Composition of BÖHLER metal powders - Tenica

Hardfacing and thermal sprayingMetal powder hardfacing processPlasma transferred arc welding (PTA)This method is a plasma welding process with a continuouspowder feeding. The powder feeding may be added separatelyas well as directly via the torch.carrier gas for the powder. The powder grains can pass intothe molten pool either in solid or molten form. This dependsupon the size, the shape and the quantity of the grains, thethermo-physical properties of the powder and the plasma,as well as upon the transfer time of the powder grains in theplasma.The arc is initiated between the tungsten electrode and theworkpiece. It is ignited and stabilized simultaneously with theaid of a pilot arc between the tungsten electrode and thecopper nozzle (anode). Main arc and pilot arc are suppliedindependently from their own power source. The tungstenelectrode is enveloped in argon as a centre gas. Within thearc, the argon is ionized forms a plasma with high beamenergy. Argon shielding gas is supplied via the outer nozzle.This shielding gas protects the molten pool against theingress of oxygen. The powder supply to the arc is carriedout via a mechanical metering device. Argon is used as aPlasma transferred arc welding has gained increasing significancein recent years. This process facilitates a build-up ofpowder alloys, which in the form of rods or wire, are difficultto produce or often cannot be produced. The advantagesof plasma powder transferred arc welding is the preciseadjustment of the penetration depth and the build-up thickness(dilution) as well as the high energy density of the plasmaarc. Because of the continuous addition of powder, buildupwelds of uniformity and low porosity are produced sothat, in respect of mass production, a high degree of automationis possible.Tungsten electrodePlasma gas: Ar/Ar+H 2Copper anodeHFPowersourcepilot arcPilot arcMain arcBase materialArArPowder + Powder gasWaterPowersourceWatermain arcShielding gasWelding seamSchematic diagramof a torch for plasmatransferred arc welding.8