Thermal Plasma and HVOF Spray Coatings

Used in the aerospace, automotive, power generation and oil and gas industries, Curtiss-Wright’s thermal spray coating services include HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel), plasma, flame and arc spray coatings which produce a cost effective and high performing finish that protects components from heat, wear, corrosion, fatigue and oxidation. HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel) Coatings are a viable alternative for hard chrome plating.

Damaged and worn parts such as gas and steam turbines can be repaired to original specification.

Benefits of thermal spray coatings

There are a number of benefits in using thermal spray technology over more traditional coating methods and these include:

• Versatility in the choice of coatings – options include metals, alloys, ceramics and carbides among others.
• Protection against wear, corrosion, fatigue, oxidation and high temperatures depending on the coating used in the process.
• Accurately controlled temperature of the bulk substrate to 150°C or less avoiding any detrimental effects of heat on the material properties.
• Coating thickness easily controlled, meaning the process can even be used to restore the dimensions of a worn part or incorrectly machined component.
• Complex shapes can be coated as the robotic parts allow for uniform coating of multifaceted parts.
• Excellent bond strength which can withstand extreme mechanical loads and severe wear situations.

The process

Powder particles (typically 1 to 50 microns) are heated to a molten or semi-molten state and are propelled at high velocity, using kinetic energy formed from a gas stream, onto the surface and forms a splat.

This splat then contracts as it cools forming a bond with the surface.

Each splat deposited builds up in layers to the required thickness and density.

Watch our Video showing the Thermal Spray process.

Qualified coatings for the thermal spray process

GPXD 2006 WC,10Co,4Cr

GPXD 2005 WC,17Co

GPXD 9001 Molybdenum

GPXD 7002 Ti64 Pours

GPXD 8001 Al Bronze Wire

GPXD 7007 Ni,17.5Cr,5.5Al,2.5Co,0.5Y2O3

GPXD 6003 ZrO2,20Y2O3

Applications for thermal spray coatings