermally insulating coating on a rotor shaft in a gas turbine engine is described. The process comprises fixturing the rotor shaft to allow it to rotate about its axis and plasma spraying the coating on the rotor shaft. The coating comprises a zirconia based ceramic top coat layer on a metallic bond coat.

Abstract: Microspray apparatus and methods involve injecting powdered material into a plasma gas stream. The material comprises first and second component powders. The second powder is a majority by the weight of the powdered material. The first powder acts as a melting point depressant. The first and second powders may have similar compositions but with the first powder including a greater quantity of a melting point depressant element.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine casing concentrically disposed around the following: a low pressure compressor; a turbine; and a high pressure compressor having at least one bleed tube and at least one joint proximate to the engine casing; and at least one flame prevention device adapted to cover at least a portion of at least one gas turbine engine component.

Abstract: Microspray apparatus and methods involve injecting powdered material into a plasma gas stream. The material comprises first and second component powders. The second powder is a majority by the weight of the powdered material. The first powder acts as a melting point depressant. The first and second powders may have similar compositions but with the first powder including a greater quantity of a melting point depressant element.

Abstract: A method for coating a part includes applying a ceramic mask to a first surface portion of the part. A coating is applied to a second surface portion of the part and at least partially contacting the mask. The mask is destructively removed.

Abstract: A method for repairing a workpiece includes the steps of providing an unstripped, coated workpiece comprising a surface having a localized damage site; masking the workpiece about the localized damage site; generating a microplasma stream; and applying a first powdered material to the localized damage site using the microplasma stream; and applying a second powdered material to the workpiece surface using the microplasma stream. Another method for repairing a workpiece includes the steps of providing an unstripped, coated workpiece comprising a surface having a localized damage site; generating a microplasma stream; applying without a maskant a powdered metal alloy to the damage site using the microplasma stream; and dimensionally restoring the workpiece.

Abstract: A coating end effector may be carried by a robot. A plasma spray head is mounted by a joint to the end effector. A plurality of actuators couple the end effector and plasma spray head to provide articulation of the joint. The apparatus may be used to coat an airfoil cluster of a gas turbine engine. The coating may include passing the head between the airfoils.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine casing concentrically disposed around the following: a low pressure compressor; a turbine; and a high pressure compressor having at least one bleed tube and at least one joint proximate to the engine casing; and at least one flame prevention device adapted to cover at least a portion of at least one gas turbine engine component.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held microplasma spray coating apparatus comprises an anode, a cathode and an arc gas emitter disposed in a housing, and a powder feeding system, a cooling system and a power source connected to the apparatus. The powder feeding system, cooling system and power source are detachably mounted on a mobile platform. The microplasma spray apparatus can be transported to on-site locations in the field to facilitate quick repair work.