Criteria Choices And Processes For Your Thermal Spray Needs
Back in the late 19th century, thermal spray originated. That said, a patent for the thermal spray coating process’s earlier predecessor was registered somewhere between the years 1882 and 1889 by M.U. Shoop. The capabilities of the application were improved overall and made more economically feasible by changes made toward the end of World War II.
It is possible to apply both nonmetallic and metallic coatings to materials today thanks to the advances made decades ago.
Categories Involved in Thermal Spray Coating
Generally speaking, in the coating process, energy must be supplied in order to heat the materials being used. Thermal spray coatings and their application fall into one of these four main categories:
- HVOF (high velocity oxygen fuel)
- Plasma arc spray
- Electric arc spray
- Flame spray
(Specifically, the thermal spray coating processes offered by A & A Coatings are spray and fuse hard facing, HVOF coating, plasma spray coating, and metallizing.)
When these energies are applied, either a semi-molten or molten state results. One of two methods is then used to propel the heated particles toward a designated surface. The two methods consist of the following:
- Atomization jets
- Gases
When the surface in questions is struck by the sprayed particles, they bond creating the client specified affect. The sprayed particles are applied in multiple layers by the operator for a greater end thickness.
Criteria Choices
Variables must be considered when selecting the appropriate method of thermal spray. These can consist of the following:
- The workpiece surface – Is a single-phase material involved (i.e., layered, composite, or metal)?
- Thickness, shape, and size – Regarding the component, what is the thickness, shape, and size?
- Budget – What is the working budget of the client?
- Preference – What kind of coating is desired, preferred, or required by the client?
- Requirements – Regarding the coating, what is its purpose and want will be its working environment?
Once this information is determined, A & A Coatings can assist the client in determining the correct thermal spray coating for the workpiece’s surface substrate.
Turn To A & A Coatings For Thermal Spray And More
Spray coating materials used by our company can be HVOF materials, plasma spray materials, metallizing materials, and spray and infuse hard facing materials. Proprietary coatings offered by A & A Coatings are Microcoat, Wirewear Protective Coating, and Cerami-Pak. We also offer machining and grinding including the following:
- Undercut pre-machining – Involved in many repairs is the undercutting of a component. This must be done below specified damages such as corrosion, erosion, and wear.
- Roll grinding – Included in our service is polishing, machining, and finish grinding. Our capacity for roll grinding means that coatings can be ground up to the hardness of tungsten and ceramic carbides (as well as almost any alloy or metal’s base substrate).
- Finishing services – The finish grinding of coatings is best left to the experts in part because those not experienced with spray coatings can have considerable difficulty with the process. Grinding sprayed coatings requires specific procedures, different wheels, low bond strength, relatively coarse-grain, and many other specifics that can be difficult for inexperienced individuals.
Evolving technologies such as thermal spray are introduced or improved on a daily basis. At A & A Coatings, our knowledgeable staff members will assist and guide you in choosing the correct thermal spray coating ideal for your situation. Our technicians will supply you with their expertise no matter what type of protective coating you seek. Contact us today.
