Low Vacuum (LVPS™)/ Low Pressure (LPPS™) Plasma Spray System

Based on our long-proven and highly reliable ChamPro™ coating process, the systems are designed for mass production coatings (e.g. blades and vanes) with unique features, such as:

• Typical chamber pressure from 20 mbar – 300 mbar during spray process
• Reverse transfer arc for work piece cleaning (removal of oxide layer)
• High enthalpy plasma stream with high plasma torch output up to 120 kW
• Maximum spray part weight (incl. fixture) of 60 kg
• Spray part motion control by advanced CNC system, using 4 axes gun manipulator

These system features give rise to the advanced process characteristics of the vacuum plasma coating process:

• Very flexible operating conditions
• Application of thin or thick coatings
• Slow coating solidification => control of residual stresses
• High deposition efficiency due to the concentrated shape of the plasma jet

The basic concept and workflow of the coating process is described as follows.

1. Loading the part into the sting gripper
2. Close transfer chamber, evacuate to initial vacuum
3. Backfill transfer chamber with argon to operating pressure
4. Open gate valve to main chamber
5. Transfer part in main chamber preheating, T/A cleaning and coating of parts
6. Return part in transfer chamber
7. Closing of gate valve
8. Cooling cycle and backfill transfer chamber to atmospheric pressure
9. Unload part manually or with loader