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 simultaneously measure surface temperature and velocity of melted particles in a plasma flame. Since temperature and velocity are two of the most important parameters affecting coating characteristics in the thermal spray processes, 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 splat formation and coating characteristics and to demonstrate applications in an industrial environment.