CERAMIC COATING POLISHING METHOD

摘要

A method of polishing an outer surface (14) of a ceramic coated gas turbine engine component (10) includes applying a rotating diamond brush (20) to the outer surface (14). The brush (20) is configured to achieve a uniform finish of 150 microinches (3.81 microns) RA or less over the surface. The brush (20) contains diamond impregnated bristles (22), and is affixed to a rotary head (24) of a robotic arm (26). A force sensing controller (30) limits brush forces against the component (10). The component (10) disclosed is a hot section turbine vane designed for directional control of high temperature, high-pressure combustion gases, but the method may be applied to other components utilized in similar aerospace applications. The polished coating provides an improved thermal barrier for maintaining structural integrity of the component in environments having temperatures ranging up to 2,000 degrees Celsius. The method limits abrasive removal of ceramic material to only 0.0005 to 0.00075 inch (0.00127 to 0.00191 cm), and saves time and expense over past practices.