BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Japan's Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) and Mitsubishi Electric are trying to interest major engine manufacturers in a metal coating and build-up technique they have jointly developed for use in turbine engines.
Micro spark coating (MSC) uses metallic and ceramic coating material powder electrodes, and generates 10,000 sparks a second to transfer the coating to the metal's surface. It can also be used to join metal components, producing a smoother joint than that produced by conventional welding.
After testing it on IHI engine components, the companies hope to be able to implement MSC next year on military and commercial engines and intend to brief General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce on MSC soon. IHI produces components for GE's CF34 and GE90 turbofans, as well as the R-R Trent family and International Aero Engines V2500.
Source: Flight International
