Wire Arc Spray

This form of thermal spraying uses wire material as a feed stock. An electric arc is used as the heat source. As the wires are fed towards each other, an electric arc is struck between the wires creating a temperature of around 4,000°C.

This temperature causes the tips of the wire to melt and once molten state, a stream of compressed air or inert gas is used to atomise and accelerate the feed metal towards the substrate.

Characterestics of Wire Flame Spray

Advantages:

• Coatings with good characteristics can be achieved
• Two different wires can be used simultaneously to produce a pseudo alloy
• Cored wires are also available producing coatings with unique properties
• Applying coating to large areas is easier by this process
• Used for dimensional restoration due to higher deposit efficiency

Disadvantages:

• Coatings achieved are not dense and have porosity of up to 15%
• Good suface preparation is very essential for good bond strength
• Coatings limited to materials available in wire form with low melting tempertaure