Patent ID: 6183820
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A method of coating an inner face of a metal tube along an axial length portion of the tube with an electrically conducting material, comprising the following steps:(a) plugging gas tight said tube on either side of said length portion for hermetically sealing off said length portion;(b) forming, in said length portion, one of a vacuum and a working gas atmosphere;(c) placing two electrode assemblies in said tube in a peripheral supporting contact with said inner face to flank said length portion, each said electrode assembly having an electrode;(d) placing an insulating body between the electrode of at least one of said electrode assemblies and said inner face for insulating said electrode of said at least one electrode assembly from said inner face;(e) positioning a wire, made of said material, axially within said tube between said two electrode assemblies; and(f) passing an electric current pulse of sufficient intensity through said wire to cause an explosive vaporization thereof, whereby particles of the vaporized material impinge on said inner face and form a layer thereon.