Patent ID: 6348232
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A thermal spraying method using a thermal spraying apparatus provided with a thermal spraying gun, and a computer for determining spray conditions, said thermal spraying method comprising the steps of:(a) entering shape data on the shape of a workpiece into the computer; (b) determining a set of values of spray parameters and a path of the spraying gun, the determining step including the steps of: (i) selecting representative values of the spray parameters from a spray condition database of the computer, which stores a plurality of values for each of the spray parameter; (ii) calculating a path for the thermal spraying gun on the basis of the values of the spray parameters selected in the step (i) and the shape data on the workpiece according to a program stored in the computer; (iii) deciding whether or not thermal spraying can be carried out by moving the thermal spraying gun along the path calculated in the step (ii) according to the program stored in the computer; and (iv) repeating, if it is decided that thermal spraying can not be carried out in the step (iii), the steps (i), (ii) and (iii) at least once, while changing at least one of the value of the parameters used in the previously executed step (i), the changed value of the parameter being selected from values stored in the spray condition database; and (c) carrying out a thermal spraying operation on the basis of the values of the spray parameters and the path for the thermal spraying gun determined in the step (b), â€ƒwherein the set of values selected in step (i) at a beginning of the step (b) are optimum values specifying on optimum spray condition, under which dense sprayed coating can be obtained, and wherein the set of values including the at least one value changed in the step (iv) specifies a spray condition under which a sprayed coating containing more or larger voids than those contained in the sprayed coating sprayed under the optimum condition, â€ƒwherein the spray parameters include: spray distance d between the workpiece and the thermal spraying gun; angle &thgr; between the thermal spraying gun and the workpiece; and moving velocity v of the thermal spraying gun relative to the workpiece, wherein, at least one of the spray distance d, the angle &thgr; and the moving velocity v is changed in the step (iv), and â€ƒwherein the determining step (b) including the steps of: (v) displaying, on a display of the computer, a decision of the step (iii), and requesting from an operator which parameter amongst the spray distance d, the angle &thgr; and the moving velocity v should be maintained or changed in the step (iv); and (vi) inputting, by the operator into the computer, at least one parameter amongst the spray distance d, the angle &thgr; and the moving velocity v that should be maintained or changed; wherein the steps (v) and (vi) are carried out after the step (iii) and before the step (iv).