Abstract:
A method of monitoring an operation status of a confined laser cutting tool includes emitting light in the form of laser beams from a laser source. The method includes using a nozzle to form a confining column composed of a liquid. The method further includes forming a confined laser beam, the confined laser beam defined by the confluence of the laser beams and the confining column. The method also includes sensing a characteristic of the confined laser beam with a sensor. The method further includes determining the operation status of the confined laser cutting tool based on the sensed characteristic of the confined laser beam. The method also includes deactivating the laser source when the sensed characteristic of the confined laser beam reaches a predetermined threshold. The method may also include providing an operator notification after deactivating the laser source.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides a system, method, and resulting workpiece combining liquid guided laser and electrical discharge machining to create a common feature. The workpiece is positioned in a liquid guided laser cutting path and machined by the liquid guided laser device to create an intermediate feature in the workpiece. The work piece is then positioned in an electrical discharge machining (EDM) device so that an electrode of the EDM device is operatively positioned proximate the intermediate feature and machined using the EDM device to modify the intermediate feature in the workpiece to create the finished common feature in the workpiece.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing an airfoil is provided, the method including drilling a hole in a near wall of the airfoil using a laser drill and activating a back strike protection in a cavity of the airfoil. The method additionally includes detecting a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through the near wall of the airfoil and subsequently initiating a drilling subroutine, with the drilling subroutine including a continued operation of the laser drill. Such a method may provide for an improved hole, such as a cooling passage, in the airfoil.
Abstract:
Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation to a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one surface texture element absent from the wax casting substrate; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; and removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one surface texture element.
Abstract:
A method for drilling a hole in a component is provided. The method includes directing a confined laser beam of the confined laser drill towards a near wall of the component and sensing a characteristic of light directed along a beam axis of the confined laser beam away from the component with a sensor. The method also includes determining one or more operational conditions based on the characteristic of the light sensed with the sensor. The one or more operational conditions includes at least one of a depth of the hole being drilled by the confined laser drill and a material into which the confined laser beam of the confined laser drill is being directed. Such a method may allow for more appropriate control of the confined laser drill.
Abstract:
Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation on a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one additional feature absent from the preliminary wax casting model; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one additional feature; forming a shape from a casting material using the casting mold having the at least one additional feature; and scanning the modified wax model to image the at least one additional feature after the performing of the laser ablation.
Abstract:
Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation on a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one additional feature absent from the preliminary wax casting model; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one additional feature; forming a shape from a casting material using the casting mold having the at least one additional feature; and scanning the modified wax model to image the at least one additional feature after the performing of the laser ablation.
Abstract:
A gas turbomachine nozzle includes a base portion having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, and an outlet portion having one or more outlets. A connection section fluidically connects the base portion and the outlet portion. An orifice plug is arranged in the base portion at the second fluid inlet. The orifice plug includes one or more openings fluidically connecting the second fluid inlet and the connection section.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing an airfoil is provided, the method including drilling a hole in a near wall of the airfoil using a laser drill and activating a back strike protection in a cavity of the airfoil. The method additionally includes detecting a breakthrough of a laser from the laser drill through the near wall of the airfoil and subsequently initiating a drilling subroutine, with the drilling subroutine including a continued operation of the laser drill. Such a method may provide for an improved hole, such as a cooling passage, in the airfoil.
Abstract:
Various embodiments include methods and related systems for laser-assisted casting. Some embodiments include a method including: performing laser ablation to a preliminary wax casting model to form a modified wax model including at least one additional feature absent from the wax casting substrate; coating the modified wax model to form a mold shape around the modified wax model; and removing the modified wax model to leave a casting mold including the at least one additional feature.