Achieving Abrasion Resistant Coatings Via Thermal Spray Processes
Abrasion resistant coatings help to increase the lifespan and performance of equipment and industrial parts. These coatings will also serve to reduce replacement costs and maintenance requirements. The thermal spray process through which these coatings are applied makes it easier to apply many types of coatings to almost any material.
Why Use The Thermal Spray Process?
As just mentioned, this process takes a protective coating (like one for abrasion resistance) and allows for easy application. In the past, it may have been difficult, if not impossible, to do without the thermal spray process for any number of reasons and conditions. The process also provides the opportunity for precise management of coating thickness. Additional coatings can even be added, when necessary, with no need to sacrifice function, form, or fit.
Using Experienced Application Services (Companies)
By having your business’ materials coated by a reputable coating company, you assure yourself and your business of getting the abrasion coatings required to meet the unique, specific needs of your business. Highly advanced equipment and a team of certified thermal spray operators can modify, as needed, the application process and the chemistries of the coating materials to customize the abrasion resistant coatings to your precise applications.
Identifying The Problem
In order to solve the problem of abrasion, we must first decide which coating is appropriate. Understanding the various types of mechanisms of wear is essential here. Wear mechanisms can take the following forms: adhesive, fretting, erosive, or abrasive. Fortunately, any of these kinds of wear issues can be addressed through the process of thermal spray. This is because the process can apply different kinds of coatings for resistance to abrasion or wear due to its working compatibility with a vast array of materials.
Why Use Coatings That Protect Against Abrasion and Wear?
The protective coatings discussed here make life easier in general. When parts last longer and perform more efficiently, your bottom line improves. Maintenance personnel will appreciate the way protective coatings lower the need for part replacement and avoidable repairs. Specifically, increased surface fatigue and micro-cracking can be markedly avoided.
Materials Used in Protective Coatings
Your company’s parts and/or products can all be protected via the thermal coating process through the use of abrasion resistant materials used in the process. These materials will likely be one of the following: Aluminum Oxide Ceramic (or White Alumina), Chrome Oxide Ceramic, or Tungsten Carbide.
There are other wear resistant coatings, but those three are the most popular and the most used.
What Kinds of Parts Need Protective Coatings
The list here could go on indefinitely. Thanks to the thermal spray process, this number of parts has grown over time and is likely to expand even further in the future. The types of parts that can be protected by the application of abrasion and wear resistant coatings could be any of the following and much, much more: agitators, roll surfaces, pumps, mixers, etc.
If you feel that abrasion resistant coatings are something your business can benefit from, or if you would like to find out more about what A&A Coatings can do for you, contact us today. We have a knowledgeable team available to answer all of your questions.
