Latest gas turbine repair techniques using laser technology

Over recent years,with the drive for new higher power, higher efficiency Gas Turbine engines, manufacturers have had to look at new alloys and new coating techniques to achieve and support the industry requirements. Repair technology has therefore had to keep pace with the OEM advances and much research and development has been undertaken in developing new repair processes. Many of the alloys now used are directionally solidified or single crystal, which until now hare been deemed irreparable by traditional welding techniques. Recent developments in the use of lasers have not only rendered these alloys salvageable but have also reduced the overall repair time and therefore the cost. This paper looks at the use of laser technology as a repair process for gas turbine components, touching briefly on laser cutting and drilling but concentrating mainly on laser powder feed welding and its applications.