Why Is HVOF A Popular Technique In The Thermal Spray Industry?
When it comes to thermal spray, HVOF is one of the most basic, common, and popular techniques in existence. If you have ever used any kind of thermal spray coating, it’s very likely you’re familiar with this process. If, however, you have not had any experience with these types of coatings, you probably have no idea what we are talking about here.
To begin with, thermal spray coatings are used for numerous reasons including the following:
- To extend the life of a part or component.
- To reduce abrasion, corrosion, friction, etc.
- To apply a safety coating to a surface (anti-slip).
- To rebuild a part or component.
- To reduce or negate reflectivity or electrical conductivity.
- … and more.
The benefits of thermal spray coatings are many. But when it comes to HVOF, what makes this particular process so special?
HVOF – High Velocity Oxy-Fuel
Numerous benefits result from the use of this thermal spray process. Coatings applied through this technique have very desirable characteristics. Factors that weigh heavily into choosing this option include its anti-corrosion properties, money-saving characteristics, and the fact that coatings applied through this technique are some of the hardest in existence.
Let’s take a look at each of these factors individually.
Anti-Corrosion Properties
When metal oxidizes, trouble ensues. Namely – rust and corrosion. When other thermal spray techniques are used, the chance of particle oxidation is greater than when this process is used. Here, the metal is sprayed at a faster rate, giving it less time to oxidize.
The coating is also more corrosion resistant because it is less porous due to increased particle density. You can end up with a highly corrosion resistant and effective part if it is coated via this process, even though it started out as a highly corrosive, less expensive metal part. These coatings assure that your parts are literally “covered” for things like wear resistance and oxidation.
Money-Saving Characteristics
Time is money, and HVOF saves time. So, you know what that means. Compared to its plasma predecessors, it takes less time to lay down a better-quality material (and more material at that!) with this thermal spray method. So, clearly, the cost-effectiveness of HVOF is undeniable. Your production can be slowed down or even put out of commission when excessive maintenance time is required for parts and machine breakdown-related repair. To get you up and running in a hurry, fast turnaround times are provided by this option.
Hard Coatings
Onto various substrate materials, metal powder is sprayed by specialized carrier gases and spray guns in this process. Used for their exceptional hardness capabilities, these metal powders are frequently from the carbide family. Particularly in high wear situations, carbide coatings are useful because they protect against material erosion and galling. With dimensional restoration being another possibility where HVOF is used, good candidates include high wear areas, galling areas, and spun bearings. A variety of applications can be especially engineered for these coatings using various process settings, materials, and particle sizes.
HVOF – It Just Makes Good Sense
The use of HVOF as a thermal spray application is popular because it simply makes good sense. Putting this option and all other thermal spray techniques to good use, A&A Coatings can apply the coating that is the best fit for your needs. If you’re not sure whether it is a good fit for your particular application, talk to one of our knowledgeable representatives today.
