HVOF: Gas fired system Vs liquid fired system

[shantanu]

Dear all,

A very basic question, but not many answers recd from the best in the business till date.

If we had to chose between a gas fuel HVOF system Vs a liquid fuel one, what crieteria should one keep in mind before choosing one over the other.

The coating difference between the two is marginal; probably as much as may arise from different powder lots....if we are essentially spraying large parts then the extra local heating caused by the LF system does not pose a problem.

Then is it safe to say that it's an either/ or case, or is one system superior to the other? Please help me understand few criterias which you all must have considered prior to selecting one over the other; considering that spraying is done by a robot and that there is equal availability of liquid fuel and gases reqd....

Regards

Shantanu Newar

[djewell]

Do you have to spray HVOF? You can achieve the same or better coating quality with HVAF plus you can spray at a faster production rate and lower operating cost. HVAF systems do not require large oxygen storage tanks or water chillers.

[Stephen Booth]

Liquid Fuel Typical Advantages

1. Thicker Carbide coatings
2. Higher Spray Rates
3. No Fuel Gases
   

Gas Fuel Advantages

1. typically better Deposition Efficiencies
   

[Pete_F]

We have and use both types, we have a JP500, and a couple of MEC microjets. The microjets are far more effeciant for smaller areas, with vastly less heat input as well. They also have the advantage of being very close to maintainance free. The jp is still king for larger areas at the moment, although we do have plans that may change this.

Quite honestly if you are spraying thick coating on big areas, then i would go liquid fuel, if youre looking to do more intricate parts, then i would go with a smaller gas fuelled gun.

Pete