Patent attributes
A process for closing an opening in a surface of a component, and components formed thereby. The process entails forming a channel in the component surface so that the channel at least partially surrounds an opening at the component surface. An alloy is then deposited in the channel to form a crack-free deposit in the channel. A step is then machined that intersects the opening and is at least partially formed in the deposit. The step defines a recess that is at least partially surrounded by a peripheral portion of the deposit and has a surface recessed into the component surface. A cap is placed in the recess and welded to the peripheral portion of the deposit to define a weld joint that completely closes the opening. The surface of the weld joint is then machined to form a machined surface that is substantially flush with the component surface.
