6 Tips for Mastering Thermal Spray with a Handheld Gun
At Tetrachim, we’re committed to providing advanced coating solutions that meet the highest industrial standards. In collaboration with Saint-Gobain Coating Solutions, we are pleased to offer you our best tips for succeeding with a thermal spray handheld gun.
Applying high performance coatings using a handheld thermal spray gun can be a complex process, but when done correctly, it can significantly improve the durability, wear resistance, and performance of metal surfaces. If you’re working with flame spray systems, here are six key tips to ensure a successful application, based on our knowledge in coatings.
1. Safety First and Cleanliness
Before you start spraying, it’s crucial to follow industrial safety protocols. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and that filtration systems are functioning optimally. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as heat-resistant gloves, impact-resistant goggles, a face mask with appropriate filters and ear protection. The workshop must also be clean to prevent contamination of the coating.
2. Choose the Right Product for the Job
Selecting the appropriate rods or wires is one of the most important steps. The type of product you choose depends on the application, desired coating properties (resistance to wear or corrosion), and microstructure (porosity). For example, Saint-Gobain’s nickel chrome and chromium steel provide superior corrosion and wear resistance. To familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each material, you can refer to our guide here or contact our team.
3. Optimize Your Spray Parameters
To achieve the best coating results, carefully adjust the settings of your thermal spray equipment. Factors like motor speed, spray distance, and gas flow need to be tuned according to the wire or rod being used.
4. Monitor Coating Thickness and Deposition Efficiency
Keep an eye on the thickness during the spray process and adjust the parameters if needed to avoid excessive material use or uneven coating. Some Saint-Gobain solutions, like titania, provide high deposition efficiency, which means less material is wasted and coating time is reduced.
5. Keep it dry
Moisture sensitivity is a significant issue for some products like Flexicord®. When applying these coatings, ensure that the workspace is dry, and take care to store them in a controlled environment to prevent moisture absorption. This helps maintain the integrity of the coating.
6. Focus on Surface Preparation and Finishing
Before applying the thermal spray coating, surface preparation is key. Ensure that the substrate is properly cleaned and roughened to provide good adhesion for the coating. After the application, finishing processes such as grinding and polishing may be necessary, particularly for coatings that need a smooth, dense surface.
By following these guidelines and using high-quality products like those from Saint-Gobain Coating Solutions, you can achieve durable, high-performance coatings tailored to your specific application needs.
For more information on Saint-Gobain products for coatings or help selecting the right product for your project, feel free to contact our team.