Z-Notch Welding

Z-notch welding on low pressure turbine blades is a precision application of hardface material to the Z interlock area. This process also repairs the knife edge seal and mate face.

Part Process

• Parts can be OEM castings or engine repair parts.
• Laser powder fusion welding with vision system.
• Multi-axis capability allows full part completion with one setup.
• Vision system locates the part, adjusts for differences, and provides CNC program.
• Precise deposition of material allows for minimum postprocessing.

Material

• Hardface material such as Stellite, Coastmetal 64 or T800 - also, applicable materials for mate faces and knife edge seals.

Cycle Time

• Depends upon blade configuration and material added. Typically cycle time is 2 minutes.

Machine Features & Benefits

• Laser powder fusion welded on a five-axis machine.
• Vision/CNC controlled to minimize operator variance.
• Simple setup and changeover to different parts.
• High production rate, near net shaped welds.
• Potential mate face and knife edge seal repair in same operation.