AbstractAn introduction from a customer's viewpoint is provided for a series of papers on the repair and refurbishment of superalloy components. The nature of superalloy components in use worldwide is used to demonstrate the size of the potential market for repair and the possible return for both the repairer and the user. The design features which make superalloy components expensive are illustrated. The considerations in determining the real value and cost effectiveness of a repair in terms of cost per operating hour are reviewed. Post–repair inspection requirements are often neglected. The importance of developing suitable inspection methods concurrently with the repair process so that maximum advantage can be taken in using it by ensuring the integrity of the repair parts is discussed. Similarly, the importance of demonstrating and maintaining process control in order to guarantee good repair where inspection is impractical is illustrated.MST/99