Thermal spraying is a cost-effective method for applying coatings that enhance surface properties. In the simplest terms, thermal spray involves heating a feedstock material, generally in powder or wire form, to a molten or semi-molten state. The feedstock is propelled using a stream of gas or compressed air to deposit it, creating a surface structure on a given substrate.
The coating feedstock material may consist of a single metallic element, but more often it is an alloy, composite, ceramic, carbide or blend that will give rise to a surface having physical properties that are only achievable through the thermal spray process. Thermal spray is a family of processes, with each member of the process family providing unique opportunities for engineered surfaces.
Oerlikon Metco actively supports all common thermal spray methods, with options to suit your surfacing and applications requirements — such as the size of your production run, geometry of your part, environmental concerns and portability. Through thermal spray, Oerlikon Metco has developed and marketed application technologies to apply coatings that solve our customers’ toughest surface challenges since 1933.