Monday, December 7, 2015

By Marci Nielsen


Metal components are meant to be used or operated in different environments. Some of those environments are very harsh in that they have very high temperatures, are very corrosive, or are very reactive among other conditions. Such environments are able to cause very severe effects when they come in contact with metal components, which may lead to a significant reduction in durability, aesthetic value, and functionality among others. To curb the effects of such environments, diffusion coatings were invented.

The process of applying a diffusion coating on a metal substrate is called diffusion coating too. This process is done inside a chamber at temperatures that are very high. Various metals such as nickel, iron, and cobalt are activated thermally during the procedure. Before the process can start, the substrate needs to be cleaned thoroughly first. Cleaning can be done through various methods, but abrasive blasting is commonly used. Cleaning is for removing dirt and other undesirable materials from the surface of substrates.

After proper cleaning has been done, the component is placed inside the container and the coating material added. The container is then completely sealed and placed into a furnace, which may be in the form of a chamber. The temperature of the furnace is then raised to very high levels in the range of 380 to 425 degrees Celsius.

When certain temperatures are attained within the aforementioned range, diffusion occurs to the metal. This makes it to make an alloy with the substrate. The nature of the substrate and the kind of metal used dictate how much time this process can last. However, most processes last from two hours to four hours. The substrate must be continuously turned throughout the process to achieve equal thickness.

The resultant coating is smooth and its thickness is very uniform. Depending on the function of a component, the thickness can be varied. However, the normal range of thicknesses is between 15-80 micrometers. The color of the metal used for coating forms the color of the component after coating. Chromium, iron, aluminium, and silicon are among the most commonly used metals. Coating can also be done to various metals too, including iron, steels, cobalt, and nickel.

The resultant coating provides significant resistance against oxidation, erosion, oxidation, and reaction with various substances such as water and air among others. This process has made metal components meant for critical functions more reliable, stronger, and more durable. Some of the metal components that are passed through this process include gate valves, power generation components, pump impellers, and gas turbines engine components such as cases, blades, and vanes.

The use of this process is mostly confined in industrial settings. Very few household devices incorporate this process in their production. The invention of the process happened several years ago and it has been undergoing modification over time to achieve perfection. Currently, better methods and technology exist.

Modern day furnaces are very efficient and have improved functionality because they incorporate several features. The coatings achieved today are thin yet very durable, strong, and efficient at avoiding corrosion. This technology is highly employed in the automotive industry.




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