Lämpöruiskutekniikka

Lämpöruiskutekniikka, known in English as thermal spray coating, is a group of industrial processes used to apply a coating to a surface. In these processes, a feedstock material is heated and propelled by a gas stream towards a substrate. The particles impact the substrate, flatten, and rapidly cool, forming a lamellar structure that builds up to create a coating. This technique is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of substrates, including metals, ceramics, and plastics, to enhance their properties or restore worn surfaces.

The primary goal of thermal spray coatings is to improve the performance of components by providing resistance to wear, corrosion, heat, or abrasion. Different thermal spray processes exist, each with its own advantages and applications. Common methods include plasma spraying, flame spraying, arc spraying, and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. The choice of process depends on factors such as the desired coating material, the substrate material, the required coating properties, and economic considerations.

Feedstock materials for thermal spraying can take various forms, including powders, wires, and rods. These materials are melted or softened within the spray gun and then accelerated towards the substrate. The resulting coatings can range in thickness from a few micrometers to several millimeters. Lämpöruiskutekniikka finds widespread use in industries such as aerospace, automotive, power generation, and manufacturing, where durability, performance, and longevity of components are critical.