METHOD FOR REFURBISHING PtAl COATING TO TURBINE HARDWARE REMOVED FROM SERVICE

A plating tool for a workpiece, comprising:

• a non-conductive fixture having a first end, an opposed second end, a periphery extending 360° between the first end and the second end, the first end having a cavity extending into an interior of the fixture;
• at least one opening in the periphery of the fixture providing fluid communication between the cavity and an exterior;
• and
• at least one anode positioned adjacent a surface located within the interior of the cavity.

An airfoil plating tool for inserting an airfoil into a plating bath, the tool comprising:

• a non-conductive fixture having a first end, an opposed second end, a periphery extending 360° between the first end and the second end, the first end having a cavity extending into an interior of the fixture, the cavity dimensioned to receive an airfoil portion and filet radius of an airfoil, the airfoil having a tip extending from the airfoil portion, a platform portion adjacent the fillet radius and a dovetail portion extending from the platform portion and opposite the tip;
• at least one opening in the periphery of the fixture, providing fluid communication between the cavity and an exterior, the at least one opening adjacent the airfoil tip;
• a first mesh screen having a convex shape positioned so that the first mesh screen is adjacent the fillet radius of the airfoil when inserted into the fixture;
• at least one second mesh screen positioned adjacent the at least one opening adjacent the airfoil tip;
• a power supply;
• an electrical connection from the power supply to the mesh screens of anode, the anode further comprising the mesh screens and the non-conductive fixture and, when inserted into the cavity, an airfoil, thereby completing a circuit;
• means for suspending the airfoil, the non-conductive fixture and mesh screens into a plating bath so that an underside of the airfoil platform is out of contact with the plated solution, while the fillet radius is in contact with the plating solution;
• and
• whereby the at least one opening circulates plating solution between the cavity the exterior.