Basically, thermal spraying is when a coating material (in powder, rod or wire form) is heated to a designated temperature and then propelled in a molten state onto a substrate. The result is a mechanically bonded coating that will restore size or protect the substrate in the application.

It’s amazing that the thermal spray process, initially developed over 100 years ago in Switzerland by Max Ulrich Schoop, today uses technology that can spray coatings at supersonic speeds!

What separates HFW from our competition is our 60 years of expertise in thermal spray coating with complementary machining, finishing and assembly capabilities! 

This unique ‘One Source’ capability offers you high quality, timely manufacturing and repair service without the hassle of multiple vendors and blurred lines of responsibility.

HFW remains at the forefront of thermal spray technology by using state-of-the-art equipment, including robotics, with our 25 plus thermal spray systems.

The process chosen is based on what is best for each application. That may depend on the material to be sprayed, the substrate and the result desired. HFW has in-house laboratory facilities to qualify and test coatings to customer required specifications.

Thermal spray  processes we perform in-house include:

– High Velocity Oxy-Fuel or HVOF Coatings (pictured above)- dense metal/ carbide coatings

– Plasma Coatings- metal, ceramic and cermet coatings

– Sprayweld Coatings- metal alloys fused to the substrate

– Rokide Coatings- select ceramic coatings

– Metallize Coatings- metal coatings by wire or powder processes

HFW can apply any material that does not decompose as it is melted. These materials include pure metals, ceramics, cermets and polymers.

With over 60 years of proven success in extending equipment life, HFW will work with you to develop coatings specific to your application . We have been successful in designing coatings that have extended the life of equipment over ten-fold, savings millions of dollars for our customers! Ask us how our coating technology may be able help in your application!

Consider HFW Industries ‘One Source’ service in helping extend the life and reducing the cost of your application!

  

* Heads- Pressure test, machine inboard face and pilot diameter for coating and thermal spray with Hastelloy C and finish.

* Assembly- Assemble complete including bearings, seals, gaskets and packing along with dynamic balancing and painting as required.

How?

 HFW Industries has been providing thermal spray coating solutions since 1947 and High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) coatings for over 20 years.

 

 In addition to the HVOF process, HFW also applies thermal spray coatings using flame spray, electric arc metallizing and plasma spray processes. 

 

 During the 1980’s the HVOF process was developed to be an accessible market alternative to Union Carbide’s D (detonation) gun process.

 

 HVOF uses the internal combustion of fuel gases (ex: propylene, propane, hydrogen or kerosene with oxygen) to produce a hypersonic gas stream into which the coating material is fed. The powder is heated and propelled by the gas stream at hypersonic velocities against the workpiece where molten coating particles impact and form a homogenous coating structure.

 

 Tungsten Carbide/ Cobalt/ Chrome coatings can be used for abrasion and sliding wear resistance when some corrosion protection is required. Typical applications include piston/ compressor rods, sleeves, fan blades, mechanical seal faces, process rolls, and at times as a replacement for chrome plating.