Lightweight metals have become the option for several applications in multiple industries. Aluminium, titanium, and even magnesium are at the forefront of the company’s minds in the automotive, railway and many other industries.
All three metals share multiple benefits that provide each industry what they need. That is an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and the versatility other leading metals can’t provide engineers around the globe.
Some lightweight metals provide corrosion resistance even when untreated, but with metal and coatings applied, the performance, longevity and durability are positively impacted. In this Alphatek blog, we will be answering your question of “What is the most durable metal coating” have discussed the most durable metal coating, what types of coatings are available and which would best suit your industry.
What Is Spray Metal Coating?
Spray metal coating, otherwise known as thermal spray coating, is a generic category given to a coating process. It applies a consumable as a spray of finely divided molten or semi-molten droplets to produce a coating.
What Are The Types Of Metal Coating?
There are five main types of coating, all of which apply a consumable as a spray onto a surface to adhere and form a continuous coating.
- Fluoropolymer Metal Coating
Fluoropolymer metal coatings are an engineer’s dream. This thermal spray allows cutting-edge designs to become possible. Fluoropolymer coatings (Teflon) come in two forms, low-friction and non-stick. In short, Fluoropolymer coating is a blend of high-performance resin and fluoropolymer lubricants.
- Flame Spray
The flame spray is a low-velocity coating that specialises in protecting your delicate applications. Flame spray produces is a high-quality surface coating that uses heat, from the combustion of a fuel gas with oxygen, to melt a spray coating material that is propelled onto a substrate.
- HVOF Tungsten Carbide
HVOF Tungsten Carbide Coating is the most popular in our range of coatings. Depending on the formulation of the HVOF tungsten carbide coating it is possible to formulate a solution for multiple applications.
HVOF uses the heat and pressure generated from the combustion of a liquid or gas fuel mixed with oxygen. The mixture is combusted in a chamber where it heats and expands, forcing the exhaust gases out of the gun barrel at supersonic speeds.
- Plasma Spraying
Possibly the most versatile coating process out of the 5 we have mentioned. Plasma spraying is designed specifically for industrial parts that are exposed to heat or wear and tear. When the industrial parts are plasma-sprayed, the benefits include durability and longevity.
- Arc-Wire Spraying
Arc-Wire spraying consists of the form of two separate wires being brought together at the gun nozzle. One is positively charged, and the other is negatively charged resulting in a high voltage electric arc being struck between them. This melts the metal before it is atomised and projected to the substrate by compressed air.
This method of coating is especially suitable for providing corrosion protection to materials with low melting points such as aluminium and copper. Alloys whether Steel, Stainless Steel or non-ferrous combinations.
What Is The Toughest Metal Coating?
Thermal spraying for corrosion control is usually carried out by Flame and Arc-wire – they are the least costly and quickest to implement, so are suitable for corrosion protection of larger structures. Plasma and HVOF sprays are used to apply engineering coatings and are of higher quality, density, and bond strength.
Alphatek: Get In Touch
Here at Alphatek, we specialise in thermal spray coatings. Alphatek has an extensive history of experience and case studies to showcase. We can firmly say we’ve seen a lot.
We like to work closely with our customers, which ensures we can deliver the best results. We have developed our products and services to provide the best value. For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, look no further than us, Alphatek.
We hope this blog has answered the question ”What Is The Most Durable Metal Coating?”. If you need any more information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call us 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. Please check our opening times when planning your visit to Alphatek.
