The properties that make materials such as nickel alloys suitable for use in the hostile environment of aero turbine engines are the very properties that make them difficult for subcontractors without specialist equipment, to machine. At the same time, the competitiveness of the market for turbine blade and root repair is putting these subcontractors under increasing pressure to improve machining speed and accuracy while reducing production costs. Specialist abrasives supplier Engis offers a solution to this dilemma, enabling turbine roots to be ground very accurately and to tight tolerances on standard machines, using conventional grinding wheels dressed with Engis micronised diamond blocks. Engis dressing blocks can be held magnetically or mechanically on the machine table, or mounted within a part holding fixture. By setting the block at the finished ground height and adjusting the reciprocating stroke length, it will continually dress the wheel as the part approaches its finished form and height. After the wheel has been freshly dressed, the workpiece can be accurately ground to your size and surface finishing requirements. www.engis.com
