Thermal Plasma Coatings

[Fubar]

Do you guys know anything about this stuff?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_spraying

 

[BlackICE]

I often wonder about how well thermal coatings work as well. In theory coating the pistons, valves, combustion chambers as well as the exhaust ports should improve power, by using more of the heat energy used to expand the combustion gasses rather than heating engine components.

I would love to hear what the real life experience with coatings are from the experts like John Mihovetz at Accufab! If Ray's car didn't have it, then I would suspect it doesn't do what it is hyped to do.

 

[Fubar]

Thermal Plasma is the new stuff (I think). It sprays on like paint,e except with a plasma torch (cool). I have not idea if it works or not but I know my ceramic coating is flaking off after 1 year (not cool).

 

[BlackICE]

Thermal Plasma is the new stuff (I think). It sprays on like paint,e except with a plasma torch (cool). I have not idea if it works or not but I know my ceramic coating is flaking off after 1 year (not cool).

How do you know that it is flaking off, do you use a bore scope to peer inside?

 

[briank03]

the new 2011 shelby cobra motor is getting this coating now that its finally getting a aluminum block.

The 5.4-liter aluminum-block engine uses a Ford-patented Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) cylinder liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating containing nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing the cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown onto the engine cylinder bores, which have been specially machined to receive the coating. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

PTWA coating offers improved overall performance and durability versus iron liners, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area, and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds versus a typical sleeved aluminum block.

 

[Fubar]

How do you know that it is flaking off, do you use a bore scope to peer inside?

I was actually talking about exhaust coatings.

 

[JCSB]

Do you guys know anything about this stuff?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_spraying

We have it done all the time on parts we manufacture. We use it to carbide coat wear parts for oil field exploration. If properly applied it works great. Attack angle to adhere makes a big difference (90 degree to surface).

John

 

[Fubar]

Who did you use?

 

[JCSB]

Who did you use?

There are 3 companies in Houston. I need to get to card file tomorrow.

John

 

[2112]

I know my ceramic coating is flaking off after 1 year (not cool).

Which coating is it? Is it on stainless or cast Iron?
.

 

[soroush]

the new 2011 shelby cobra motor is getting this coating now that its finally getting a aluminum block.

you know what that means everytime you crack a piston or tear up a ring right? you'll new a new block too:eek

 

[Fubar]

Which coating is it? Is it on stainless or cast Iron?
.

It would be for a stainless application.

you know what that means everytime you crack a piston or tear up a ring right? you'll new a new block too:eek

He says this like it happens every other week. You know, it's not just everybody that has a race gas / NOS / meth / Whippled 5.4L Ford.

 

[JCSB]

Who did you use?

Sorry I forgot. http://www.swimpreglon.us/ , http://www.fwgartner.com/ , http://www.alloycarbide.com/index.html .
I have used all 3, but the one that might best suit your needs would be Southwest Impreglon (the first).

John

 

[Lorenzo]

It would be for a stainless application.



Are your Flowmasters flaking off already?
I ask because i assume mine were done by the same company.:frown

 

[Fubar]

Yes, they were done by calico.

 

[Lorenzo]

Mine look perfect but i have only driven them about 500 miles.

They were done by


JET-HOT
1840 W. Drake Drive
Suite # 102
Tempe AZ
85283

 

[sandman]

It would be for a stainless application.



Are your Flowmasters flaking off already?
I ask because i assume mine were done by the same company.:frown

Mine still look good just a little discoloration...the coating on the red car has/is a matte finish the white car has a shiny finish. Both gals have 1000k a dyno run and the GT school under their belts.

 

[Fubar]

Mine have about 7k miles, but I think I was getting some air in the system at the collector. I suspect that was causing the extra heat.