The plasma centrifugal surfacing (PCS) is a very new and promising technology. This technology is developed recently and, in fact, is unknown on the Western market yet. Indeed, we already use the PCS in industry to protect the inner faces of liner-type details with high grade layers against wear, corrosion and friction.
The idea of the PCs technology is so simple as genius (see figure). However, the years of scientific, engineer and design affords were spent to bring the PCS to the level of an industrial application.
PCS method diagram
The filler powder is fed into the liner. With high-speed rotation of the liner the powder is distributed even on the liner inner surface under the influence of the centrifugal force. One or several plasma torches melt powder, creating so-called ring molten pool. Moving forward with the torch (torches) the ring pool constantly involves new portions of a powder into the melting and leaves behind solidifying layer fused to the liner face.
The PCS special features define its unique advantages:
high productivity, more than 20 kg/h;
practical absence of filler powder looses;
minimum tolerances for further mechanical processing;
simplicity of using.
The required electric power is lower for 30-50% in comparison with the induction centrifugal surfacing. Additive powders on Fe-, Ni-, Co- and Cu-base as well as composite materials are selected or others are used to create necessary plasma conditions and shielding stream.
The layer, cladded with the PCS, is homogeneous and forms a metallurgical bond with the base material. The layers 1-3 mm thick can be produced rapidly in a single pass. The maximum dilution (to say simple: the content of the base material in the cladded layer) is not more than 3%.
Typical applications of the PCS are liners of the slush and other pumps; plain bearings, cylinder sleeves for automobile engines and others.
Our PCS equipment allows to produce coats for inner faces with the diameters from
60 up to 300 mm and overall length up to 1300 mm and more. The PCS equipment can be performed as a component part to a common turning lathe or as a separate complete installation
