Metallization is a general term that refers to applying a metallic coating to a metal or other non-metallic surface. Depending on the desired result, the coating can use different types of metallic materials with different methods. Let's find out an overview of this technology in the article below.
Overview of Metallization: concepts, mechanisms and classifications
Metallizing is an overall coating process used to provide a protective layer to metallic materials while improving the material's resistance to corrosion, wear and fatigue. The
Thermal Spray Aluminium Coating process is applied in many industries such as oil and gas, automobile, offshore construction, electricity, aerospace, etc.
The metallization method is often referred to as a thermal spray coating process, which involves three basic steps:
Prepare the substrate by metal spraying or abrasive blasting to ensure the adhesion of the material. In particular, the coating material is usually in the form of wire or powder.
A heat source is used to create particles of the molten material, which is then used to spray the molten material onto the surface.
Fine material particles contact the surface of the material, and mechanical bonding occurs. It is first applied to the surface of the roughened material and then adhered to as the coating thickness is increased.
With that formation feature, the coating will be in layers with the material molecules stacked on top of each other. A stable bonding process occurs between the detailed surface and the coating material, creating a sound and durable coating structure. In addition to protection and resistance to corrosion, metallization is also used to restore and regenerate metallic parts.
Along with technology development, thermal coating methods are increasingly improved and developed with many different spray methods. The most common processes of Metallizing include:
Hot-dip galvanizing
Thermal metal spraying
Zinc spraying
Fire
Diffusion
Vacuum
Contact
Metallized coatings applied by different methods have the following common characteristics:
Wide range of applications, resistant to corrosion, abrasion, heat and harsh environmental conditions such as seawater.
Diverse coating materials: metal, non-metal, ceramic, alloy.
The coating thickness is from 50 micros to 12mm, and the thickness can be adjusted as desired.
Applicable to parts with complex shapes.
Little or no thermal distortion.
The bonding force between surface and coating material is the strong bearing capacity.
Metallization is a protective measure that offers many benefits, such as corrosion resistance, weather resistance, increased durability, and significant maintenance cost reduction. Each method will have different characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, suitable for specific coating requirements and the surface to be applied.