Morgan Advanced Materials (MTC) announces the availability of pre-sintered preforms (PSPs) produced by its Wesgo Metals manufacturing site in Hayward, California. The PSPs are ideal for high temperature applications in the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry. MTC's newest PSP dimensional capabilities include significantly larger and thinner sheets.
PSPs are a sintered metallurgy product composed of a customized blend of brazing and superalloy powders. They are available in various shapes and compositions and can be used for crack repair and dimensional restoration of aero-engine components such as turbine blades and vanes.
For customized applications, MTC offers PSPs in various compositions and shapes, with plate thickness ranging from 0.010-inch (0.3mm) to 0.060-inch (1.5mm). An innovative new process has recently extended the range of thicknesses available to 0.200-inch (5mm). The preforms are cut from the sintered plate, tack welded to a component and vacuum brazed. PSPs are also available in pastes and paints, which are ideal for difficult-to-reach areas.
"MTC is flexible, adaptable and responsive, which enables us to develop tailor made solutions for customers around the world," said Mark Miklos, General Manager for Morgan Advanced Materials - Wesgo Metals. He added, "Our California operation has direct access to the latest technology and global inter-company sourcing offered by one of the world's leading advanced materials companies, which enhances our strength. In addition to our local manufacturing capabilities, we can respond to customer supply chain requirements, including just in time shipping and vendor-managed inventory."
Many OEMs and repair facilities depend on PSPs to rebuild the contours of turbine blades and vanes. MTC's PSPs provide selective build-up of the part, saving time, enhancing cost-effectiveness and avoiding the distortion associated with welding.
With turbine temperatures reaching up to 1300°C and the presence of hot corrosive gases, aero-engine components face extensive wear. Rather than purchase expensive, new components, PSPs provide an effective, reliable solution for repairing cracks and reestablishing worn areas in components, thereby saving considerable time and money while extending their life up to three times.
Unlike traditional brazing pastes and green tapes that require multiple re-brazing cycles and present the added problem of uncontrollable shrinkage, the porosity of MTC's preforms is less than 2 percent which helps eliminate shrinkage and subsequent distortion. In addition, there is minimal post-braze grinding or machining needed with PSP components.