USF Vacu-Blast International and USF Abrasive Developments (Hall 4, D10) have supplied Fiat Avio with two special-purpose surface processing machines.
The $800,000 contract is for the supply of a Vacu-Blast Vector 150P CNC etching machine. This state-of-the-art model is used to prepare combustion chamber surfaces prior to plasma coating.
The machine is currently used by Pratt & Whitney to etch aluminium oxide media onto combustion chamber outer liners for its PT6 and PW100 engines.
It features a waffle floor system to aid recovery of debris, and continuous in-process recycling and regrading of blast media to ensure consistent surface etch.
Blast
A controlled wet blast machine from Abrasive Developments Vaqua is also supplied as part of the contract. This machine simultaneously degreases, cleans and etches aeroengine components including the main shaft and commercial engine disks of the Eurofighter Typhoon. Operations are controlled by Siemens software able to preset programs specifically designed for each type of component.
This machine also incorporates an in-cycle media recycling system which automatically removes debris.
USF Vacu-Blast International and USF Abrasive Developments are part of the multinational USF Surface Preparation Group.
Source: Flight Daily News
