Automated Waterjet Coatings Removal of Engine Component Coatings

In the 1980's, USBI introduced automated waterjet coatings removal into NASA's Space Shuttle program by activating robot cells to remove thermal protection coatings from solid rocket booster components. In the 1990's, USBI has applied this technology to coatings removal from jet engine components. Using this environmentally compatible, pollution prevention technology USBI has demonstrated the removal of ceramic coatings from vanes; magnesium zirconate coatings from combustion chambers and burner cans; plasma coatings from stator rings, knife edge seals, and Up segments; plasma and rubber coatings from high pressure compressor cases; hardface coatings from inner vane supports; tin bismuth shuttles removed from blades; boron nitrite coatings from forged disks; and aluminum oxide coatings from blades. This paper presents the results of USBI's evaluation on coatings removal from these and other components and documents the test methods used in evaluating, optimizing and proving the processes. Automated component processing work cells are also introduced; three distinct systems have been developed which meet different levels of part processing requirements.

File Size: 948K

See papers presented at Airframe Finishing, Maintenance & Repair Conference & Exposition, May 1991, San Antonio, TX, USA, Session: Airframe Finishing, Maintenance & Repair Conference & Exposition

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