Thermal and Plasma Spray Equipment Key Terms

Get familiar with the technical terms associated with thermal and plasma spray equipment

By Howard Robertson

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.

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