Plasma Coating Removal

The plasma spray coating process builds up robust coatings and thermal barriers that can be as much as half an inch thick on a substrate. The material to be deposited — also called the “feedstock” — is often a corrosion-resistant alloy such as stainless steel or nickel. When fed into a plasma torch in the form of a powder, liquid, or wire, the material rapidly melts (at temperatures that can reach 10,000 K) and can then be deposited on a substrate in molten form. The plasma jet launches molten droplets onto a surface, where they quickly flatten, cool, and solidify into a deposit.

Plasma thermal spray coatings are useful for coating parts with resilient layers that ward off corrosion, prevent wear-and-tear from abrasions and impacts, or provide a valuable thermal barrier. However, when these protective layers are damaged or compromised over time, there may be a need to remove the plasma coating and restore or refurbish the part. Plasma removal is possible without base metal attack with the right, certified coating removal services.

Excellent results can be achieved through a combination of acid stripping, media blasting, power washing, and other plasma removal techniques. If necessary, a fully stripped part can then be treated with passivation, fresh platings, or renewed coatings of the substrate.