Companies of varying industries face similar problems with components suffering from wear, corrosion or excessive heat and thermal spray powders are an ideal way to correct this. Thermal powder coating parts is less expensive than replacing them and extends their life. The process doesn’t distort or alter components engineered for high temperatures and depending on the product, is a quick-fix.

Thermal spray powder coating can strengthen parts that are older and less sturdy allowing the company to get more out of their initial investment with minimal costs. Whether you’re in the aerospace, racing, oil or manufacturing industry, thermal spraying is worth looking into to increase your bottom line. Look at the following when considering thermal spraying:

1. Find thermal spray powder suppliers that work with your company’s thermal spraying system.

2. For companies that don't need an entire system, consider outsourcing the thermal spraying to professional thermal coating companies.

3. Consider bringing the spray process to your worksite.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase powders from thermal spray powder suppliers that work with your company's existing system

Companies often need reoccurring spraying of parts or products and owning an entire thermal spray system is cost effective. If you're already set up with a thermal spraying system, use only quality thermal spray powders appropriate for the type of surface being coated.

I recommend: Buffalo Tungsten manufactures thermal spray powders with a dense coating that has excellent wear at lower temperatures, perfect for coating turbine engine parts. Located in New York, order their material by phone or email. Hunter Chemical produces plasma spray powders with an eye on customer service and quality. Fill out an online form to order products. For oil, gas and petrochemical applications, AMETK’s thermal spray powder coatings helps extend part life and prevent corrosion.

Look for thermal spray companies that do the spraying for you

If your company's protective coating needs don't warrant investing in an entire system, search out companies that specialize in thermal spraying. Some services include the preparation of the parts while other companies require the parts to arrive already prepared, so check to see if that's included in the price.

I recommend: Classic Coatings has a thorough website that offers powder coating in a rainbow of colors. Perfect for engine blocks, heads, valve covers and frames, their website clearly states all prices, offers a printable order form and directions on how to properly prepare parts for coating. Associated Wear Coatings uses plasma coating that provides protection against abrasive grains and particle erosion among many other things. Their coating also withstands temperatures up to 400 degrees.

Use companies that offer portable thermal spray systems

Sometimes the components that need to be coated are large or difficult to move and in other situations, it may be too labor intensive to take the parts offsite causing more downtime for the machine. Portable thermal spraying is the perfect option. Offering companies on-site powder coating, it's a cost effective way to have components protected.

I recommend: Purtech Incorporated has been using thermal spraying on-site for more than 10 years. In addition to thermal spray, they offer a extensive line of other on site services to compliment the spraying process. Flame Spray located in San Diego, CA offers on-site thermal spray coating process with their portable sprayers for customers world wide. They use plasma thermal spray coating among others and offers training courses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Thermal and plasma spray powder works on numerous surfaces, and many companies are happy to spray custom items. If it's susceptible to wear, corrosion or any other deterioration it's worth it to speak to a professional and get an estimate.