The Plasma Spray process is a high frequency arc that is ignited between an anode (nozzle) and cathode (electrode). The process gases flowing between them are ionized to become a plume of hot plasma spray (12,000°F to 30,000°F). When the coating material is passed through the gas plume, it is melted and propelled towards the substrate as a thermal spray forming the plasma coating.
Since the flow of each of the gases and the applied current can be accurately regulated, repeatable and predictable plasma coating results can be obtained.
The distance of the plasma gun from the substrate keeps the part at a controlled thermal spray temperature that is usually in the range of (100°F to 500°F).