New Compact Plasma Spray System (CPS)


Sulzer Metco's new Compact Plasma Spray System (CPS), a joint development with Pratt & Whitney, is the first plasma spray system specifically designed to repair coating damage. CPS can save as much as 90% of the cost of a traditional component strip and recoat. At the same time, it helps preserve production and delivery schedules.
CPS is a portable spray system that is quickly transported to the component and can be set up to spray in minutes. CPS only requires processing a localized area, which minimizes all processes associated with coating application.

Until the introduction of CPS, the only viable method to repair coating damage was to completely strip and recoat the part, which is costly, can disrupt critical production schedules and jeopardize lead times. CPS offers significant cost and time advantages to repair coating damage compared to traditional component strip and recoat.

"Our ongoing goal is to bring technologies to our customers that will simplify their coating processes, reduce processing time and reduce costs. CPS is a perfect fit to our product portfolio," states Steven Ort, Sulzer Metco Product Line Manager Equipment Components. "Not only should customers consider the obvious time and cost savings, but also the reduction in environmental impact, as both consumables and utilities are significantly lower when coating damage is repaired using CPS."

How CPS Works

The application of a thermal spray coating is generally one of the last manufacturing or overhaul steps. This is when component investment time and cost is at its maximum and parts can become damaged during post-coat machining, transport or handling.
With the CPS process, masking is applied to the localized region, the area is grit-blasted, manually degreased and the coating applied. As a final step, the repaired region can be re-machined or simply smoothed using manual mechanical means, if necessary.

Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines, has already included a number of CPS coating repairs in its turbine engine manuals.

CPS is available for immediate sale worldwide. With its low investment cost, customers will find that they can recover their investment return very quickly.
Sulzer Metco (sulzermetco.com; info@sulzermetco.com) is a global leader in surface engineering solutions and services offering:

o Thermal spray and thin film equipment, materials and coating services

o Plasma heat-treatment services

o Engine components for industrial and aero turbines

o Customer support services

Sulzer Metco provides a comprehensive manufacturing, distribution and service network, catering to aerospace, power generation, automotive and other strategic growth industries. Sulzer Metco is a division of Sulzer Ltd. (SIX:SUN).

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