Useful Facts About Diffusion Coatings

By Marci Nielsen


the use and/or operation of metal components occurs in many different environments. The environments differ a lot and some of them cause significant effect on the metal. Effect may be caused by high temperatures or corrosive elements. Functionality, aesthetic value, and durability among other aspects get affected diversely by such adverse conditions. These effects led to research that led to the invention of diffusion coatings. These kinds of coatings are meant to offer protection to substrates against damage that results from environmental effects. This article will discuss the process and how protection is offered.

The process of applying a diffusion coating on a metal substrate is called diffusion coating too. This process is done inside a chamber at temperatures that are very high. Various metals such as nickel, iron, and cobalt are activated thermally during the procedure. Before the process can start, the substrate needs to be cleaned thoroughly first. Cleaning can be done through various methods, but abrasive blasting is commonly used. Cleaning is for removing dirt and other undesirable materials from the surface of substrates.

After proper cleaning has been done, the component is placed inside the container and the coating material added. The container is then completely sealed and placed into a furnace, which may be in the form of a chamber. The temperature of the furnace is then raised to very high levels in the range of 380 to 425 degrees Celsius.

At those temperatures, the diffusion of the metal occurs, which allows it to form an alloy with the substrate or component. This process lasts variable amounts of time depending on the metal used and the nature of the substrate. Typically, it lasts between two to four hours. During the entire time, the component is rotated slowly for a uniform coating to form.

The smoothness of the resultant coating is high while the thickness if uniform. Thicknesses can be varied to suit different functions. However, 15-80 micrometers is the normal range of thickness. The coating resembles the metal used in color. Iron, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, and silicon are some among the commonest metals in use. Various metals such as iron, steels, cobalt, and nickel can be coated.

The coating is resistant to erosion, oxidation, and reaction with air, water, and other substances. A lot of reliability, durability, and strength is achieved in components that are needed in critical functions. Pump impellers, power generation constituents, gave valves, and components or gas turbines engine like vanes, blades, and cases are examples of parts that usually get coated through this method.

The use of this process is mostly confined in industrial settings. Very few household devices incorporate this process in their production. The invention of the process happened several years ago and it has been undergoing modification over time to achieve perfection. Currently, better methods and technology exist.

Modern day furnaces have a lot of improvements in the form of features aimed at increasing efficiency and functionality. Today it is possible to achieve very thin coatings that are very strong and effective at eliminating corrosion. The automotive industry is particularly known for using this technology.




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