What Is Your Favorite Metallic Powder For Surface Treatment?

In the world of thermal and protective coatings, there is an extensive selection of alloy powders that are pure metal-based. These are used in complex to simple coatings that protect against oxidation and high-temperature wear. Also available in a variety of choices are the manufacturing techniques used to produce custom and standard powders. Powders manufactured through physical blending, agglomeration, vacuum sintering, and AGA (argon gas atomization) provide specific coating properties made to meet the demands of particular applications and clientele.

Surface Treatment – Metallic Powder Selections

There are a handful of metallic powders that can be used for surface treatment. These consist of the following:

Nickel-based
Molybdenum Based
Iron Based
Copper-based
Aluminum Based

Let’s take a look at the characteristics involved in the various powders included in each metallic powder-based choice. Keep in mind that various specific powders are included in each group, but all will not offer identical characteristics. These characteristics are a generalization that applies to the metallic based powder group.

Nickel Based

Excellent high-temperature performance and provides tough, strong joints
Excellent erosion resistance
Good for clearance control
Good readability offered by flame spraying
Perfect for friction applications, coatings are lubricious
Excellent properties for corrosion and high-temperature oxidation
Good for buildup and repair of chemistry super alloy components
Many exhibit characteristics similar to Rene 80 or Alloy 718
With some, thick coatings are possible, stainless steel-like coatings are machinable, smoke-free spray ability is offered, and they are bondable with most metallic surfaces
Some can be used for a ceramic bond coat
Temperature limitations for usefulness vary

Molybdenum Based

Low coefficient resistance
High wear resistance
Self-bonds to many metallic surfaces
High hardness and natural lubricity
Oil retention is promoted by certain coating structures
In most cases, they are useful up to 316°C/600°F

Iron Based

Excellent corrosion and wear resistance
Good against erosion, cavitation, and fretting
Moderately hard coating
Many are useful below 649°C/1200°F
Good for dimensional buildup and repair
Offer a coating that is easily machined and smooth

Copper Based

Pure, atomized Cu for some
Coating is easily machined
Offer resistance to galling and fretting at low temperatures
Excellent bearing material
Some offer dense, low oxide content coatings

Cobalt Based

Useful for brazing applications
CO-222’s low melt temperature version
Some comparable to MAR-M-509+B, FS X-414, CM-64, Tribaloy 800, or Alloy 6, (or some variation of these)
Used primarily for repair applications
Advantages include oxidation resistance and high-temperature strength
Some are super alloy brazing designed
Various powders are aerospace application’s superalloys
Some offer suitability for cobalt-based part repair thanks to denseness and hardness
Low friction coefficient
Some, when spray coated, offer a smooth finish

Aluminum Based

Usability for some is up to 325°C/600°F
Unbreakable, high quality material
Some are electrophoretic material used exclusively by Rolls-Royce Allison
Certain powders offer finishes that are shiny, smooth, and bright
Gas path seal coating that is turbine engine abradable
Denser and harder than pure aluminum
Excellent for repair of Mg and Al based parts
Good electrical conductivity
Offer a dense coating that protects against corrosion

If you are looking for surface treatments involving metallic powders, look no further. A & A Coatings is the go-to thermal spray, protective coating service for any number of today’s industries and applications. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your surface coating needs.