Spraying Pure Aluminium

[J_rock]

Hey guy's

Any ideas on this one?

Trying to spray pure aluminium using SG100 (std hardware) and internal injection, Im getting some great looking results but am struggling to meet customer spec with regards to hardness (20-40HV .1) Im getting around 45HV. I was running higher voltage and current (400A 50V) but reduced this to try and reduce hardness but with little sucess.

Parameters run currently are

Ar 30SLM
H2 2-4 l to achieve voltage
6SLM Ar carrier
Volts 45 (at torch)
Current 350
Feedrate 18g/min

Scan Settings
Traverse 250mm/s
Advance 5mm Per pass
S/off 4"


Any ideas would be appreciated.


J_rock

[Gordon]

Hi J_rock

First I must say that I have not had the opportunity to play around with the SG100, so bear that in mind

Your approach of reducing heat input, lowering oxidation seems like the right direction to me. I would continue in this direction, but may be by increasing the primary argon plasma gas flow as well (dependent on whether your nozzle is comfortable with higher argon flow?). Hopefully, this will increase velocity, reducing particle dwell time while maintaining good coating density. A higher powder feed rate may also help.

Let us know how you get on and good luck