Abstract: A method for producing a flexible tooling liner for casting a ceramic core is presented. The method includes the steps of producing a three-dimensional (3D) reference object representative of a ceramic core to be cast, disposing the reference object into a containment vessel configured to receive a liquid flexible tooling material, filling the containment vessel with the liquid tooling material so that the reference object is encapsulated by the liquid tooling material on the surface whose topography is intended to be imparted, allowing the liquid tooling material to cure, and separating the cured flexible tooling along a parting surface into opposing portions and removing the reference the reference object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing for finishing ceramic core flash. Locating a first hole on a ceramic core by a laser sensor on a robot. Probing for a center of the first hole by a force-torque sensor on the robot. Scanning for an axial position of a second hole on the ceramic core. Scanning for a third hole on the ceramic core. Probing for a center of the third hole. Determining axial and radial scale factors based on the first hole location and the third hole location. Uploading the axial and radial scale factors to the robot Multiplying the X component position by the axial scale factor and the Z component position by the radial scale factor in an array format. Cutting a designated scaled location along the ceramic core to remove flash. Repeating process for additional scaled locations along the ceramic core.

Abstract: An airfoil for a turbine engine includes an array of pins positioned in an internal cavity of the airfoil, such that cooling channels are defined in the interspaces between adjacent pins. Each pin extends lengthwise from a first airfoil wall to a second airfoil wall and is connected thereto at a first intersection and at a second intersection respectively. The pin has a first cross-sectional shape at a respective intersection and a second cross-sectional shape at an intermediate plane located between the first and second intersections. The first cross-sectional shape includes a closed shape defined by relatively sharp corners and the second cross-sectional shape includes a closed shape defined by relatively rounded corners. A cross-sectional area of the pin at the intermediate plane is greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin at the respective intersection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing for finishing ceramic core flash. Locating a first hole on a ceramic core by a laser sensor on a robot. Probing for a center of the first hole by a force-torque sensor on the robot. Scanning for an axial position of a second hole on the ceramic core. Scanning for a third hole on the ceramic core. Probing for a center of the third hole. Determining axial and radial scale factors based on the first hole location and the third hole location. Uploading the axial and radial scale factors to the robot Multiplying the X component position by the axial scale factor and the Z component position by the radial scale factor in an array format. Cutting a designated scaled location along the ceramic core to remove flash. Repeating process for additional scaled locations along the ceramic core.

Abstract: An airfoil for a turbine engine includes an array of pins positioned in an internal cavity of the airfoil, such that cooling channels are defined in the interspaces between adjacent pins. Each pin extends lengthwise from a first airfoil wall to a second airfoil wall and is connected thereto at a first intersection and at a second intersection respectively. The pin has a first cross-sectional shape at a respective intersection and a second cross-sectional shape at an intermediate plane located between the first and second intersections. The first cross-sectional shape includes a closed shape defined by relatively sharp corners and the second cross-sectional shape includes a closed shape defined by relatively rounded corners. A cross-sectional area of the pin at the intermediate plane is greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin at the respective intersection.