Schematic Diagram of The Combustion Wire Thermal Spraying Process
(also known previously as Flame Spraying, Metallizing, and Metal Spraying Processes)
A Complete Combustion Wire Thermal Spray Process Installation
The Combustion Wire Thermal Spray Process formerly known as Metallizing, Flame Spraying and Metal Spraying Processes was first invented in 1910 by Schoop in Switzerland
The flame spraying process is basically the spraying of molten metal* onto a surface to provide a coating. Material in wire form is melted in a flame (oxy-acetylene flame most common) and atomised using compressed air to form a fine spray. When the spray contacts the prepared surface of a substrate material, the fine molten droplets rapidly solidify forming a coating. This process carried out correctly is called a "cold process" (relative to the substrate material being coated) as the substrate temperature can be kept low during processing avoiding damage, metallurgical changes and distortion to the substrate material.
This flame spraying process has been extensively used in the past and today for machine element work and anti-corrosion coatings.
* Ceramics and cermets can be used in rod or composite wire form.
Common materials for flame spraying:
Process Advantages:
Process Disadvantages:
Not capable of the low oxide, high density and high strength coatings of plasma and HVOF
