Abstract: Apparatus and a method for attaching individual blades to a disc rotor of a BLISK is described. Blade blanks or preforms are gripped between adjustable jaws of a rigid frame member of a linear friction bonding machine, and are attached in a non-rotational friction bonding operation. Blade preforms may be finished to final airfoil shape in a further operation after attachment. The technique is suitable for repair work or original manufacture.

Abstract: A delicate or awkward to grip component which is to be friction bonded to another has formed on it a flange or like formation which can be gripped firmly by a wedging action. The component is loaded into a shuttle, provided with a releasable wedge clamp, which is carried by the output drive member of a friction bonding machine. Machine forces for the necessary friction heating and bonding phases of the operation are transmitted to component through faces on the shuttle which abut the component flange.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in linear friction welding has a drive-shaft (10) rotatable about a first longitudinal axis (12). An eccentric portion (10A) for locating a cam member (18) has a second longitudinal axis (16) spaced a distance d from the longitudinal axis (12) of the drive-shaft (10). The cam member (18) has a third longitudinal axis (20) spaced distance d from the second axis (16) of the cam member (18). A connecting-rod (24) is located via a big-end bearing (26) on the periphery of the cam member (18). When the drive-shaft is rotated with the third axis (20) of the cam member (18) displaced from the longitudinal axis (12) the connecting-rod reciprocates. If the cam member (18) is rotated about the second axis (16) of the eccentric portion (10A) until the longitudinal axis (12) and the third axis (20) of the cam member (18) are coincident the connecting-rod stops reciprocating.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a filament onto a former includes one or more filament supply bobbins mounted on an annular carrier for rotation about a first axis for receiving a plurality of windings of the filament, and a translation device for moving the former relative to the carrier along a path which passes through the carrier thereby enabling the filament to be wrapped around the former. A guide member guides the filament from a respective bobbin to the former, the guide member defining a radially outward facing cylindrical surface. The apparatus reduces bending of the filament as it is wound onto the former.