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Laser Coating Removal from Helicopter Blades
The Navy REPTECH Program through ARL Penn State has indicated that
implementation of laser coating removal technology for helicopter
blades, as a cost-avoidance measure, appears feasible and
cost-effective. Newly developed solid-state lasers offer the potential
to perform the necessary functions if combined with a computer
controlled beam-positioning and delivery system. A two phase project has
been initiated to pursue this new system for the refurbishment of
helicopter blades.
In Phase I, the project team will prepare a process qualification plan
and equipment specification. The team will then qualify a laser coating
removal by processing test
coupons using an existing low-power laser coating removal system that
can reasonably be extrapolated to the higher stripping rates required
for economic viability. The partners will then perform system
engineering and detailed design necessary to deliver an initial
prototype unit. Phase II will deliver a fully functional unit and a
qualified depainting process.
Program Manager: Mike Gnam, (734) 995-4971,
mikeg@ncms.org
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