PELHAM, NH – The US Air Force has awarded PhotoMachining Inc. a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research grant.

“Innovative Methods for Automated Controlled Removal of Thermal Barrier Coatings and Bondcoats from Turbine Airfoils for Rework and Repair” is a nine-month effort to develop a laser-based removal process that removes TBCs from aircraft engine turbine airfoils at high speeds. 

Financial terms of the grant were not disclosed.

If successful, a Phase II contract will be pursued to commercialize the technology.

The technique has applications in high-speed hole drilling, coating removal and surface modification.

PhotoMachining performs laser micromachining and custom laser system integration.