Method of Joining at Least Two Components, a Method for Rendering a Component Resistant to Eroision, and a Turbine Blade

A method for rendering a component resistant to erosion comprising:

• providing a first component and an erosion preventative component, the erosion preventive component comprising a unitary structure,
• aligning the first component with the erosion preventative component along a joining plane;
• joining the first component with the erosion preventative component using high-density energy irradiation, wherein the step of joining includes a joining material that is excited by the high-density energy irradiation, wherein the joining material fuses the erosion preventative component to the first component, wherein the first component and the erosion preventive component include a bevel angle.

A turbine blade comprising:

• an airfoil having a leading edge;
• an erosion shield joined to the leading edge of the airfoil with a joining material, wherein the airfoil and erosion shield are joined by at least one joining layer formed by the joining material and a laser cladding process, and wherein the first and second joining surfaces include a bevel angle.