How is plasma spray created? Thermal sprayed pulleys A thermal sprayed capstan
What Are They?
Thermal Spray, also known as Plasma Spray, is a
coating process in which thermally melted materials are sprayed onto a surface.
The material, or the feedstock, is heated by electrical or chemical means. The
figure at top left depicts a simplified thermal spray nozzle, electrically heated.
The Merits
We offer Thermal Sprayed Capstans made of Steel and Pulleys made of Aluminum. The primary merit of thermal sprayed articles is: short lead time, since no mold or sintering is involved. Additional benefits:
Flexible dimensions;
Low starting torque in the case of the aluminum
pulleys:
Lower price compared with the solid ceramic
options.
The Coatings
There are 3 materials which are most popular for spray coating and which we offer:
Material Vickers Hardness Color
| Alumina | 750 - 1,000 | White | |
| Chromium Oxide | 1,000 - 1,800 | Black | |
| Tungsten Carbide Cobalt | 750 - 1,450 | Black |
How to Order ?
An Inquiry Form is available for the Aluminum Pulley. Please send us your drawing for the steel capstan. We can diamond polish the capstan or pulley at your discretion.
The Disadvantage
Thermal sprayed capstans and pulleys are not as wear-resistant as the solid ceramic alternatives due to the relatively softer substrates, that is, the material underneath the sprayed coat. Nevertheless, they are the guide of choice in less critical applications or where guide breakage is an issue.