Patent ID: 7685711
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: B22F,B23P,F01D,F05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of modifying an airfoil, comprising: providing an airfoil body made of a first alloy and having curved pressure and suction sides, a tip cap disposed between said pressure and suction sides at a radially outer end of said airfoil body, and a squealer tip extending radially outwards from said tip cap; removing a portion of said squealer tip so as to reduce its height in a radial direction; providing a preform comprising a metallic powder of a second alloy different from said first alloy and formed in the shape of an extension of said squealer tip; disposing said preform on said squealer tip; and heating said preform with microwave energy to sinter said metallic powder together in a consolidated squealer tip extension, and to bond said squealer tip extension to said body.