Thermal and plasma spraying equipment is used in a huge variety of industries, including automotive and medical professions. If you're planning to work in a field that uses plasma or thermal spraying, it's important to know how to operate, and in some cases maintain and repair, this type of equipment. Those in plasma and thermal spraying equipment manufacturing and supplier jobs may also need to know spraying application basics.

There are many ways to learn about plasma and thermal spray equipment, including online, through classes and through industry events. Some jobs may also require on-the-job training to teach you more about the spray equipment you'll be working with. If you're considering thermal and plasma spray equipment education and training, consider the following:

1. Take classes to learn metal spray equipment application and safety techniques.
2. Attend industry events to network with professionals and learn about new models and industry advancements.
3. Check online for more information on plasma spray equipment basics, or for information on specific types of equipment.
   

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Enroll in classes to find out more about metal spray equipment

Many industry associations, trade schools and colleges offer classes on using a plasma or thermal spray system. These classes can be taken alone, or as part of a degree program. Sometimes, these classes are even available online, allowing you to learn from home. Most classes offer an overview of spray and plasma coating equipment, as well as safety procedures and the application process, leaving you well prepared for a career in the industry.

I recommend: Take a class on plasma or thermal spray systems at ASM International, or the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Continue your thermal and plasma spray equipment education at industry events

Industry events like conferences, trade shows and workshops allow you to test out new plasma spray systems, and learn more about new technologies in the field. Workshops are a great place to polish old skills or learn new ones, while conferences can provide important information from plasma spray equipment manufacturers.

I recommend: Attend the International Thermal Spray Conference & Exposition, or check out a demonstration of Heating Treating of Lighter Alloys.

Learn thermal and plasma spray equipment basics online

You can find educational information on the thermal spray coating process online through many industry and manufacturer websites. This allows you to learn the basics through self-study, and can be sufficient education for some jobs, like metal spraying equipment suppliers. You can also find information on specific types and uses of thermal and plasma spray equipment that may not be covered in a general class.

I recommend: Find out more from the International Thermal Spray Association, or check out Sulzer Metco.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some metal spray equipment industry event workshops will give you a certification for attending, fulfilling a class credit for your employer or college program. Talk to your employer or school to find out about continuing education opportunities in your area.

Metal spray equipment can provide a decorative coating to cars and other metal surfaces but it is mostly used to apply functional coatings to protect metals from corrosion. More and more, civil engineers are factoring in the cost of spray coatings to add longevity to structures like bridges which would corrode more quickly without them.

The thermal spray process uses a gun to melt and then propel coating materials at high velocity on to potentially corrosive metal or other surfaces or structures that need protection. The most versatile metal spray equipment is a thermal plasma process where the powder that ultimately provides the coating is carried by a gas into a plasma flame where the particles are melted.

Consider the following to help make your decision about which type of sprayer your business needs:

1. Continuing education about plasma spraying equipment advances and technologies

2. Plasma spraying equipment applications and advantages

3. Refurbished or used plasma spray equipment as a money-saving option

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Find solid thermal spray equipment info with professional organizations, search tools

You can find thermal spray equipment easily online, but you may find the best products through professional trade organizations first if your business relies heavily on spray equipment. Websites that offer you the ability to check profiles and services of thermal spray equipment companies can also be a good place to start.

I recommend: The International Thermal Spray Association has offered a select group of thermal spray equipment suppliers since 1948. ThomasNet lets you view company profiles and compare 25 thermal spray equipment distributors.

Look for the most versatility with plasma coating equipment

Plasma coating equipment is more expensive but offers an even coating of material and can melt powders of a variety of metal alloys or combinations of other materials. Plasma spray equipment should be used in reduced-pressure environments or even a plasma spray chamber for the best results.

I recommend: Download a plasma spray equipment brochure through Praxair. Find a complete line of robotic plasma coating equipment through PlasmaTreat.

Consider used thermal spray equipment for big savings

If you're new to plasma spray systems you might want to consider purchasing used thermal spray equipment. Buying used can help you learn to use a thermal spray system at a fraction of the cost. And you may even have access to customer service on used systems if you buy from the right dealer.

I recommend: Contact WeldPlus, in business since 1996, for used thermal spray systems. A-Flame is an online auctioneer of used thermal spray systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because of the ultraviolet light some thermal and plasma spray equipment can give off, you'll need to protect yourself and your staff with glasses or goggles with BS grade 6 green glass. And, because of dust and fumes, filtered breathing masks are also a necessity.

Thermal and plasma spray equipment are useful coating machines. In comparison to other coating methods, such as electroplating and chemical vapor deposition, thermal spraying can provide coatings that have more thickness. Thermal and plasma spraying equipment are used for coating various products, such as automotive components and medical instruments.

While interacting with the suppliers of thermal and spray equipment, you will come across various technical terms that indicate types, standards and materials for these types of equipment. This guide willexplain the technical terms relating to thermal and plasma spray equipment, such as HOVF spraying, arc spraying, PVD and ASTME E 1920-03.

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HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel) spraying

HVOF spraying is a type of thermal spraying technique that produces extremely high spray velocity. This method is generally used in applications that require coating with high strength and density.

I recommend: To learn more about the HVOF spraying process, read through information at Accuwright Industries, a thermal spray coating company.

Arc spraying

As the name indicates, in the arc spraying process, an electric arc is used for melting material. This molten material is then sprayed on the component surface using compressed air.

I recommend: To understand the basics of the arc spray process, read through an informative article at Gordon England, a thermal spray coating consultant. You can also read through information at TWI, an independent research and technology organization.

VPD (Vacuum Plasma Deposition)

Vacuum plasma deposition is a thermal spraying method in which the component is coated using a plasma gun under a vacuum environment in a spray chamber.

I recommend: For basic information about this process, read through description at ASM International.

Anode and cathode

In a plasma spraying process, the electrodes play an important role. Anode is the electrode that has positive electrode potential, whereas, cathode has negative electrode potential.

I recommend: Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd, a surface engineering technology firm, provides definitions for various terms, such as anode and cathode.

Deposition rate

This is an important specification for any thermal and plasma spray system. It indicates the weight of deposited material per unit time.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, read through the glossary at Flame Spray Technologies. Bodycote Metallurgical Coatings, a reputable coating service provider, offers a glossary of technical terms.

ASTM E1920-03

ASTM International (originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) is a standardization organization. This organization publishes technical standards for various materials, products, systems and services. Their standard number ASTM E1920-03 provides guidelines for metallographic preparation of thermal sprayed coatings.

I recommend: To learn more about the guidelines given, read through the standard at ASTM International.