AIRFOIL MATERIAL REMOVAL

A method of removing material from an airfoil includes engaging a root of the airfoil within a root-securing fixture, engaging a tip of the airfoil within a tip-securing fixture, and removing material from the airfoil. The method further includes disengaging the tip of the airfoil from the tip-securing fixture to allow movement of the tip from a clamped state position to a free-state position. The method further includes reengaging the tip of the airfoil within the tip-securing fixture in the free-state position, and removing additional material from the airfoil. 1. A method of removing material from an airfoil , the method comprising:engaging a root of the airfoil within a root-securing fixture;engaging a tip of the airfoil within a tip-securing fixture;removing material from the airfoil;disengaging the tip of the airfoil from the tip-securing fixture to allow movement of the tip from a clamped state position to a free-state position;reengaging the tip of the airfoil within the tip-securing fixture in the free-state position; andremoving additional material from the airfoil.2. The method of claim 1 ,wherein engaging the tip of the airfoil within the tip-securing fixture comprises engaging each of a plurality of tabs extending from a radially outer edge of the tip of the airfoil within the tip-securing fixture; andwherein disengaging the tip of the airfoil from the tip-securing fixture comprises disengaging each of the plurality of tabs from the tip-securing fixture.3. The method of claim 2 ,wherein the plurality of tabs comprises a leading edge tab proximate a leading edge of the airfoil, a trailing edge tab proximate a trailing edge of the airfoil, and a center tab disposed between the leading edge tab and the trailing edge tab, the center tab having a bore extending radially inward from a radially outer side of the center tab;wherein the tip-securing fixture comprises a leading edge clamping assembly configured to be selectively engageable and disengageable from ...

Systems and methods for airfoil assembly

A method for assembling an airfoil includes pressing a blade body together with at least one of a blade sheath and a blade cover between a plunger and a die base to join the blade body to the blade sheath and/or the blade cover. The method can include transferring heat from the plunger and/or the die base to at least one of the blade body, the blade sheath and the blade cover to cure an adhesive.

Airfoil material removal

A method of removing material from an airfoil (12) includes engaging a root (18) of the airfoil (12) within a root-securing fixture (14), engaging a tip (20) of the airfoil (12) within a tip-securing fixture (16), and removing material from the airfoil (12). The method further includes disengaging the tip (20) of the airfoil (12) from the tip-securing fixture (16) to allow movement of the tip (20) from a clamped state position to a free-state position. The method further includes reengaging the tip (20) of the airfoil (12) within the tip-securing fixture (16) in the free-state position, and removing additional material from the airfoil (12).

Airfoil material removal