Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering refers to the practice of determining the material make-up and dimensions of an existing part and using that information to design a replacement part. We have an extensive staff of engineers with experience in reverse engineering and we offer a complete line of reverse engineered parts including blades, valve parts, retaining rings, generator windings and other turbine-generator components.
In order to engineer in reverse, we must first determine the exact material make-up of the original part. This is done using PMI (Positive Material Identification). In order to positively identify a material without physically damaging it, we use a combination of tests including a Niton Chemical Analyzer / X-Ray fluorescence, a scanning electron microscope and hardness testing.
In its truest form, the new part would be an exact replica of the original part. But, we go well beyond making an exact replica. Following our analysis and determination of the parent material, we determine if an exact match or an improvement in material or dimensional design would be better, and discuss these options with you.
Once we determine a course of action, we can program the specific dimensional information into our computer driven machining equipment or machine the part manually as best fits the situation.
Vertical integration is the key to quick response in this area. We have engineering staff on site who are highly experienced in reverse engineering turbine – generator parts. Blade manufacture is done completely in house, and in order to ensure rapid turn-around of your blades, we maintain over 100,000 pounds of raw materials in stock – the materials that normally take weeks to obtain. Our in-house production combined with our extensive stock ensures a rapid turnaround for you replacement buckets.