A technology has been developed for the ion-beam modification of long-length cutting tools and compressor blades of gas-turbine engines. The technology utilizes a ribbon beam source of reactive and inert gas ions, with a beam cross-section of 650 х 100 mm2, an ion beam current of up to 0.2 A and an ion energy of up to 40 keV. Ion implantation modifies the phase-structure state of a sub-surface layer, thus imparting improved mechanical properties and enhanced corrosion resistance to the materials.
A low-energy (0.1–0.3 keV) electron beam is used in order to create a plasma ribbon-formed emitter of ions, which is homogeneous over a length of up to1 m. A simple design, which avoids the commonly used thermoionic cathode and magnetic devices, increases the service life and reliability of the ion source. High efficiency of the ion beam treatment is provided owing to the high power of the ion beam and the repeated passage of a large number of products through the ion beam, which allows the effect of temperature on the products to be limited during processing.
