Polyurethane masks and fixtures produce massive savings

Citation

(1998), "Polyurethane masks and fixtures produce massive savings", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770dad.016

Polyurethane masks and fixtures produce massive savings

Polyurethane masks and fixtures produce massive savings

Keywords Abrasive Developments, Aircraft, Components, Polyurethane

Surface treatment specialists Abrasive Developments reports that it has been able to improve quality levels and reduce the time taken to prepare a wide range of aero engine components with its new range of polyurethane masks and fixtures (Plate 5).

Lightweight and highly resistant polyurethane masks are used, not only to fixture fan blades enabling blast cleaning and peening from all angles, but also to protect critical areas such as root sections, which must not be blasted. The current range includes fixturing to suit fan blades from all commercially manufactured engines including Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, General Electric and CFM International.

Plate 5 Polyurethane masks and fixtures

Efficient surface preparation is an important consideration during the manufacture, overhaul and inspection of engine components and when compared with traditional, highly labour intensive masking involving the application of heat resistant tape, polyurethane fixtures are genuine time-savers. They thereby improve eficiency, productivity and product quality.

The company's production capabilities and skills, combined with close customer contact means that special masks and fixtures for specific applications can be designed and manufactured.

In addition to polyurethane masks and fixtures, Abrasive Developments ofers a full "one stop shop" service to the international surface treatment market including: Vaqua wet and Vantage dry blast machines; abrasive media; a demonstration and trials facility; a machine service, repair and refurbishment facility; replacement parts; operator training and surface treatment advice.

Further details are available from Abrasive Developments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1564 792231; E-mail: vaqua@waverider.co.uk