Janusz Kowalewski, Ipsen USA, Cherry Valley, Ill., discussed ion vapor deposition, a physical deposition process for applying pure aluminum coatings, at ASM International’s Heat Treat 2019 conference in Detroit.
He focused on its application to additively manufactured parts of various alloys, mainly for corrosion protection and to improve surface condition. To prevent contamination of pure aluminum, the coating is applied in a vacuum system. The coating system consists of a vacuum chamber, a pumping system, racking, evaporation source, and power supply.
Mr. Kowalewski reviewed the technology before illustrating newer AM applications currently being examined by several industries. The use of vacuum deposition techniques is mature and well established, but applying this technology to AM parts is new, and it coincides with the emergence and growth of AM parts in aerospace, electronics, and electric car industries.
The new technology provides excellent coating uniformity throughout AM part surfaces, including edges. It is a low temperature process and therefore has no influence on part distortion. Common applications include missile cases and turbine blades. The secret to excellent coatings dependst on parts cleanliness, correct part configuration, and vacuum level.
