Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA)

The powder used in PTA cladding is normally of a metallic nature, and is injected into the system by coaxial nozzles (in coaxial technique). The interaction of the metallic powder stream and the Plasma (formed by the interaction of the gas and the arc generated between the electrode and the material to be cladded) causes melting to occur, and is known as the melt pool. This is deposited onto a substrate; moving the substrate allows the melt pool to solidify and thus produces a track of solid metal. Typical applications are: - Droplet erosion protection in steam turbine LP blades - Corrosion protection for boiler components (thermocouples, etc.) - dimensional restoration of gas turbine components.