WELDING SHIELD FOR AUTOMATED WELDING OF IMPELLERS AND BLISKS, SIZED TO MATCH WITHIN VALLEXS OF A PARTICULAR DESIGNED IMPELLER ; METHOD TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM WELDING RELATED DAMAGE IN AN IMPELLER

摘要

The present invention provides a welding shield for use in automated welding repairs, particularly those repairs intended for impellers (10), blisks, and similar structures. There is provided a welding shield which is shaped to fit securely within valleys of an impeller (10). An individual shield is sized to match with a particular impeller (10) design. When in place, the welding shield covers exposed areas of the valley (23) and thus protects that area from welding damage. The welding shield may include welding resistant materials on exposed surfaces. A plurality of shields can protect as many impeller (10) valleys (23) as needed. The welding shield (30) fits securely so that it does not dislodge during automated welding operations. If desired welding shields can be moved and repositioned so as to expose previously protected areas thus allowing welding to take place in the newly exposed areas.