Safer Way to Apply Metal Coating*

Prior to the development of the KM Deposition Unit, there were several unsatisfactory aspects of specialized metal coating, including electroplating, which is often environmentally hazardous, and thermal spray, which does not allow metals to be applied below their melting points, causing a coarse coating. The KM Unit, however, uses a different method.

Developed by Ralph Tapphorn and Howard Gabel of Inovati, Santa Barbara, Calif., the KM Unit uses kinetic energy metallization to coat other metals to make them corrosion- or wear-resistant. In this method, metal powders are sprayed with enough velocity through a specially designed nozzle so they impact upon the substrate surface with enough force to establish an interfacial bond. Then plastic deformation of the impacting powders occurs, resulting in a flat and well-adhered coating without thermal distortion of the substrate.

Compared to thermal spray, the KM Unit applies metals significantly below their melting points. As a result, the problems that come with applying nickel, titanium, and nano-powders at high temperatures are eliminated, and a smooth spray is achieved.

*This editorial has been taken directly from an article of the R&D Magazine.

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