Abstract: An abrasive, wear resistant layer is applied to the tip surface of a superalloy gas turbine blade by high temperature sintering operation which produces a high strength bond between the layer and the blade, minimizes gamma prime phase growth, and prevents recrystallization in the blade. Important features of the invention include the use of an inductively heated graphite susceptor to heat the blade, and a refractory metal shield which surrounds the airfoil and root portions of the blade while leaving the tip portion exposed to the heat source.

Abstract: Concepts for producing thermal conditions, in strip material, conducive to directional recrystallization are disclosed. An inductively heated susceptor contains a slot and the susceptor shape develops a thermal condition where the edges of the strip are cooler than the center of the slot. The furnace includes a fluid cooled cold zone as well as the hot zone and can produce a steep longitudinal thermal gradient in the strip.