Patent ID: 6224361
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A tool for disposing a laser blocking material in an airfoil, the airfoil having surfaces which face in the spanwise direction and which include a first end having a passage for receiving the blocking material and a second end spaced in the spanwise direction from the first end, which comprises:a fixture having a cavity for receiving a mask, the fixture including a first spanwise reference surface which faces in the spanwise direction and which is adapted to engage a spanwise facing surface on the airfoil;a mask disposed in the cavity, the mask havinga first mask member having a surface which conforms to the surface of the airfoil and,a second mask member having a surface which conforms to the surface of the airfoil;wherein the first spanwise reference surface and the mask members position an airfoil which is inserted between the mask members to receive laser blocking material and wherein the mask members block the flow of laser blocking material to selected locations during filling of the airfoil.