Since its origin, over a century ago, metal spraying (Otherwise known as a thermal spray) has been relied on by superintendents and maintenance personnel. They have used thermal spray technology as a cost-effective way to repair components and incorrectly machined parts for industrial equipment.
Everyone, including Alphatek, has continued in making thermal spray technology more effective and attractive by creating new spray systems and materials. As a result, it is now possible to tailor a coating solution to fit a customer’s needs.
In this Alphatek blog, we’re going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages (If any) of metal spraying…
What Is Metal Spraying?
Metal spraying is the process by which a coating is applied to the material via the coating material is heated until it becomes molten. It is then sprayed onto the substrate where it solidifies and bonds on contact forming a stable and hard-wearing coating.
There are several advantages (along with some disadvantages) to thermal spray coatings which are detailed below.
What Are The Advantages Of Metal Spray Coatings?
Wide Range Of Coating Materials
Alphatek has a variety of different materials that can be turned into high-quality coatings. These include metal, alloy, ceramic, plastic, and polymer and can be in the form of powder, rod or wire.
The main advantage to this is a specific coating material can be chosen specifically for each individual client and the substrate they want the material applied to. A near-perfect match can often be made between the two.
Huge Variety Of Substrate Materials
If the material to be coated can withstand the heat of the thermal spray process, then almost any material can be coated using this method. However, there are also several specific spray coating methods which in fact use much lower temperatures and so the range of substrate materials is even further increased.
Increased Lifespan
The main reason why we use this method. To increase the lifespan of the substrate. A strong and efficient thermal spray coating will extend the lifespan of the substrate by providing an effective barrier against erosion, decomposition, and other forms of surface damage.
Thermal spraying allows much thicker coatings to be applied in higher deposition rates than other coating methods, which provide a much more effective barrier against wear and tear.
Reduced Cost
Completely replacing your equipment can be costly and way out of your organisations budget. That’s why in many cases businesses choose for their equipment to be repaired by applying our thermal spray coating technology. It is far cheaper than replacing it.
Also, thermal spray coatings tend to be much more efficient and waste less of the coating material than with other methods so are a much more viable option when more expensive coating materials are involved.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Metal Spray Coatings?
No Evaluation Method
Once the thermal spray coating has been applied, it is very difficult to assess how well the coating has adhered to the substrate. The only assessment you can do is visual.
Original Setup Cost
This is from a business point of view and not for a consumer considering the process for their equipment. Some of the methods of thermal spray coatings require a large apparatus that isn’t cheap, this results in a high initial set-up cost.
Unable To Distinguish The Substrate
As thermal spray coatings are so efficient and effective in many cases it is impossible to tell what material the substrate was made of after the coating process has been completed. That of course is if you haven’t kept a record.
Alphatek: Metal Spraying & Thermal Spray Coating Specialists
We, Alphatek, are Hyperformance Coatings leading independent metal spraying and thermal spray coatings specialist. We provide complete metal spraying, thermal spray coatings, fluoropolymer coating and finishing services to a diverse range of industries.
With a cumulative of 100 years of experience, you could say we have seen a lot and worked with a high number of people. We have developed our products and services to deliver the best value, most effective thermal spray coatings solution, first time, every time and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.
You can call us directly on 01706 821021, or you can email us at postbox@alphatek.co.uk.
Alternatively, if you’d like to visit us we are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Just be wary of our opening times.
