Metal vapour deposition plant using thermal arcing process - uses two wires to generate arc observed by optical sensor to provide feedback to regulate feeding of wire

摘要

The metallic arc spraying system for thermal coating of a metallic surface, has a pair of wires (1, 2) that are fed through guides (5, 6) by pairs of motor driven rollers (3, 4) while a high voltage is applied. Arcing occurs at the point of contact between the wires, and metallic particle vapour is generated (10) for deposition on the surface. The arcing region is observed with some form of sensor (13) and the output used to generate a control signal to vary the speed at which the wires are moved. The region may be observed using a camera and a mirror system. ADVANTAGE - Provides stable control of arcing.