Some hundred years ago, maintenance personnel and plant superintendents started relying heavily on thermal spraying to repair components that were worn and parts that were machined incorrectly. This became the chosen method as it is quite effective. From Cement plant machinery manufacturers to steel plate suppliers, everybody in the industry agrees that thermal spraying is the most efficient way of maintaining a machine’s longevity.
Over the years, Thermal spray powder suppliers have also made efforts to ensure that thermal spraying becomes much more accessible. This was done by creating new systems of spraying and making sure that customized solutions are available to fit the needs of the consumers.
Reasons to Make Use of Thermal Spraying
Just like welding two materials that are done using flux-cored welding - equipment for which can be availed from Flux Cored Wire Suppliers in India - thermal spraying is also a type of process that produces a coating. The material that is used for feeding such as powder or a wire is softened or melted with the help of electricity or a flame and is then propelled into the piece being worked upon. During the process of coating, the torch used for spraying moves all over the machinery to create a coating. It is not that thermal spraying does not have its disadvantages but understanding the overall characteristics of this process helps in ensuring that you make the most out of this process. Some important benefits of making use of thermal spray powder or wire are as follows:
Cost-Effective
The most practical way of saving money is to ensure that your machines are durable. In order to do this, you will need to invest in the maintenance and protection of your machinery. It should be noted that maintenance is less expensive than buying heavy equipment time and again. Moreover, thermal spray coating at times lasts much longer than the material that was used originally.
Versatile
The best part about thermal spraying is that it can be used across all kinds of surfaces. Whether it is a ceramic, plastic or metal surface that needs coating, thermal spraying can be used. Thus, investing in thermal spraying is one of the most sensible decisions you can make.
Thickness
Depending on your material and the kind of coating you want as well as the spraying system that you use, the coatings can range anywhere from 0.001 to a thickness of around 1 inch. However, the thickness usually lies somewhere between 0.005 to 0.1 inches.
Speed
The rate of spraying lies anywhere between 3 to 60 lb per hour. This rate obviously depends on the system and the material being used. Typical spray rates for the application of material range from ½ to 2 lb for every square foot for a thickness of around 1/100 inch.
Conclusion
Thermal spray coating can be used on a wide range of components that are utilized in a variety of ways under adverse conditions where they have to suffer erosion, corrosion, heat, or wear. These can result in reducing the shelf life of the machinery. For instance, if you were to purchase some heavy equipment from Cement plant equipment suppliers but not invest in its upkeep, given the conditions it is used under will result in heavy losses for you. Instead, make sure to thermal spray your machinery and make the most out of your investments.
