Abstract:
A method for balancing a rotatable component is disclosed This method comprises and then plating the component to deposit a metal layer onto the component until the component is balanced. In addition, and alternative method for balancing a rotatable component is disclosed. This method comprises attaching a balancing weight to the rotatable component and rotating the component. This is followed by plating the component and the balancing weight to deposit a metal layer onto the balancing weight and the component until the component is balanced.
Abstract:
A plated polymer component is disclosed. The plated polymer component may comprise a polymer substrate having an outer surface, a metal plating attached to the outer surface of the polymer substrate, and at least one interlocking feature connecting the polymer substrate and the metal plating. The interlocking feature may improve the interfacial bond strength between the polymer substrate and the metal plating.
Abstract:
A method for balancing a rotatable component is disclosed This method comprises and then plating the component to deposit a metal layer onto the component until the component is balanced. In addition, and alternative method for balancing a rotatable component is disclosed. This method comprises attaching a balancing weight to the rotatable component and rotating the component. This is followed by plating the component and the balancing weight to deposit a metal layer onto the balancing weight and the component until the component is balanced.
Abstract:
Methods for repairing plated metallic layers on plated polymeric parts are disclosed. First, a polymer is formed into an article of a desired shape or geometry. The outer surface of the article is prepared to receive a catalyst and then the outer surface is activated with the catalyst. A first metallic layer is then plated onto the outer surface to form a structure. Optional additional metallic layers may be applied. Then, a defect in a damaged metal layer is repaired by brush plating or brush electroplating.
Abstract:
Plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts and methods for fabricating lightweight plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts are disclosed. The parts include a polymeric substrate plated with one or more metal layers. The polymeric material of the polymeric substrate may be structurally reinforced with materials that may include carbon, metal, or glass. The polymeric substrate may also include a plurality of layers to form a composite layup structure.
Abstract:
A composite component and a plated polymer component are disclosed. The composite component may comprise a body portion formed from an organic matrix composite, a first metal coating applied to a surface of the body portion, and an outer metal layer on the first metal coating that is erosion-resistant. The plated polymer component may comprise a polymer substrate, a metal plating layer applied to a surface of the polymer substrate, and at least one selectively thickened region in the metal plating layer. The at least one selectively thickened region may assist in protecting the plated polymer component against wear and/or erosion.
Abstract:
Aviation components comprising a polymeric substrate having an outer surface wherein a metal is plated onto the outer surface to form a plated layer are disclosed. A method to make aviation components comprising a polymeric substrate having an outer surface and where a metal is plated onto the outer surface is disclosed. An over-plated heating element for shedding ice from an aircraft component having a polymeric substrate with a pocket to receive a heating element, a metal deposited onto the substrate, a heating element positioned within the pocket and a covering layer deposited onto the heating element and the plated layer is disclosed.
Abstract:
A vented plated polymer component is disclosed. The vented plated polymer component may comprise a polymer substrate, a metal plating deposited on a surface of the polymer substrate, and at least one vent formed through the metal plating. The at least one vent may extend from an outer surface of the metal plating to the surface of the polymer substrate, and it may be sized to allow an escape of a gas from the polymer substrate to an external environment surrounding the plated polymer component.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating a ceramic component is disclosed. The method may comprise: 1) forming a polymer template having a shape that is an inverse of a shape of the ceramic component, 2) placing the polymer template in a mold; 3) injecting the polymer template with a ceramic slurry, 4) firing the ceramic slurry at a temperature to produce a green body, and 5) sintering the green body at an elevated temperature to provide the ceramic component.
Abstract:
Aviation components comprising a polymeric substrate having an outer surface wherein a metal is plated onto the outer surface to form a plated layer are disclosed. A method to make aviation components comprising a polymeric substrate having an outer surface and where a metal is plated onto the outer surface is disclosed. An over-plated heating element for shedding ice from an aircraft component having a polymeric substrate with a pocket to receive a heating element, a metal deposited onto the substrate, a heating element positioned within the pocket and a covering layer deposited onto the heating element and the plated layer is disclosed.