A vast range of components can benefit from the use of thermal spray. The process can be used in the original manufacturing process or as a part of reclamation and re-engineering. Some materials are used in small niche applications, while others are sprayed in large volumes. Each application has its own unique characteristics and benefits, and the process used is dependent on the material.
The benefits of thermal spraying include the ability to coat virtually any substrate. The process can be used with metals, ceramics, and plastics. The process can also be used to coat composite structures. The versatility of thermal spray is unmatched by other processes. It is particularly useful in coating sensitive parts, such as wires, which require very fine coatings. Ultimately, a thermal spray coating process is cost-effective and time-saving for many applications. For advice on HVOF, visit https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/plasma-coatings/
Thermal spraying provides improved surface properties, resulting in extended component life. Thermal spraying can be applied to ceramics, metals, and carbides, and it also enhances the surface properties of the component. Some coatings have even been proven to be stronger than epoxy! You can even choose a material that matches the component’s colour and design! The possibilities are endless.
Another benefit of thermal spraying is its ability to restore worn or damaged parts. It is an excellent choice for parts that undergo high stresses, including bearing journals, fans, turbine compartments, and impellers. The process can restore components with less than one percent porosity and increase their lifespan. With these benefits, thermal spraying is an excellent option for restoring worn and damaged parts.
High pressure and velocity of cold-spraying coatings allows the particles to bond to the substrate. As a result, these particles are bonded together by impacting and interacting with one another. This bonding allows the bonded section to not shrink after solidification. This eliminates the risk of shrinkage, which is common in other high-temp thermal spray and weld coating processes. The process also offers more control over shape and thickness.
Flame-spraying also produces lower noise levels than other thermal spray techniques. And it can be portable, making it an excellent choice for smaller workshops or for job sites that are not equipped with large work spaces.
In addition to being efficient and fast, HVOF also produces dense coatings. This makes it ideal for coatings containing carbide. The HVOF process also has a low exposure time, which prevents the hard carbide phases from degrading. Further, HVOF coatings are superior to other thermal spray processes thanks to the formation of intersplat cohesion between particles.