Despite the high temperatures involved in plasma spray coating, it is often known as the cold method. This is because the substrate or base material can be kept cool throughout the process, which prevents any risk of warping or damage to the substrate. It is the plasma flame that melts the coating material through the use of argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium gases reaching very high temperatures.
An electrical arc propels the material onto the base, where it comes into contact with the cool surface. The coating begins to flatten and cool immediately, forming a strong bond with the surface resulting in very high durability. Think of that Teflon-coated frying pan you have in the kitchen cupboard and you get the idea.
Uses of plasma spray-coated products.
It is not only in the kitchen that you will find you may have items with plasma spray coated surfaces. They could also be lurking in the bathroom or bedroom, in such items as curling tongs and hair dryers. Depending on the coating, the surface can have a strong resistance to electric currents, making it ideal for many consumer products as well as industrial ones.
The tough waterproof nature of it has proved of great benefit in the maritime industry, too, where constant salt water exposure and sea winds can test any surface to its limit. There are a number of coatings that can be applied by this method, such as ceramic, aluminium, nickel chrome, and tungsten carbide, among others. For a more in-depth overview, see:.
As you may imagine, this process needs to be carried out in a strictly controlled, sealed environment. It is certainly not something you can replicate in a garage or shed. Only specialist firms such as www.poeton.co.uk/standard-treatments/plasma-coatings will have the equipment, expertise and safety procedures to undertake such work.
The multitude of combinations.
It is in the various plasma spray coatings combined with the variety of substrates that can be treated by this method that it really comes into its own. Products can be adapted for specific and often highly specialised use. As the need for new environmental technology such as turbines gathers pace, and with the boundaries of aerospace and shipping being constantly being pushed, the use of plasma spray coated surfaces can only grow. There is little doubt that the technology of Plasma spray coating will continue to advance in line with demand.
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