Thermal Spray Systems are a popular technology used to improve and enhance the surface of a
solid material, restoring it to its best or improving it. The process is designed to add many benefits, and it can help protect against: wear, cavitation, corrosion, abrasion, heat, and erosion. It is used in many industries to further enhance the quality of finished work and can extend the life of components of many machines from vehicles to factory equipment.
How does Thermal Spraying Work?
The process of thermal spraying involves the spread of a thermal spray coating onto the chosen surface. It involves the projection of particles onto the fully clean and prepare surface and a combination of thermal and kinetic energies leads to these particles flattening and spreading on the surface, joining together and creating the full, cover-all coating.
What are Thermal Spray Coatings Used For?
Thermal spray coatings are used for a variety of applications in industry. They provide a wide range of functions and are often used to treat aeroplanes to protect them from extremes of temperature and the elements. They are also used to protect buildings from environmental conditions such as rain and humidity. Thermal spray coatings are also widely used in the automotive industry, to enhance longevity of vehicles and bring them back to their best.
From a more technical perspective thermal coatings may be used specifically for:
Cathodic Coating
This type of coating provides excellent corrosion protection and involves applying a metal coating which is cathodic to the base. For example, applying a nickel alloy coating to a steel base would be considered a cathodic coating. It provides a strong, protective barrier and is recommended as a thicker coating.
Resurfacing
Thermal spaying is an established choice for surfacing metal parts in industry and in vehicles. It can increase the lifespan of a component or improve its engineering performance. Thermal spray coatings are usually applied to elements which have been worn or corroded such as bearings or printing rolls.
Dielectric Coating
In industries such as electronic packaging and the automotive and aerospace industries ceramic dielectric coating is a common choice. Dieletric coatings are typically pure aluminium oxide, and they are sprayed at an extremely high density, allowing them to withstand thousands of volts, as is necessary in industries which involve significant volumes of live electricity.
Thermal spray coatings are a commonplace industrial technology which many businesses can benefit from, enhancing the quality of their equipment and ensuring their end products are finished to the highest standard.
For further details of our services please contact us at IRS Surfacing Technologies Ltd today.