Abstract: A 3D object modeling system and method system and method captures a 2D representation of the object to be modeled and breaks the 2D image into its geometric elements. The 3D stereoscopic image is then fitted to the geometric elements generated from the 2D image to generate the final model. The 3D stereoscopic image may be compared with the geometric elements to detect distortions in the object, allowing the distortions to be corrected in the final model to ensure that the model accurately depicts the original object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for locating coated cooling holes on parts such as turbine vanes. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a laser scanning technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane.

Abstract: Provided are systems 10 and methods 100 for determining both the location and angular orientation of holes 12 with openings 14 on a surface 16 of an article 18 that are at least partially obstructed. In a method of the present invention, a scanning system 10 that includes a laser spot projector 40, a laser spot sensor 42, a memory device 48 and a processor 50 is provided. A laser beam 44 is projected onto the surface 16 of the article 18 in a region 24 containing at least one hole 12 and the spot sensor receives light reflections 46. A series of points 52 representing the scanned region is stored as a point cloud 54 in the memory device 48. The point cloud 54 is then manipulated to calculate the location and angular orientation of each hole in the region in relation to one or more pre-existing, article datums 22.

Abstract: Provided are methods for accurately measuring nozzle 50 flow areas of new or refurbished gas turbine engine vanes 14. A first vane 114 is suitably fixtured in a laser scanning system 60 comprising a laser spot projector 82 a laser spot sensor 84, a multi-axis controller 68 and a computer 78. According to a nozzle flow area measurement method, a convex surface 38 and a concave surface 40 of a first vane 114 are scanned and stored as point clouds 196, 296 with the system. The point clouds 196, 296 are combined into a point cloud 396 and translated to a reference coordinate system 98. A point cloud 496 representing a nominally sized, second vane 214 is positioned adjacent to one surface of the combined point cloud 396. An inlet profile 56 is extracted from the intersection of an inlet plane 58, perpendicular to a combustion gas flow vector 18 direction, and each point cloud 396, 496. A nozzle 50 flow area is then accurately calculated using integration techniques from the inlet profile 56.

Abstract: Provided are systems 10 and methods 100 for determining both the location and angular orientation of holes 12 with openings 14 on a surface 16 of an article 18 that are at least partially obstructed. In a method of the present invention, a scanning system 10 that includes a laser spot projector 40, a laser spot sensor 42, a memory device 48 and a processor 50 is provided. A laser beam 44 is projected onto the surface 16 of the article 18 in a region 24 containing at least one hole 12 and the spot sensor receives light reflections 46. A series of points 52 representing the scanned region is stored as a point cloud 54 in the memory device 48. The point cloud 54 is then manipulated to calculate the location and angular orientation of each hole in the region in relation to one or more pre-existing, article datums 22.

Abstract: Provided are methods 100 and systems 10 for determining both the location and angular orientation of holes 12 with openings 14 on a surface 16 of an article 18 that are at least partially obstructed. In a method of the present invention, a thermal imaging and scanning system 10 that includes an infrared camera 44, a heater 58, a laser spot projector 46, a laser spot sensor 48, a memory device 40 and a processor 42 is provided. A digital, infrared pixel image of an article is acquired with the camera 44 while the article 18 is heated. Holes 12 with the least amount of obstruction are identified as candidate holes 12 for scanning. A laser beam 44 is projected onto the surface 16 of the article 18 in a region 24 containing at least one candidate hole 12 and the spot sensor 48 receives light reflections 52. A series of points 54 representing the scanned region 24 is stored as a point cloud 70 in the memory device 40.

Abstract: A method for assisting the laser drilling of a hole in a part comprises the steps of providing a camera mounted to the laser, providing a target hole at a first position, capturing a first image of the target hole at the first position with the camera, moving the target hole to a second position and capturing a second image of the target hole, and computing a drilling location of the target hole from the first image and the second image, said computed drilling location used to laser drill the target hole.

Abstract: A 3D object modeling system and method system and method captures a 2D representation of the object to be modeled and breaks the 2D image into its geometric elements. The 3D stereoscopic image is then fitted to the geometric elements generated from the 2D image to generate the final model. The 3D stereoscopic image may be compared with the geometric elements to detect distortions in the object, allowing the distortions to be corrected in the final model to ensure that the model accurately depicts the original object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for locating coated cooling holes on parts such as turbine vanes. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a laser scanning technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane.

Abstract: A method for assisting the laser drilling of a hole in a part comprising comprises the steps of providing a camera mounted to the laser, providing a target hole at a first position, capturing a first image of the target hole at the first position with the camera, moving the target hole to a second position and capturing a second image of the target hole, and computing a drilling location of the target hole from the first image and the second image, said computed drilling location used to laser drill the target hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for locating coated cooling holes on parts such as turbine vanes. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a laser scanning technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system and a process for repairing a component having at least one surface. The system broadly comprises a scanner device for generating an image of each component surface having a repair material thereon and a programmed central processing unit for generating instructions for performing an operation to remove any excess repair material from each surface of the component and to blend each surface of the component. The system further includes a programmable robot for holding the component during the scanning process and during the subsequent operation. The system further includes a cell having a plurality of tools for performing different blending operations and/or polishing surfaces of the component. A process for performing the repair of the component is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system and a process for repairing a component having at least one surface. The system broadly comprises a scanner device for generating an image of each component surface having a repair material thereon and a programmed central processing unit for generating instructions for performing an operation to remove any excess repair material from each surface of the component and to blend each surface of the component. The system further includes a programmable robot for holding the component during the scanning process and during the subsequent operation. The system further includes a cell having a plurality of tools for performing different blending operations and/or polishing surfaces of the component. A process for performing the repair of the component is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for locating coated cooling holes on parts such as turbine vanes. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a laser scanning technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane.