METHOD FOR ORIENTING AN AIRFOIL FOR PROCESSING AND FORMING A MASK FOR THE AIRFOIL

摘要

PURPOSE: A method for positioning an airfoil during part of the process for laser machining an airfoil is provided which the airfoil has internal passages for cooling air. More particularly, the method relates to positioning the airfoil during the step of disposing material in the passage for blocking a laser beam from striking the interior as a hole is drilled to the cavity through a wall of the airfoil and to a method of making a mask for positioning the airfoil. CONSTITUTION: A method for orienting an airfoil 10 during filling of an airfoil with laser blocking material 52 prior to a laser machining operation is disclosed and includes making a mask 78 for the airfoil. Various details are developed which enable the repetitive use of the mask to speed filing of the airfoil. A method for orienting an airfoil (10) with respect to a machine (54) for injecting laser blocking material into the airfoil (10) under operative conditions, the machine (54) being in flow communication with the airfoil (62) through a sprue plate under such conditions, comprising forming a sprue plate element for positioning one end of the airfoil (10) as does the sprue plate (62) under operative conditions.