Thermal spray coatings can be used in an array of applications. Thermal coatings provide a wide range of functions and functionalities spanning various industries and components – But what are some applications of thermal spray coating?

In some applications of thermal spray coatings, they’re often used to protect products from extreme temperatures and elements. Others can include protection from buildings and environmental conditions such as rain, sand and humidity.

And lastly, to just touch the surface, thermal spray coatings are also widely used in the automotive industry, to enhance the longevity of vehicles and bring them back to their best.

In this Alphatek blog, we have discussed what are some some applications of thermal spray coating, what is a thermal spray, how is it applied, and where to go if you need quality service.   

What Is Thermal Spray?

Thermal Spray is a coating process that creates a layer of additional protection or improves the performance of an affordable substrate or component. Almost any kind and form of material can be thermally sprayed – which is why thermal spray has been used worldwide to provide corrosion protection, protect from wear and abrasion, restore and repair components, and more.

What Is The Most Used Metal Spray Coating?

Depending on the specific requirements for your job, we will work with your team to provide the ideal thermal spray application. Consider each thermal spray coating, the industry application, and when best used.

HVOF Tungsten Carbide Coating

– Industry Application: HVOF thermal spray coatings are commonly used in industries that work with:

  • Alloys
  • Metals
  • Plastics
  • Ceramics
  • Composites

– Best Used For: HVOF coating is a type of thermal spray coating that is traditionally used to restore or improve the function of a component’s surface dimensions or properties. The primary goal of HVOF coating is to improve the quality and durability of a part or component by adding a coating that will increase wear and erosion resistance.

Overall, HVOF coating on parts is effective for reducing maintenance and repair costs, improving mechanical performance, improving equipment efficiency, and increasing the equipment’s threshold and capacity for operating in higher and lower temperature extremes.

How Is HVOF Tungsten Carbide Coating Applied?

Tungsten carbide coatings are achieved through the HVOF thermal spray process. Here are a few pointers for you:

  • At a high temperature, the fuel gas is fed into a special nozzle’s combustion chamber.
  • Here it burns, producing a high pressure, hot gas stream.
  • Next, injected into this gas stream are tungsten carbide powder particles.
  • Toward the substance being coated, the stream is directed to create a durable, dense coating.
  • Within this process, fuel gas and oxygen are combusted in a high-pressure chamber reaching temperatures up to 5,600°F.

Using robotic apparatus, the process of HVOF coating application usually takes place in a spray booth. The machine within the spray booth is being manually operated by a worker outside of the booth.

Advantages of Thermal Spray Coating

Some of the benefits of thermal spray coatings include the following:

  • Reduced Cost. The cost of repairing the component is less than buying a new one. Often, the coating lasts longer than the original material used.
  • Low Heat Input. With few exceptions, the thermal spray process leaves the component’s thermal history alone.
  • Versatility. Almost any metal, ceramic or plastic can be thermally sprayed.

Thermal Spray Coatings In Manchester 

Here at Alphatek, we have a combined over 100 years of cumulative coating expertise in house. We have seen a lot and believe there’s no real shortcut to experience.

Working closely with our customers over the years, we have developed our products and services to deliver the best value. The most effective thermal spray coatings solution, first time, every time and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.

For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, look no further than us, Alphatek. I hope we have given you enough information regarding “What Are Some Applications Of Thermal Spray Coating?”. If we haven’t and you require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

You can call us directly on 01706 821021 or 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.