Spring Conference 2003

"The Versatility of thermally sprayed coatings
in the Engineering Industry."

To be held on 25th April 2003
at the offices of The Welding Institute Ltd
Aurora Court, Barton Road
Riverside Park Middlesborough

Co Sponsored by The Welding Institute Limited

Options for coatings.

There are now many surfacing technologies for either repair or improvement coatings for components or structures available to engineers.

The versatility of the thermal spraying processes is unique in that there is a wid range of materials for coating to choose from (any material which has a melting point) and there is no limit to the size or quantity of components which may be treated using automated equipment. Using hand operated preparation equipment and lightweight spraying guns no steel structure is too large to be treated. For one off repair applications, cylindrical components may be held in conventional machine tools, rotated and the spraying gun traversed so that an even coating may be applied.

For batch or production quantities special purpose machines for component handling, combined with programmed robotic gun manipulators, are now commonplace, enabling coatings to be applied with the highest possible level of quality control. Although spraying may be regarded essentially as a "line of sight process" there are instances where customised spraying devices are available to treat small internal diameters where the component need not be moved during treatment. A classic example of this is described in one of the presentations at this conference.

Plasma spraying a coating to the bore of an automotive lightweight cylinder block. The rotating extension is fed into the bore and the block remains stationary. ( photo by courtesy of Sulzer Metco Limited)

Different coating characteristics may be achieved not only by the choice of material, but also by varying the operating parameters. Normal wear resistant coatings are achieved by applying materials such as Tungsten Carbide, using optimum parameters to ensure the 'best' coating characteristics, such as maximum inter particle cohesion and density. However abradable coatings used in the aerospace industry need to combine a degree of erosion resistance with minimum resistance to the cutting action of a fast rotating component when an interference occurs. This is achieved with specially engineered coating materials and carefully prepared operating parameters.

Hand spraying Zinc for corrosion protection using electric arc equipment. (photo courtesy of Thermion U.S.)

In addition to providing coatings for mechanical components, thermal spraying is also used for the protection of iron and steel structures against corrosion. Coatings of zinc, aluminium or their alloys are commonly used to protect such structures as bridges and offshore platforms, where the most arduous and aggressive conditions are experienced. Such protection is afforded by the sacrificial action of these materials besides
conferring barrier protection.

The programme today provides yet another variation in the use of sprayed coatings of Zinc, this time on concrete structures. In this case a coating of Zinc is sprayed on to the exterior of the concrete structure e.g bridges, to provide a secondary anode for an impressed current to be conveyed to protect the reinforcing bars.

Programme 29th April 2003

Full details of timing and presentation titles will be issued on the day.

Speakers will include:-

Mr K Harrison Sulzer Metco Limited	Sprayed Coatings in the bores of lightweight engine blocks for the automotive industry.
Dr Mark Gee National Physical Laboratory	Measurement and Characterisation of coatings
Professor G McCartney /Dr P Shipway University of Nottingham	Cold Spraying
Mr D Harvey TWI	Sprayed coatings on concrete structures.
Dr T Lester Metallisation Limited	Coatings on concrete structures
Mr R Bowen Praxair TAFA Technologies	Engineering Coatings

Exhibition space will be available for table top and free standing exhibits.

Registration

Fees (Lunch is included)

Members	£95.00 + Vat
Non Members	£115.00 + Vat
Students	£20.00 + Vat
Exhibition Space	£100.00 + Vat

Directions

The Welding Institute is our co sponsor for this event and the address of the venue is:-

TWI North
Aurora Court,
Barton Road,
Riverside Park,
Middlesbrough

Leave the A66 at signpost to Middlesbrough Centre/St. Hilda's. At flyover/roundabout take the first exit. Then take the second left into Metz Bridge Road. Take the next left into Riverside Park Road. Turn left after 0.9 miles into Barton Road where TWI North is located.

For maps go to TWI North web site

For more information, please contact Ivor Hoff. Tel: 01789 842 822 Fax 01789 842229. or email .

For previous conference details, venues, agendas and reports click here or on the meetings icon on the left hand side.

Links:

TSSEA Home

TSSEA News

Aims & Objectives

Publications

Members

Regulations

Contact TSSEA