COLD SPRAY VS OTHER THERMAL SPRAYING METHODS
Cold Spray (CS) is one of the youngest thermal spraying methods. Due to the characteristic features of the process (such as low temperature and the use of kinetic energy), it has several advantages, which translate into specific and innovative applications.
The primary advantage of the CS process is the relatively low temperature, which, of course, will be derived from the sprayed material and the substrate. However, an undeniable feature will be the fact that the sprayed material is always in a solid state. This distinguishes the Cold Spray process from other derivatives of kinetic spray processes, such as Warm Spray, HVOF spray and flame powder spray.
The main advantages of coatings produced by the CS process are:
- high density, low porosity and, consequently, an effective anti-corrosion coating,
- no oxidation of powder particles during the process,
- no melting of powder particles and, consequently,
- minimal thermal impact on the substrate,
- compressive residual stresses that increase fatigue strength,
- high strength and hardness,
- high adhesion to the substrate,
- high thermal and electrical conductivity due to very low porosity.
Due to the listed specific features of the process, it has found applications in such industrial areas as:
- Mining
- Oil & Gas
- Transportation
- Heavy Industry
- Automotive
- Metal Art & Statuary
- Shipping
- Rail
- Power Plants
- Structural Corrosion Repair
- Corrosion Resistant Coatings
- Electronics
- Heat Exchangers
- And many more…
