Kermetico, Benicia, Calif., makes specialized HVAF systems to spray metal coatings and alloyed powder compositions onto uncommon substrates such as acme threads, thin walls, and temperature-sensitive materials. The HVAF process is extremely stable due to the utilization of micro-flame combustion technology enhanced with a catalytic insert.
Modular hardware design makes it possible to build specialized equipment: engineers adjust combustion chambers, nozzles, and powder injectors to achieve optimized results. A variety of fuel gases and the possibility of multiple additional gas injections make the process even more versatile and efficient.
The company offers several systems optimized to spray particular powders. For example, the Kermetico SL HVAF system provides an option to spray low melting point materials such as zinc at up to 22 pounds per hour, without oxidation and with an applied cost not substantially higher than twin-wire arc spray.
When working with precious metals, it is critical to have a stable and predictable technological process. The Kermetico SP High Velocity Air Fuel (HVAF) gun heats silver or gold powder to just below the melting point, which prevents material evaporation. Then it delivers hot powder to the solid metal substrate at supersonic speed and deposits it densely. This system prevents loss of precious metals due to evaporation. Most of it will be deposited as a high-quality coating; the remainder will go into the filtration system.
