Development of High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Applied Hardface Coatings Using Taguchi Technique

High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) sprayed hardface coatings (i.e.: chromium carbide/nickel chromium) are widely used in the aircraft industry for severe wear environment. The hardface coatings have the ability to withstand different forms of wear such as abrasion, adhesion, fretting, and particle erosion. Major aircraft engine manufacturers and repair facilities use these coatings for both original engine manufacture (OEM) and for repair and overhaul of critical engine components which experience various types of wear.

The objective of this study was to develop effective spray parameters for optimized coating properties using a statistical method known as Taguchi technique. The properties evaluated were coating hardness, bond strength, particle erosion, abrasive wear and microstructures. By using Taguchi Analysis the relationship between the various key parameters and coating properties can be determined.