Thermal spray coating is a fantastic way to protect against oxidisation, erosion and corrosion, saving you time and money. However, with several processes falling under the thermal spray umbrella, choosing the correct one can take time and effort.
We’ve taken a closer look at thermal spraying and the specific properties of plasma spray to help you make an informed decision.
What is thermal spraying?
Put simply, thermal spraying involves heating and melting ceramic or metallic coatings and then depositing them onto a surface. This process, which can be achieved through various methods such as flame, arc or plasma spraying, alters the original material’s appearance and enhances its performance.
Thermal spray has many advantages, including extending the lifespan of a component and low-cost repairs.
What is plasma spraying?
Plasma spray is a type of thermal spraying that relies on electric means to heat the coating materia. By contrast, HVOF and flame spraying rely on chemical means of combustion to produce a heat source.
In plasma spraying, a gas is heated to the point where it ionises and conducts electricity. A plasma gun generates an electrical arc between an electrode and the nozzle. Subsequently, material particles are injected into the plasma jet, softening and colliding with the surface to be coated at high speed, creating a strong and durable finish.
Plasma spray coatings from a surface treatment specialist such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/plasma-coatings/ are incredibly versatile. That’s why plasma spray is often preferred when coating a wide range of materials, offering superior heat and oxidation resistance, wear resistance and corrosion protection.
When to choose plasma spray
Plasma spray is a fantastic and versatile coating method compared to other types of thermal spraying. For example, plasma spray can be used to create ceramic coatings that are highly temperature and wear-resistant. It’s a versatile procedure with high levels of control, making it the smart choice when working with cermets, metals and alloys that require superior performance.
With its unique attributes and a wide variety of uses, plasma spray can be the ideal solution for your next industrial application.
