Matalizing is the general term used to refer to a group of processes used to coat non-metallic materials with metal. The method was invented by a German called Von Liebig around 1835. It is believed that the first application of metalizing was in making mirrors. Actually, Liebig was trying to coat aluminum on a glass surface at the time of the discovery. In Los Angeles metalizing is applied in many applications and the industry provides employment for many people.
The process is carried out in a vacuum chamber to avoid adding impurities into the metal coating. The system used for the process is made of many parts including spray torch, feeder, media supply, robot, power supply, and the control console. A single system may have several control consoles depending on its level of sophistication and size. Consoles sometimes come separately although they are integrated into the system in most cases.
The metal that forms the coat on objects is melted by the spray gun. Some metals have very high boiling and melting points hence the spray torch must reach those temperatures for the metals to vaporize. Temperatures are controlled using the control consoles. After melting the coating material, the gun accelerates them to the object to be deposited. Temperature of the spray torch is raised through resistance and plasma heating among other techniques.
Media supply is used to supply the fuel needed to produce the flame used in heating the spray torch. This is an optional feature in some models of metalization systems. The feeder is the component used to supply the wire, liquid, or powder used for coating. The material supplied is directed to the torch to be melted. Normally the feeder terminates on the outside for access by the system operator.
Torches and substrates are manipulated by a circuitry referred to as a robot. Efficiency can only be achieved if the substrate is repeatedly turned to expose all parts to the coat. The angle of the torch might also need to be adjusted during the process. Power supplies are normally standalone units that provide power for heating the torch.
The process is started by preparing the substrate and then feeding it into the system. Once in the feeder, the material is delivered to the torch to be melted. The wire is heated until its boiling point is reached at which it turns into vapor or fumes. The fumes go into the air before settling down onto the substrate. For the process to be efficient, substrates are positioned directly under the torch.
The thickness of the layer formed on the substrate by the fumes can be varied using the controls. Generally, the longer the system is powered on, the more the fumes produced meaning that thicker coatings are produced. Once the fumes cool down, they form a uniform layer around the substrate.
This process finds application in many fields. Mainly, it is used in the production of coatings on structural materials. Such coatings are used as thermal barriers against high temperatures in various applications. Other main uses include protection against wear and tear, erosion, and corrosion. The aesthetic property of substrates is also improved a lot.
The process is carried out in a vacuum chamber to avoid adding impurities into the metal coating. The system used for the process is made of many parts including spray torch, feeder, media supply, robot, power supply, and the control console. A single system may have several control consoles depending on its level of sophistication and size. Consoles sometimes come separately although they are integrated into the system in most cases.
The metal that forms the coat on objects is melted by the spray gun. Some metals have very high boiling and melting points hence the spray torch must reach those temperatures for the metals to vaporize. Temperatures are controlled using the control consoles. After melting the coating material, the gun accelerates them to the object to be deposited. Temperature of the spray torch is raised through resistance and plasma heating among other techniques.
Media supply is used to supply the fuel needed to produce the flame used in heating the spray torch. This is an optional feature in some models of metalization systems. The feeder is the component used to supply the wire, liquid, or powder used for coating. The material supplied is directed to the torch to be melted. Normally the feeder terminates on the outside for access by the system operator.
Torches and substrates are manipulated by a circuitry referred to as a robot. Efficiency can only be achieved if the substrate is repeatedly turned to expose all parts to the coat. The angle of the torch might also need to be adjusted during the process. Power supplies are normally standalone units that provide power for heating the torch.
The process is started by preparing the substrate and then feeding it into the system. Once in the feeder, the material is delivered to the torch to be melted. The wire is heated until its boiling point is reached at which it turns into vapor or fumes. The fumes go into the air before settling down onto the substrate. For the process to be efficient, substrates are positioned directly under the torch.
The thickness of the layer formed on the substrate by the fumes can be varied using the controls. Generally, the longer the system is powered on, the more the fumes produced meaning that thicker coatings are produced. Once the fumes cool down, they form a uniform layer around the substrate.
This process finds application in many fields. Mainly, it is used in the production of coatings on structural materials. Such coatings are used as thermal barriers against high temperatures in various applications. Other main uses include protection against wear and tear, erosion, and corrosion. The aesthetic property of substrates is also improved a lot.
0 comments:
Post a Comment