Thermal spray is a generic term for a group of coating processes used to apply metallic or nonmetallic coatings. Three major categories of the processes are flame spray, electric arc spray, and plasma arc spray, with subsets under each category. (Cold spray is a recent addition that uses modest preheating, but is largely a kinetic energy process.) The energy sources heat the coating material (powder, wire, and rod form) to a molten or semimolten state. Heated particles are propelled toward a prepared surface via process gases or atomization jets, forming a bond with the surface upon impact. Subsequent particles cause thickness buildup and form a lamellar structure. Advantages of thermal spray processes include the ability to use a wide variety of coating materials, the ability of most thermal spray processes to apply coatings without significant heat input, and the ability, in most cases, to strip off and recoat worn or damaged coatings without changing part properties or dimensions.

To provide focused learning on thermal spray technology for attendees at ITSC 2008 in Maastricht, The Netherlands, the following education courses will be offered by TSS:

•Thermal Spray Technology will be held May 29-31. Instructors are Dr. Christopher C. Berndt, FASM of the Swinburne University of Technology and Dr. Richard Knight, FASM, of Drexel University.

•Understanding and Improving Your Thermal Spray Processes will be held May 30-31. Instructors are Dr. Maher Boulos, University of Sherbrooke; Dr. Pierre Fauchais, FASM, Université de Limoges; and Dr. Joachim Heberlein, FASM, University of Minnesota.

•Metallographic Preparation of Gas Turbine Coatings will be held May 31, and will be taught by Douglas Puerta, IMR Test Labs.

For more information about the courses and to register online, click here.