High velocity oxy-fuel spraying

High velocity oxy-fuel spraying, also known as High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF), is an advanced thermal spray process used in surface technology. This process allows surfaces to be coated with a variety of materials to achieve improved properties such as hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

In the HVOF process, a fuel gas, typically a mixture of oxygen and fuel gas such as hydrogen or natural gas, is fed into a combustion chamber at high speed. The gas is burned there, creating a high-speed flame spray jet. Powdered coating materials such as metals, ceramics or alloys are accelerated in this jet and sprayed onto the substrate.

The high speed of the spray jet in the HVOF process enables a dense and well-adhering coating to be formed on the substrate. The resulting coating has low porosity, which leads to improved protection and durability. The process is particularly suitable for demanding applications involving high mechanical loads or extreme environmental conditions.

HVOF coatings are characterized by their fine microstructure and low oxidation tendency, which leads to improved mechanical properties. The high adhesive strength of the coating on the substrate helps to create a durable and reliable protective layer.

The application areas of HVOF coatings are diverse and range from aerospace to the oil and gas industry and high-performance machinery. Components such as turbine blades, valves, cylinders and drills can benefit from the improved surface properties achieved by high velocity oxy-fuel spraying. Overall, HVOF enables precise and effective surface modification for demanding technical applications.