Christopher C. Berndt-Additive Manufacturing-Manufacturing Thin Coatings by Thermal Spray Methods

Presented at the 2021 SVC Virtual TechCon.
C. Berndt, A.S.M. Ang, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
Thermal spray processes fall under the umbrella of additive manufacturing. These coatings function under harsh environments; e.g., high temperature, aggressive wear, and corrosion within applications such as power generation, the transportation industries, petro-chemical plants and bioengineering. This presentation focuses on the microstructural nature of thermal spray coatings and how the materials engineering design of future applications is driving fundamental R&D. Furthermore, recent advances to commercialise thin thermal spray coatings that are manufactured under ambient atmospheric conditions will be described. The goal is for thermal spray to enter new markets; e.g., sensors, hydrophobic/hydrophilic films, electronic circuits etc., and other endeavours that are on the near-term horizon.