Metal spraying - also known as thermal spraying - is used to coat a workpiece with another material, such as ceramic or carbide. It is used to improve corrosion and wear resistance, or to manipulate or enhance other properties of the material such as conductivity.
During the metal spraying process, the coating material is sprayed onto the workpiece in a softened or liquid state. When the molten material comes into contact with the surface of the workpiece, it cools and solidifies, resulting in an even coating that can be built up to a desired thickness.
Metal spraying equipment heats the coating material via either electrical arc, or gas fuels and oxygen flames depending on the exact process used. It is commonly used to coat components made from aluminium, mild steel or stainless steel; however, thorough cleaning and preparation of the workpiece is required to ensure a consistent, quality finish.
Owing to the use of sophisticated equipment within the metal spraying process, it is also important to note that set-up costs can be quite high.
Used to produce
A coating on the surface of a workpiece - commonly ceramic or carbide.
Materials
Metal spraying is commonly used to coat components made from aluminium, mild steel or stainless steel.
Advantages
The coating can be built up to a desired thickness.
Improves corrosion and wear resistance.
Can be used to enhance other properties such as conductivity.
Disadvantages
Owing to the use of sophisticated equipment within the metal spraying process, set-up costs can be quite high.
