Plasmapinnoitus

Plasmapinnoitus, also known as plasma coating or plasma spraying, is a versatile coating process used to apply a protective or functional layer of material onto a substrate. This method involves heating a coating material, typically in powder form, to a molten or semi-molten state using a high-temperature plasma jet. The molten particles are then propelled at high velocity towards the substrate, where they impact, flatten, and rapidly solidify, building up a dense coating layer by layer.

The plasma jet is generated by passing an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, through an electric arc. This process ionizes the gas, creating a plasma with temperatures ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 degrees Celsius. The coating material is then injected into this plasma stream, where it melts and is accelerated. The choice of gas, power input, and powder characteristics influences the plasma jet's properties and, consequently, the coating's microstructure and performance.

Plasmapinnoitus can be applied to a wide variety of substrates, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. The process is adaptable to complex geometries and large surfaces. It is widely employed in industries such as aerospace, power generation, automotive, and biomedical engineering. Common applications include wear-resistant coatings, thermal barrier coatings, corrosion-resistant layers, and electrical insulation. The ability to deposit a broad range of materials, from metals and alloys to ceramics and cermets, makes plasmapinnoitus a valuable technique for enhancing component durability and performance.