If you are eager to know if thermal spray coating is the right option for your production process, you will want to learn as much about it as possible. In this brief article we are going to learn what a thermal spray coating is, how it is done and the sorts of applications it is most suited to.
What Is Thermal Spray Coating?
Often described as spray welding, thermal spray coating is an industrial process in which a heat source along with a coating material (in a powder or wire form) is melted and sprayed onto a surface. This is a high velocity process and is why that spray welding description is used. It is always applied to a metal or plastic substrate, and is typically chosen when you need to somehow improve or enhance the performance of the object.
The process involves preparation, masking, coating, finishing and inspecting and though molten metals can be applied, the process is done at a temperature low enough to ensure the substrate or component is never overheated or damaged.
Why Use Them?
Why would you select thermal spray coating ? many say that it is an ideal option if you need to strengthen an item, but it is also popular for its versatility where the choices of substrate and coating are concerned. Though substrates are most often metal, including softer metals such as copper, they can also include some plastics. The coating materials can be as diverse as the substrates and include ceramics, pure metals, tungsten, stainless steel, and nickel and chrome. What this means is simple – you can enjoy design flexibility while also resolving any number of performance problems due to material flaws or weaknesses.
To select the ideal process for your needs, you should just pose a few simple questions. These emphasize the goal of the work and include:
* The purpose of the project or coating
* The type of coating
* The size or shape of components
* The surface of the component
* The budget
It is only by looking at the specifics of the items to be treated that the ideal coating process can be selected. Whether it is to be flame sprayed, plasma arc sprayed, electric arc sprayed or HVOF (high velocity oxygen fuel) treated, you will also want to speak with experts in metal or component finishing to understand the ideal choice. Thermal spray coating is universally seen as a premium finish, but as is the case with all finishes, you will need to select the right process and treatment for your project and budget.