If you need surface coatings that are stronger and denser, plasma spraying is the smart choice. The process is relatively complex when compared to other forms of thermal spraying but the results are worth it. That’s what makes plasma spraying such a widely used process in a number of modern applications.
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What is plasma spraying?
Plasma spraying is the application of molten material onto a substrate surface.
This heated material is sprayed onto a substrate where it rapidly cools and
forms a coating. The plasma jet itself melts, accelerates and then sprays the
particles creating surface treatments that are tailor-made to a particular
application.
How the process works
The plasma gun used for spraying comprises a water-cooled tungsten cathode and
copper anode. The anode takes the shape of a constricting nozzle through which
the plasma gas – composed of helium, nitrogen, hydrogen and argon – passes and
exits as a neutral plasma flame that carries no electrical current.
Powder like the surface treatments available from https://www.poeton.co.uk/treatments is then fed into the flame
and rapidly heated. The subsequent acceleration creates improved spray
distances and allows bespoke coatings to be created because the plasma stream
can be influenced in terms of melting and acceleration properties. In fact, the
high heat of the thermal plasma is capable of melting just
about any suitable material.
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Applications for plasma spraying
Because of its versatility, plasma spraying is suitable for a wide range of
applications. Plasma coatings can be composed of pure metals, ceramics,
carbides, alloys and abradables and used in a diverse range of industries
including aerospace, household appliances and biomedical.
Applications include biocompatible coatings for dental implants, zirconia-based
thermal barrier coatings, and specialised coatings for piston rings.
The advantages of plasma spraying
Although the equipment can be expensive, plasma spraying has a wide range of
benefits including thermal insulation and electrical conductivity plus advanced
protection against wear and corrosion.
Other advantages to plasma spraying include:
– Wide range of substrates that can be coated making it easy to select the
correct powder coating.
– Huge range of available treatments and coatings.
– Range of powder particle sizes between 5-100µm to suit almost any
application.
