Thermal Coating

What is Thermal Coating?

Thermal coating is a process where thermal coating companies spray molten material onto a strong surface component, often metal, in order to protect the component from external heat and erosion. Thermal coating can also be used to impede the outward radiation of heat generated by a coated component. There are a number of techniques for applying thermal coating that work best with certain coatings or surfaces, but the basic process remains the same: the pre-coating material is heated via electricity or chemical reaction and pumped through a spraying device that applies it onto the chosen surface where it quickly hardens to form the thermal coating.

What Type of Parts are Good Candidates for Thermal Coating?

Any part that needs insulation from external heat or wear can be a good candidate for thermal coating. Parts composed of strong metals are the best candidates for thermal coating work because the high temperatures involved in some coating processes can damage weaker materials. While techniques such as plasma spraying allow for the coating of weaker materials, the success of thermally coating such materials is dependent on the technique of the thermal coating company providing the thermal coating service.

Thermal coating is used in a wide number of industries. The vehicular industry extensively employs thermal coating to ensure the durability and efficiency of all types of vehicles, especially the crucial engines and turbines that power their products. Manufacturing companies employ thermal coating to keep their production machinery working at peak condition to create everything from steel to paper to food products.

Designing Parts for Thermal Coating

The techniques and materials available for thermal coating are vast and constantly growing, so there is little need to design a part specifically for thermal coating as long as the part is a strong enough material to withstand at least one of the thermal coating processes. However, due to the fact that thermal coating is generally applied as a spray, it is best to design a part that can accept the thermal coating on its exterior rather than the interior. While interior thermal coating is possible, it is more problematic than external coating.

Sourcing Thermal Coating

MFG.com is integral in the development, support, and propagation of thermal coating techniques both in the Americas and worldwide. Their member directory is an excellent resource for finding a local provider of thermal coating with the best credentials available.