As a newbie, I'm looking for a service I have no idea if it exists or not.
Are there contractors out there that can offer APPS or HVOF coating services on a mobile basis, so that they could be called out to coat a piece of plant that cannot be moved or taken out of service for more than a few hours?

Hi Jayeatman

to the Surface Engineering Forum.

There are a few companies that provide a mobile service, usually for big jobs like large paper industry rolls and chemical plant. Setting up this type of work can be quite complex.

Could you give more details on the part/plant that requires coating and your rough location.

Gordon Wrote:Hi Jayeatman

to the Surface Engineering Forum.

There are a few companies that provide a mobile service, usually for big jobs like large paper industry rolls and chemical plant. Setting up this type of work can be quite complex.

Could you give more details on the part/plant that requires coating and your rough location.

Its an enquiry on behalf of a customer in Michigan & I don't know much more about it. It's the inside of some kind of crucible maybe 300mm in diameter.
BTW I'm in High Wycombe.

Flame Spray Technologies' sub in Grand Rapids Michigan has a mobile HVOF system. Progressive Technologies is in Grand Rapids as well, but I do not think they have a mobile system.

http://www.fst.nl
http://www.ptihome.com/

To all,

Keen on this topic so just to share a little, in our local context, there seems no such facilities available..I have heard, flame, arc, wire flame..spray system being portable to spray on site, for customers' part, but setting up a plasma or HVOF system on portbale basis, seems not so "portable" and convenient at all.

Not to say if the job requires an open air operation, the noise level & intense heat is just too much affecting the adjacent working environment..I would say not recommended..

Quote:but setting up a plasma or HVOF system on portbale basis, seems not so "portable" and convenient at all.

yes your right, but some jobs just can't be moved and demand that the thermal spray plant be installed around the component to be coated. This requires considerable planning for logistics, set-up, health & safety & environment issues, timing work to plant shut down etc... The term "mobile" or "portable" should really apply to the service as the equipment basically is no different to what is used in a fixed thermal spray shop. This type of service will be relatively expensive and risky, so making the component portable or mobile is far better in the majority of cases.