Measurement Technology for Inflight Particle Diagnosis in Plasma Spraying

A new measurement technology in plasma spraying has been established at SULZER METCO AG, Switzerland. Based on the principle of C. Moreau, CNRC, it is now possible to measure surface temperature and velocity of melted particles during the flight in a plasma flame. Since temperature and velocity are two of the most important parameters for plasma spraying processes and coating characteristics, the knowledge and control of these parameters offers new methods and assistance in the development of coating solutions. The object of this paper is to outline some important measurement results, to show correlations to coating characteristics and to demonstrate measurement applications in an industrial environment.