Sunday, 13 December 2015

Important Information 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.

Diffusion of the metal occurs when temperatures rise high enough within the range specified. An alloy between the substrate and metal is formed in turn. The duration of the whole processes varies relying on the kind of metal and substrate used. However, 2-4 hours is the normal range. Continuous turning of substrates must be done for uniformed thickness to be attained.

When the process is finished, the coating that results is usually smooth and has a uniform thickness. The thickness can be varied depending on the purpose the components is meant to do. However, typical thicknesses are between 15 to 80 micrometers. The coating takes the color of the metal used and common ones include chromium, silicon, aluminum, and iron. Various materials can also be coated including nickel, steels, cobalt, and iron among many others.

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.

This process is highly employed in industrial settings than it is applied in residential settings. In fact, very few equipment in homes need or have components coated this way. The process has been in use for long now, and since its invention, it has been modified severally. Modification are aimed at making it perfect in terms of the methods and technologies used.

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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