Curtiss-Wright Laser Peening Technology Utilized by Siemens Power Generation
Siemens Incorporates Laser Peening Technology on Steam Turbines
ROSELAND, N.J., Oct. 11 / / - Curtiss-Wright
Corporation (NYSE: CW) announced today that Siemens Power Generation has begun
utilizing its laser peening technology to improve the fatigue strength of
titanium last row blades on certain of their advanced steam turbines. The last
row blades extract energy from the steam to drive electrical generators.
Although laser peening technology has been utilized for several years to
strengthen critical titanium components in commercial and military turbine
engines, this application represents its first production use in power
generation steam turbines.
"Curtiss-Wright's state-of-the-art laser peening technology enables
Siemens to extend the life of a critical component in its advanced steam
turbine design, and thus improve the overall system reliability," said Martin
R. Benante, Chairman and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "By enhancing the
durability and reliability of critical components, our unique technology has
already provided unsurpassed economic benefits on jet engines and we
anticipate additional demand for this advanced product for aerospace
structures, nuclear power generation, medical implants, oil and gas drilling
and performance racing applications."
Curtiss-Wright's laser peening technology is based on a Neodymium glass
laser technology, which was originally developed by Curtiss-Wright in
conjunction with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The laser beam
with a peak power output of 1000 Megawatts is pulsed and directed at the
surface of metal parts to be treated. One million pounds per square inch
pressure waves are generated at the surface that compress the metal and leave
behind a protective residual compressive stress layer beneath the surface.
This compressive stress acts to increase the component's resistance to failure
mechanisms such as fatigue, fretting fatigue and stress corrosion cracking,
which in turn translates into increased component life and reduced maintenance
costs.
Curtiss-Wright provides this service through its Metal Treatment segment
which has production facilities in Livermore, CA and Earby, UK. Laser peening
continues to gain momentum as a premier metal surface treatment for highly
stressed components of steel, titanium, aluminum and other metals, where
extended life or improved durability is important. Curtiss-Wright's Metal
Treatment segment also operates mobile laser peening systems that can be
transferred and set up anywhere in the world to bring the benefits of the
laser peening technology to field applications.
About Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in
Roseland, N.J. The company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for
motion control and flow control applications, and provides a variety of metal
treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide.
More information on Curtiss-Wright can be found at www.curtisswright.com.
About Our Metal Treatment Segment
Curtiss-Wright's Metal Treatment segment provides precision metal
finishing services, including shot peening, shot peen forming, laser peening,
heat treating, and specialty coatings,. Its customer base includes the
commercial aerospace, automotive, power generation and processing industries.
The Company now operates 64 metal treatment facilities in North America and
Europe. More information on Curtiss-Wright's Metal Treatment segment can be
found on the Internet at www.metalimprovement.com.
