Plasma spray coating might not be something you hear about day-to-day, but it’s a tried and tested technology that is used across a huge range of different industries. Its purpose is to protect and enhance the surfaces of all kinds of different components across plenty of different applications. Whether that’s keeping a jet engine cool or extending the life of machinery components and parts, thermal plasma spray coatings are a really important solution. Here are six of the advantages that explain why this is such a useful method.
Material Versatility
Thermal plasma spray has the ability to handle a huge range of coating materials, which is an enormous benefit. These could be metals, ceramics or even polymers. This means you can customise the surface to suit the specific needs of a project, whether that is resisting heat, reducing wear or preventing rust.
Heat and Wear Resistance
The plasma jet provides intense heat that reaches up to a whopping 15,000°C, which means that coatings can be engineered to withstand the harshest environments you could possibly think of. This is why you’ll find plasma-coated parts in aircraft engines, turbines and automotive systems – all environments where extreme conditions are often the norm.
Strong Bond Strength
The plasma spray process melts materials into fine particles, firing them at high speed onto the component’s surface to create a really dense and well-adhered layer. Because it’s so well bonded, it lasts longer without flaking or peeling.
Controlled Thickness
Thermal plasma spray can create the perfect coating, from something super thin to extremely thick. The method allows plenty of control over thickness, so it can be tailored to an individual project. Companies such as www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/thermal-metal-sprays/plasma-coatings/ can provide plasma spray solutions.
Minimal Heat Impact
Although the process uses very high temperatures to melt the coating material, the component underneath will remain pretty cool. This means there’s less risk of warping, distortion or heat damage to the substrate.
Improved Surface Properties
Plasma coatings can also improve the surface itself, making it harder, reducing friction, providing insulation or boosting the thermal performance.