Plasma Spraying

In contrast to the thermal spray techniques with flame or arc where the temperatures reach between 3000 and 4000° C Plasma Spraying stands out through the temperatures that are reached.

In Plasma that you achieve through ionization of gases like argon or hydrogen exist temperatures of about 20,000 °C. Therefore this process is outstandingly appropriate for using materials with a high melting point. Only in the Plasma beam ceramic powders can be melted to achieve a dense, highly adhesive coating. All other spraying methods are unsuitable for this.

First of all tungsten should be mentioned which only can be processed by plasma spraying because of its melting point of 3,400 °C. Tungsten coatings are acid-resistant and combustion-proof.

Shafts Plasma coated with Titanium dioxide and later on machined.

The range of Ceramic Powders is cut into four groups resulting from chemical compositions.

• Zirconium Oxide – Thermo barrier, thermal insulation
• Aluminium Oxide – electrically insulating, thermo barrier, wear protection
• Chromium Oxide – Wear protection, chemically very stable
• Titanium Oxide – Wear protection, no electrostatic charging

Through mixing the powders together and/or adding other materials the variety of applications can be extended nearly unlimited.