Plasma spray v flame spray: the differences and advantages
Plasma and flame spray techniques are both applications of the thermal spray process.
Thermal Plasma Spray
Thermal plasma spray involves gas that has been heated to such high temperatures that it becomes capable of ionisation and conducting electricity. An electrical arc is formed between the nozzle and the electrode of a plasma gun.
Particles of powder are injected into the emerging plasma jet. These then soften and collide at a high velocity with the substrate to be coated. This creates a strong coating when cooled upon impact.
Thermal plasma spray coating has a huge number of advantages, including high-strength bonding to substrates, a denser coating, and the capability of spraying a larger range of nano-sized powders.
Thermal plasma spray coating offers resistance to oxidation and heat, protection against corrosion and resistance against wear and tear.
For more information on a range of high-performance thermal plasma spray coatings, offered in state-of-the-art facilities, visit a specialist such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-800-thermal-plasma-spray. A highly skilled spraying team will be capable of offering a service involving even the most intricate of pieces, including steel, titanium, copper, and aluminium, as well as non-metallic substrates.
Thermal Flame Spray
Thermal flame spray is used for the purpose of melting wires and, in some cases, powders and rods.
In flame spray torches, a mixture of acetylene and oxygen is combusted in front of the torch nozzle.
Material in atomised form is generated into a spray jet, with the assistance of pressurised air.
The flame spray process is usually carried out manually, although automation is possible.
Flame spray is a lower-cost alternative to plasma spray, with little capital and equipment costs involved. It is an easy process to learn and relatively straightforward to carry out.
