In-Flight Particle Imaging in Thermal Spraying with Diode Laser Illumination

Imaging techniques have gained popularity in thermal spray diagnostics over the last decade. They provide large amounts of data for research, development and process monitoring. The most important measured spray parameters are particle temperature and velocity. The biggest advantage of imaging techniques compared to optical point measurements is that they provide instantaneous distribution measurements. We present the application of high-power diode laser illumination to detect weakly emitting particles in thermal spaying. This extends the feasibility of imaging diagnostics to several demanding environments, including cold spray, powder mixing region of a plasma spraying torch and low-pressure plasma spray.