Five Commonly Used Thermal Spraying Methods
Thermal sprays are commonly used in a variety of industrial fields to enhance the surface properties of metals. Metals are generally soft and are easily affected by external properties. However, by coating metals with a variety of coating materials using a thermal spray process, metals used for engineering have a greater resistance to wear, corrosion, and heat.
HVOF
HVOF or high velocity oxygen fuel spraying is a process using a torch with a nozzle that allows the flame to spread. This speeds up the particles in the mixture, resulting in an even and exceptionally thin coating that is strong, adheres well, and increases the resistance to corrosion, although it is less effective for high temperature environments.
Plasma Spraying
A thermal plasma spray uses a plasma torch as its main tool for coatings that can range from a few micrometres to a few millimetres thick. Powder is the most commonly used material in a thermal plasma spray, although metals and ceramics can also be used.
This spray is highly adaptable. To find out more about its uses, contact an expert such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/thermal-metal-sprays/plasma-coatings.
Flame Spraying
Flame spraying is often used for surfaces that aren’t designed to cope with extreme stress. The spraying mechanism is powered by a lower flame velocity, which means that the coating is not as strongly attached as with some other methods. However, the cost of flame spraying is also lower, so it is a popular choice for low-intensity applications.
Fluoropolymer Coating
A fluoropolymer coating features a blend of fluoropolymer lubricants and high-performance resin. This is a very specific coating that adds many useful properties. It is ideal for those wanting greater flexibility in their design.
Two-Wire Electric Arc Spraying
In this spraying method, an arc point is created between two electrically conductive wires, with melting occurring at the point where the wires connect. The heat generated at this arc creates deposition and melting. The coatings are sprayed using compressed air. This method of thermal coating is cost-effective and is particularly suitable when the base material is aluminium or zinc.
