The single most common use for thermal spray technology is to retard and control wear. Wear occurs when the perfectly smooth, frictionless surfaces found only in textbooks are replaced by the less accommodating surfaces of the real world. Mastering the wear process means controlling a complex set of system variables that start with the physical characteristics of mating surfaces. Wear challenges include the geometry and environmental aspects of a contact, the state of stress and stress distribution, the dynamics of motion, the quality of lubrication, the presence of contaminants, and the finish of the surfaces themselves. Surface material is lost, ultimately causing a functionally significant change in dimension and impaired performance.
Combat wear with thermal spray coatings.
Sulzer Metco thermal coating solutions are used to alter the hardness and finish characteristics of countless mating surfaces, to minimize the effects of mechanical wear, and extend product life. Thus, maintenance and operational costs are reduced in a world of applications. A Sulzer Metco coating protects screw conveyor bearings from wear in the abusive environment of the ready-mix concrete industry. The huge, smooth- faced printing rollers used in the manufacture of steel cans last longer with a thermal sprayed coating than they did with hard chrome plate. A thermal spray coating reduces friction and lasts longer at high operating temperatures.