Coating Deposition of Bearing Materials on Connecting Rod by Thermal Spraying

A reduction of the size and weight of connecting rods can be obtained using the deposition of bearing materials by thermal spraying directly on the substrate. For this application several thermal spray processes are coming in competition. However the aspect of the metallurgical reactions during the coating deposition should be taken in count. The alternative of different technologies is presented with respect on the coating characteristics, the potential of industrialization and of the costs. The characteristics of the coatings are also strongly depending of the part geometry.