Abstract: A highly reactive conversion coating chemistry is used during CAVF processing of high hardness steel alloys such as AMS 6509 and AMS 6517 steel alloys. This chemistry produces a hard, thin, black conversion coating that is not fully rubbed off by the media during the CAVF process. Distressed material regions on the surface of the alloys are not susceptible to forming the conversion coating and remain white. Visual inspection for the presence of such regions is facilitated.

Abstract: A highly reactive conversion coating chemistry is used during CAVF processing of high hardness steel alloys such as AMS 6509 and AMS 6517 steel alloys. This chemistry produces a hard, thin, black conversion coating that is not fully rubbed off by the media during the CAVF process. Distressed material regions on the surface of the alloys are not susceptible to forming the conversion coating and remain white. Visual inspection for the presence of such regions is facilitated.

Abstract: A wind-turbine gearbox system includes an input gear stage having mating gear surfaces finished to a surface roughness of less than 0.25 micron and at least one bearing supporting the input gear stage. A lubrication circuit is arranged to deliver lubricant to the input gear stage and the bearing during operation of the wind-turbine and includes an inline filter for removal of particles of less than 2 micron from the lubricant prior to delivery. A lubricant for use in the system may have a relatively low viscosity compared to conventional wind turbine gearbox lubricants.

Abstract: A highly reactive conversion coating chemistry is used during CAVF processing of high hardness steel alloys such as AMS 6509 and AMS 6517 steel alloys. This chemistry produces a hard, thin, black conversion coating that is not fully rubbed off by the media during the CAVF process. Distressed material regions on the surface of the alloys are not susceptible to forming the conversion coating and remain white. Visual inspection for the presence of such regions is facilitated.

Abstract: Refurbishing used or damaged engineering components is performed using a subtractive surface engineering process to remove material from worn or damaged critical surfaces. The method involves initially performing the process on the component to remove a first quantity of material from the surfaces, inspecting the surface of the component to determine the extent of damage and subsequently further performing the process to remove a further quantity of material if necessary.

Abstract: A wind-turbine gearbox system includes an input gear stage having mating gear surfaces finished to a surface roughness of less than 0.25 micron and at least one bearing supporting the input gear stage. A lubrication circuit is arranged to deliver lubricant to the input gear stage and the bearing during operation of the wind-turbine and includes an inline filter for removal of particles of less than 2 micron from the lubricant prior to delivery. A lubricant for use in the system may have a relatively low viscosity compared to conventional wind turbine gearbox lubricants.

Abstract: Refurbishing used or damaged engineering components is performed using a subtractive surface engineering process to remove material from worn or damaged critical surfaces. The method involves initially performing the process on the component to remove a first quantity of material from the surfaces, inspecting the surface of the component to determine the extent of damage and subsequently further performing the process to remove a further quantity of material if necessary.

Abstract: The invention described herein discloses a chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process. A conversion coating is formed on the surface of a workpiece and is removed via relative motion with a tool, thereby exposing the workpiece to further reaction with the active chemistry. Low mechanical forces are used such that the plastic deformation, shear strength, tensile strength and/or thermal degradation temperature of the workpiece are not exceeded. Since the chemical mechanical machining and surface finishing process requires little force and/or speed of contact to remove the conversion coating, the equipment's mass, complexity and cost can be significantly reduced, while simultaneously increasing machining precision and accuracy. The present invention lends itself to a very controlled rate of metal removal, and can simply surface finish the workpiece, or if desired, can surface finish the workpiece simultaneously with the shaping and/or sizing process.

Abstract: A composition for use in the physicochemical surface refinement of objects having surfaces of titanium, nickel, and alloys of each, normally in a vibratory mass finishing process, comprises the combination of sulfamic acid, ammonium bifluoride, and hydrogen peroxide. The maximum concentration of the peroxide is controlled to avoid inhibiting or arresting the reaction with the metal; maintaining a minimum concentration prevents excessive metal dissolution, pitting and other undesirable surface defects.

Abstract: A composition for use in the physicochemical surface refinement of objects having surfaces of titanium, nickel, and alloys of each, normally in a vibratory mass finishing process, comprises the combination of sulfamic acid, ammonium bifluoride, and hydrogen peroxide. The maximum concentration of the peroxide is controlled to avoid inhibiting or arresting the reaction with the metal; maintaining a minimum concentration prevents excessive metal dissolution, pitting and other undesirable surface defects.

Abstract: A composition for use in the vibratory mass finishing of magnetic stainless steel objects contains oxalic acid, sodium m-nitrobenzene sulfonate, and sodium thiocyanate, the latter two compounds being present in specified rations to one another. The preferred compositions include a hydroxyalkyl amine; for certain applications, they most desirably also include a poly(oxyethylene)-alkyl alcohol surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides a physicochemical process for refining relatively rough metal surfaces to a condition of high smoothness and brightness, in relatively brief periods of time, which is characterized by the use of a non-abrasive, high-density burnishing media. The process can be carried out in one step and with minimal production of media fines, thus affording economic and environmental advantages.

Abstract: Metal surfaces are refined, by the process of the invention, to high levels of smoothness in relatively short periods of time. A liquid substance is utilized to produce a conversion coating on the surface of the parts being treated, which are agitated, while being continuously wetted by the substance, in a mass finishing unit. Abrasive action causes the relatively soft coating to be removed from the high points of the surface, while leaving substantially intact the coating on the lower surface areas, with the coating being continuously repaired over metal exposed during operation. Fillage of the finishing unit container ensures efficient agitation and continuous oxygenation of the liquid substance, thereby maintaining a desirable rate of reaction and a high rate of surface leveling.

Abstract: A composition for use in the vibratory mass finishing of magnetic stainless steel objects contains oxalic acid, sodium m-nitrobenzene sulfonate, and sodium thiocyanate, the latter two compounds being present in specified rations to one another. The preferred compositions include a hydroxyalkyl amine; for certain applications, they most desirably also include a poly(oxyethylene)alkyl alcohol surfactant.