Repair & Rejuvenation

In addition to thermal processing services for newly manufactured components, Bodycote can provide part repair and rejuvenation.

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is used in the field of turbine blade rejuvenation for improvement of material integrity, porosity removal, improved bonding and for the removal of creep porosity developed during previous service.

Brazing is a cost effective restorative process that eliminates the risks associated with traditional repair techniques such as standard welding. Bodycote uses brazing to repair surfaces that are susceptible to corrosion, cracking and erosion. The repair process comprises three distinct stages: substrate cleaning, alloy application and vacuum heat treatment. Turbine components are typically manufactured from complex alloys that form tenacious oxides during service. The oxides prevent braze alloy diffusion and must be removed prior to alloy application. Bodycote has developed a gaseous cleaning technique that reduces oxides deep within cracks and at the component surface. After cleaning, the designated surface is inspected and prepared for alloy application. The constituent parts are then vacuum brazed and diffused to produce a homogenous microstructure. Each stage of the heat treatment cycle is closely controlled to produce a dimensionally stable repair that meets the customer’s requirements.

Thermal spray technology is also widely used in the reclamation of damaged or worn components, offering a cost-effective alternative to the purchase of new replacement parts. Treated parts often last up to twenty times longer than the original. The high bond strength and ability to build a smooth, dimensionally consistent coating to thicknesses up to 1/2” enables the effective refurbishment of worn components, with the resulting surface restoring conformity to dimensional tolerances without additional machining.