US Navy Sees Success With Advanced Thermal Coatings

Thermal spray coatings have been used by the U.S. Navy on landing gear for their aircraft, chrome replacement on hydraulic cylinders, and much more. It is used for machinery element restoration and repair as well and can be found in shipyards and naval centers throughout the nation.

Additional applications for thermal spray coatings by the United States Navy can include refinishing of ball valves, gate valves, and valve tappets; rebuilding of valve bodies, refinishing of cylinders, and reclamation of periscope tubes.

U.S. Army Thermal Spray Processes

Here are the thermal spray processes used by the United States Navy:

Electric – PTA welding, plasma, electric arc wire
Oxy-Fuel – HVOF, Oxy-fuel powder, Oxy-fuel wire

Fan Repair on the LCAC Lift

Thermal spray procedures and applications were helpful in this area in the following manners

Fleet maintenance was significantly reduced
After five years of service, there was no corrosion (particularly in high vibration environments, corrosion and saltwater pitting is a huge problem)

Casings on Nuclear Cooling Pumps

Thermal spray coatings helped in the following ways in this case:

Fewer needs for new pumps – new pumps have a 36-month lead time (very long)
When compared to the cost of a new pump, thermal spray procedures are a fraction of the cost
Pumps are returned to service very quickly
Many problems can be corrected through thermal spray
The perfect solution for erosion bearing surfaces and areas that are prone to wear

Refurbishment of Titanium Ball Valves on the Trident Submarine

Ceramic coatings are now required on all submarine valves. Here are just a few reasons why:

No more corrosion means no more unnecessary maintenance
Thus far, an eight-year lifespan has been enjoyed by installed refurbished balls
Spare source industrial base replacements are not available
In the past, because of corrosion, every 18 months, replacement of the Trident seawater ball valve was necessary

Should The U.S. Army Get Onboard?

The answer is “yes”. The army could greatly benefit from thermal spray coatings in the following ways:

Repairs could be completed in contractor centers or repair depots
No more need to replace tread pins on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle after just 800 miles
On Bogie tank sides, tops, and wheels, rust corrosion could be reduced/stopped
No more need to replace tank tread pins on M-1A2 Abrams Tanks after just 600 miles
And so much more such as their USACE Hopper Dredge, in engineer facilities, their medium trucks, etc.

When done correctly, and through certified procedures by qualified individuals, thermal spray installation and products can lower operating costs and improve reliability for the navy, the army, and any number of industries throughout the world.

A&A Coatings serves the defense and military industry proudly. Where our clients are concerned, we offer the latest, most high-tech applications and coatings. When it comes to our staff, we make sure that everyone from our applicators to our customer service representatives are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Contact us at A&A Coatings today to see how we can be of assistance to you, your industry, and your company.