Method and apparatus for repairing turbine components
First Claim
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1. A method for repairing distorted turbine components, which includes:
- (a) creating an initial digitizing path that generally represents the geometry of the component in its original configuration;
(b) moving a digitizing device along the initial digitizing path to generate digitized data that represents the geometry of the distorted component;
(c) utilizing a computer-based template which includes information that conforms to the shape of the component in its original form and which includes associated weld processing parameters, and inputting the digitized data into the computer-based template to create an updated template;
(d) utilizing the updated template to create a tool path for a welding machine to follow along the geometry of the distorted component and to set the associated weld processing parameters; and
(e) repairing the distorted component by moving the welding machine along the tool path and applying a weld to the distorted component using the associated weld processing parameters.
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Abstract
The present invention includes an apparatus and method by which the three-dimensional form or configuration of a distorted workpiece, such as a turbine component, is reverse engineered, and then this reverse engineering capability is combined with welding equipment, preferably a laser powder fusion welder, all integrally carried within a single machine, whereby a tool path unique to each workpiece is created and the welding machine accurately replaces lost material on the workpiece. The present invention consists of a series of operations or steps, preferably carried out by a single machine.
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8 Claims
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1. A method for repairing distorted turbine components, which includes:
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(a) creating an initial digitizing path that generally represents the geometry of the component in its original configuration; (b) moving a digitizing device along the initial digitizing path to generate digitized data that represents the geometry of the distorted component; (c) utilizing a computer-based template which includes information that conforms to the shape of the component in its original form and which includes associated weld processing parameters, and inputting the digitized data into the computer-based template to create an updated template; (d) utilizing the updated template to create a tool path for a welding machine to follow along the geometry of the distorted component and to set the associated weld processing parameters; and (e) repairing the distorted component by moving the welding machine along the tool path and applying a weld to the distorted component using the associated weld processing parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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