Thermal spraying is a form of surface treatment. Like other surface treatments, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide whether thermal spraying is the most appropriate method for you, you need to understand how it works.
What is thermal spraying?
The thermal spraying process traditionally involves using a flame to heat a substance and then firing the now-liquid droplets towards the surface that is being coated. There, it will solidify into a protective layer. The substance may originally be in powder, liquid, ceramic, or wire form.
Are there different types of thermal spraying?
Different types of thermal spraying are classified based on the heat source, such as thermal plasma spray, like that available at www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/thermal-metal-sprays/plasma-coatings/. Other types include cold spraying, flame spraying, arc spraying and high velocity oxy fuel.
How strong is the bond in thermal spraying?
Many factors can influence the bond strength. These include the type and roughness of the material being sprayed, the temperature of the spray, and the reaction between the two. The usual range is 60-80 MPa.
What are the applications of thermal spraying?
Industries utilising thermal spraying include mining, electronics, aviation, biomedical and printing. It can create coatings that resist wear and corrosion, which are useful in marine environments or when building infrastructure. It can also be used as a colouring for artistic purposes.
What are the advantages of thermal spraying?
People choose thermal spraying over other surface treatments because it is fast acting, in both the heating and cooling stages, which also helps prevent material decomposition. It is not as volatile as paint and can be used for substances with a high melting point.
Are there any problems with thermal spraying?
Oxidation can be a risk with thermal spraying, but this can be avoided with the use of a shroud or by spraying from a controlled environment such as a vacuum. Spraying of ceramics, in particular, requires optimised cooling to avoid residual stress.
These are some common questions regarding thermal spraying. You can use the answers to determine whether you should pursue thermal spraying for your specific needs.
