Vacuum Plasma Spray System (VPS)

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

• Typical chamber pressure from 30 mbar to 900 mbar during spray process
• Reverse transfer arc for workpiece cleaning (removal of oxide layer)
• High enthalpy plasma stream with high plasma torche output up to 120 kW
• Maximum spray part weight (including fixture) of up to 100 kg, depending on handling configuration
• Motion control by 6-axes robot, modified for use in low pressure environment

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 to control 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 parts onto the handling
2. Close door, evacuate to initial vacuum
3. Backfill chamber with argon to operating pressure
4. Coating of parts
5. Cooling cycle and backfill chamber to atmospheric pressure
6. Unload parts