Method for abrasive tipping of integrally bladed rotors

A method for forming abrasive surfaces on the tips of a plurality of workpieces by deposition from a plating solution containing a matrix material and an abrasive grit material, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a mechanical masking device having an arcuate periphery and a plurality of openings arranged around the arcuate periphery of said device;
• said mechanical masking device providing step further comprising providing a mechanical masking device having an internal space adapted to be closed off from said plating solution used to form said abrasive surface;
• installing an array containing said plurality of workpieces within said mechanical masking device so that first portions of said workpieces including tip portions thereof extend through said openings in said arcuate periphery, said workpieces each having a longitudinal axis;
• said array installing step comprising installing said array so that second portions of said workpieces including root portions thereof are located within said internal space, the workpieces being sealed in said openings so that said second portions of said workpieces are not exposed to said plating solution;
• immersing said mechanical masking device with said installed array of workpieces in a tank containing said plating solution comprising a matrix material and an abrasive grit material;
• and
• applying a current through said plating solution to form said abrasive surfaces on the tips of said workpieces.