IP Library Granted Patent US 8,119,948
Granted Patent B2
US 8,119,948 · App. 12/245,131 · Granted Feb 21, 2012

Method of retouching metal parts

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,119,948
App. No.
12/245,131
Granted
Feb 21, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method of retouching metal parts joined by brazing at high temperatures is disclosed. The brazed zones are retouched by a retouching laser. The peak power of the retouching laser is between 1500 and 3000 W. The retouching laser is used in pulsed mode.

Claims (19)

1. A method of retouching metal parts comprising:

joining straightening blades with an internal crown gear and an external crown gear by brazing at high temperatures;

identifying a defect in a brazed zone between one of the blades and one of the crown gears;

cleaning and degreasing the defect in the brazed zone; and

retouching the defect in the brazed zone using a retouching laser at low power in pulsed mode such that the laser transmits laser pulses at regular intervals,

wherein the peak power of the retouching laser is between 1500 and 3000 W, and

wherein the pulses are not symmetrical such that a power rise time of the laser pulse is different than a power fall time of the laser pulse.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retouching of the brazed zones is performed with a filler metal deposited on the brazed zones.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the filler metal takes the form of powder, paste, wire or sintered preform.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the filler metal is compatible with the filler metal used in the initial brazing of the metal parts.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retouching laser is controlled semi-manually.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metal parts are made of nickel or cobalt-based alloy.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power rise time of the laser pulse is less than the power fall time of the laser pulse.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metal parts have been joined by oven brazing.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pulse time of the retouching laser is between 5 and 15 ms.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the pulse time of the retouching laser is between 5 and 15 ms.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frequency of the retouching laser is between 4 and 8 Hz.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the brazed metal parts are protected against oxidation by means of a device for gaseous protection against oxidation.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power rise time of the laser pulse is greater than the power fall time of the laser pulse.

Assignments (3)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE COVER SHEET TO REMOVE APPLICATION NOS. 10250419, 10786507, 10786409, 12416418, 12531115, 12996294, 12094637 12416422 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 046479 FRAME 0807. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CHANGE OF NAME. Recorded Aug 24, 2018
From: SNECMA
To: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
Reel/Frame 046939/0336 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded May 23, 2018
From: SNECMA
To: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
Reel/Frame 046479/0807 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 12, 2008
From: CAUSTE, ERIC YVES ROGER; FLESCH, THIERRY JEAN EMILE; GUEGUEN, MATHIEU; PRODENT, JAMES
To: SNECMA
Reel/Frame 021968/0962 →