Ever wondered what happens when you send your prop in for repair? Here's a step-by-step look at the professional process.
Step 1: Initial Inspection
Every prop starts with a thorough inspection. We check for bent blades, cracks, pitting, and hub damage. We measure pitch and rake to establish a baseline and identify what needs correction.
Step 2: Straightening
Bent blades are carefully straightened using hydraulic presses and precision jigs. This is done cold to avoid changing the metal's temper. Each blade is brought back to factory specifications.
Step 3: Welding (If Needed)
For props with material loss from dings or erosion, we use TIG welding to add material back. This requires matching the alloy (aluminum or stainless) and proper pre/post-heat treatment.
Step 4: Repitching
After straightening and welding, we verify the pitch of each blade using a pitch block. If the pitch has changed due to damage, we adjust it back to spec—or to a custom pitch if the customer requests.
Step 5: Finishing
Welds are ground smooth, and the entire prop is polished to restore the original surface finish. This isn't just cosmetic—a smooth surface reduces drag and cavitation.
Step 6: Dynamic Balancing
The final step is balancing. We spin the prop on a balancing machine to detect any imbalance. Material is removed from the heavy side until the prop spins true. This is critical for preventing vibration.
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