Modular Low-Pressure Plasma Spray System for Coating of Machine Elements

Vacuum plasma spraying VPS is able to produce metallic coatings which are very dense and adhere well to the substrate. It has been our goal to design and construct a modular VPS system for the application of metal alloy coatings to rods and shafts. Of special importance has been the miniaturization of the plasma gun, which permits the operation of the system using plasma gas flow levels which are significantly below those employed in full-sized systems. This reduced gas flow enables us to employ much smaller mechanical pumps, yielding a less complex system and operating at significantly lower cost-per-thickness of applied coating.