RTX Corporation
METHOD OF FORMING AN ABRASIVE COATING ON A FAN BLADE TIP

Abstract:

A novel method of depositing grit particles onto a fan blade tip coating is provided. The method enhances grit capture by presenting a softened coating surface for the impinging particles. The softened surface is achieved without high substrate temperatures that could degrade the base metal properties in the fan blade. An auxiliary heat source is used to establish a locally heated and softened surface where the grit deposition takes place. The softened surface greatly increases the probability of grit capture.