An introduction to plasma spraying
Plasma spraying is one of a number of thermal spraying techniques that use heat in order to apply specialist coatings to the surfaces of components (often called ‘substrates’).
Plasma Spraying Process
The plasma spraying process is intricate and must be closely controlled to ensure both safety and effectiveness. The main stages are outlined below.
1. Preheating: this is a crucial step where the substrate is heated before being coated. Doing this makes the substrate more receptive and encourages better adhesion. This helps enhance the overall coating quality.
2. Powder injection and melting: the chosen powder particles are injected into an extremely hot plasma jet – melting and becoming droplets. These are then sprayed onto the substrate at high velocity.
3. Coating: when they impact the substrate, the molten droplets solidify and accumulate, gradually adding a layer of coating. The thickness of the coating can be tightly controlled using various spraying parameters.
4. Cooling and solidification: once attached to the substrate, the droplets cool and solidify. This stage is important for determining the microstructure and key properties of the coating. Proper cooling also prevents defects and promotes adhesion.
Benefits of Plasma Spray
There are numerous benefits to using plasma spraying to add coatings. These coatings can improve thermal insulation, prevent wear and tear, and protect against corrosion and oxidation. All of this helps to enhance durability and extend lifespan. A plasma spray coating can be applied to a range of different surfaces and offers exceptional bond strength.
Plasma spray specialists
If you are interested in learning more about this process, contact a plasma spray specialist such as www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/plasma-coatings/.
Industries and Applications
Plasma spray coatings are used in a number of industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, marine, petrochemical, and engineering.
Examples of items that are coated using this method include hair straighteners, pet toys, car parts (piston rings, bypass shafts, and carburettors), medical/dental implants and tools, solar panels, and turbine combustion chambers.
