Patents & Trademarks
Axiam holds a number of patents for computer-based assembly of turbine engine cores: 1) Rotor Assembly System and Method, U.S. Patent 7,979,233 B2; 2) Method and Apparatus for Geometric Rotor Stacking and Balance, U.S. Patent 7,877,223 B2; 3) System for Optimal Alignment of a Bearing Seal on a Shaft of a Gas Turbine, U.S. Patent 7,974,811 B2; and 4) System for Optimal Alignment of a Shaft of a Gas Turbine, U.S. Patent 7,765,082 B2.
SOFTWARE
SmartStack™
The original robust rotor stacking software that provides an optimal, straight-build predictive stacking model based on the components parts' measurements of each rotor enabling operators to make the "best fit" rotor stack. This software enables stacking or fitting of all types of parts; including interference fits, curvic couplings, hirth couplings, and spline fits. The correct position of each component in the rotor stack about the actual centerline of rotation is made with bolt-hole and angle identification.
SuperStack™
A robust rotor-stacking and blade distribution software that determines disc blade distribution based on the calculated centerline deviation and the angular location of the disc in the rotor assembly from disc measurement and weighing of each blade by either pan weight or moment weight. The blade distribution may be used to offset the centerline deviation of the rotor assembly resulting in unmatched vibration, engine performance and balance. Engine shop productivity and cost savings are achieved at the assembly, balance and test cell stations. This method may be applied to a low-pressure turbine, intermediate-pressure turbine, a high pressure turbine, a low-pressure compressor, an intermediate-pressure compressor, a high pressure compressor, a combination of rotors, or a combination of rotors with their respective shafts or hubs.
BearingStack™
Software provides a predictive stacking model for the bearing housing and rotating components assembly, including seals, spacers, bearings and nuts. The bearing centerline center of rotation in the model is coincident with the centerlines of the shaft and rotors, improving engine performance and durability. This alignment enables a"best fit" stack to minimize wear, oil leakage, shaft "bowing" and coking.
ShaftMate™
Software provides a predictive rotor-to-rotor and/or rotor-to-shaft mating model for assembled rotor(s) and their respective shaft. The software model determines the "optimal indexing" and "squaring" of the shafts to the rotor modules as well as rotor-to-rotor mating. The result is a straight assembly with optimized performance.
SmartCase™
An engine casing assembly and alignment software that generates a straight casing build,predictive model from the parts' measurements whose centerline overlaps the centerline of the rotors, shaft and bearings. The specific centerline deviation is identified in advance of assembly so that corrective measures can be made at a specific location and amount for optimal performance.
PartsProgram™
A software program that compares actual physical dimensions of engine component parts to its design dimensions; data is used in the development of a predictive stacking, assembly or mating software model.
ADMA™
ADMA software allows for the measurement of a part radius as well as the relative measurements necessary for stacking with a gauge on the shop floor, avoiding the CMM queue. The measurement accuracy of the ADMA function of the gauge is 0.000100 inch. Compensation for the ambient shop temperature is made through a laser-driven mechanism together with software.
GMS-4000™
A robust measurement gauge (vertical and portable) software that works integrally with Axiam's family of scalable, high-precision measurement gauges. GMS-4000 software has an abundance of features that part measurement easy,quick and highly accurate. Part setup and measurement time is typically 4-5 minutes to measurement accuracy of +/-0.000020 inch. The GMS-4000™ software is used in combination with Axiam's proprietary vertical measurement gauges, 3-D Calibration Master and software.
GMS-5000™
A robust measurement gauge software for use with Axiam's family of scalable horizontal measurement gauges. It is designed for the specific measurement of long parts, such as engine shafts. It has features specifically designed to measure mating surfaces for rotors or disks, such as splines, rotor/shaft assemblies, etc. Part setup and measurement time is typically 4-5 minutes to measurement accuracy of +/-0.000020 inch.
Assembly Optimization Procedures
Rotor Assembly Optimization Procedures™
Procedures that integrate the use of a high precision measurement gauge, gauge software, gauge tooling, SmartStack™ software, PartsProgram™ software, hydraulic assembly tooling and Axiam's assembly optimization know-how. The appropriate utilization of these procedures results in predictable, repeatable assembly processes. These procedure allow operators and technicians to consistently execute to the predictive build model generated by SmartStack™software on the first pass.
Shaft Mating Optimization Procedures™
Procedures that integrate the use of the high precision measurement gauge, gauge software, gauge tooling, ShaftMate™ software and Axiam's know-how in the process of mating shafts to rotor assemblies and/or rotor assemblies to each other. The use of these procedures results in a predictable, repeatable assembly process in which operators will be able to consistently and optimally mate shafts to rotor modules or to each other as indicated in the predictive model generated by the ShaftMate™ software on the first pass.
Bearing Compartment Assembly Optimization Procedures™
Procedures that integrate the use of the high precision measurement gauge, gauge software, gauge tooling Bearing Stack™ software, PartsProgram™ software and Axiam's assembly optimization know-how. The appropriate utilization of these procedures results in a predictable, repeatable assembly process.
Casing Assembly and Alignment Optimization Procedures™
Procedures that integrate the use of the high precision measurement gauge, gauge software, gauge tooling, SmartCase™ software, PartsProgram™ software and Axiam's know-how in the casing assembly and alignment process. The implementation of these procedures results in a predictive, repeatable process in which the operators consistently assemble casings optimally, as indicated in the predictive model generated by SmartCase™ software.
Geometric Balance Assembly Optimization Procedures™
Procedures that integrate the use of the high precision measurement gauge, gauge software, gauge tooling, SuperStack™ software, hydraulic assembly tooling, PartsProgram™ software, blade measurements and Axiam's know-how in the process of building "straight" rotors and optimal blade distribution. These procedures will result in a predictive, repeatable assembly process in which operators consistently build rotors with blades optimally to the SuperStack™ model.