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Sabtu, 05 Desember 2015

Facts One Should Know About Diffusion Coatings

By Marci Nielsen


Metal components are meant to be used or operated in different environments. Some of those environments are very harsh in that they have very high temperatures, are very corrosive, or are very reactive among other conditions. Such environments are able to cause very severe effects when they come in contact with metal components, which may lead to a significant reduction in durability, aesthetic value, and functionality among others. To curb the effects of such environments, diffusion coatings were invented.

The process through which a diffusion coating is applied on a metal component is referred to with the same name, diffusion coating. The process takes place in environments with very high temperatures inside a controlled chamber. This process involves activating various metals such as cobalt, nickel, and iron thermally. During the process, the metal component that needs to be coated is cleaned using various methods such as abrasive blasting to remove all kinds of external materials that may affect bond formation with the coating.

Once the substrate has been cleaned properly, it is placed into a contained together with the metal used for coating. The container is then placed inside a furnace or a chamber. The furnace is turned on and the temperature set to the range of 380-425 degrees centigrade.

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 resultant coating is smooth and its thickness is very uniform. Depending on the function of a component, the thickness can be varied. However, the normal range of thicknesses is between 15-80 micrometers. The color of the metal used for coating forms the color of the component after coating. Chromium, iron, aluminium, and silicon are among the most commonly used metals. Coating can also be done to various metals too, including iron, steels, cobalt, and nickel.

The resultant coating provides significant resistance against oxidation, erosion, oxidation, and reaction with various substances such as water and air among others. This process has made metal components meant for critical functions more reliable, stronger, and more durable. Some of the metal components that are passed through this process include gate valves, power generation components, pump impellers, and gas turbines engine components such as cases, blades, and vanes.

The process is used mostly in industrial settings and few household equipment have components that are coated this way. The technology was invented several years ago and has been undergoing a lot of modifications aimed at perfecting it. Currently, there are better methods and technology for doing it.

Modern day furnaces are very efficient and have improved functionality because they incorporate several features. The coatings achieved today are thin yet very durable, strong, and efficient at avoiding corrosion. This technology is highly employed in the automotive industry.




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