Abstract: An apparatus for applying material by cathodic arc deposition to a substrate is provided which includes a vessel, means for maintaining a vacuum in the vessel, a cathode, a contactor, means for selectively sustaining an arc of electrical energy between the cathode and an anode, and an actuator. The cathode and contactor are positioned inside the vessel, and the contactor is electrically connected to the means for selectively sustaining an arc of electrical energy. The actuator selectively actuates the contactor into electrical contact with the cathode, and thereby electrically connects the cathode to the means for sustaining an arc of electrical energy.

Abstract: A fixture (90) for use in selectively applying a protective coating to a gas turbine engine blade (10) includes a base (92) having a blade retention slot (102), and a disposable shield (110). The shield (110) includes a sheet metal sleeve (112) and a cap (114) having a window (116) the cap being affixed to one end of the sleeve. When fully assembled with the blade properly positioned in the fixture only those portions of the blade selected to be coated are exposed. Additional features such as a locator dowel (104) extending from the floor of the slot and mutually cooperative track (121) and nub (122) assist in locating the blade correctly in the fixture and orienting the window with respect to the blade platform (16). A lock exemplified by a groove (128) and the nub (122) resists separation of the shield from the base during coating operations.

Abstract: A method is taught for preparing titanium alloys having high temperature oxidation resistance, whereby a coating of a copper bronze containing up to 10 percent aluminum and up to 6 percent silicon is applied to the titanium substrate by cathodic arc deposition or ion vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method is taught for protecting the surface of a nickel, cobalt, or titanium alloy from fretting wear by coating said surface with a copper-aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A method for coating articles, such as gas turbine blades, with a coating of variable thickness by securing a shield having one or more holes extending therethrough to the article thereby defining a shielded portion of the article, exposing the article and shield to a metal-bearing gas which is circulated around the article to deposit a metallic coating thereon, wherein the circulation of the gas adjacent the shielded portion of the article is restricted by the presence of the shield, thereby producing a substantially thinner coating on the shielded portion of the article than on the unshielded portion.