Abstract
The HVAF process provides a slightly different (to HVOF and other thermal spray processes) and unique combination of thermal and kinetic energy, which presents a technical challenge to material manufacturers who have over the past years optimized their material offerings to the demands and characteristics of plasma, combustion and more recently the various HVOF processes. The recent development of HVAF ID torches, capable of applying the highest quality coatings into dimensions of less than 100mm (4”), has provided a further need to optimize spray materials for the best possible interaction between the spray device and the feedstock in order to meet developing coating specifications from various industries. This paper will discuss the methodologies utilized from the points of view of torch design, material manufacture, spray parameter and procedure optimization, as a means of producing the highest performing coatings to meet specific industry aspirations.
