Abstract
In the Automotive Industry the need for lower manufacturing costs, the use of less strategic materials, and easier, faster, and more flexible routes for environmental concerns relating to the use of galvanic coatings is growing. This has led to the examination of the plasma-powder spray process for the application of coatings for surface modification.
This paper covers the use of a plasma-powder spray process for the coating of aluminum-silicon cylinder block bores using a rotating plasma gun capable of producing coatings of reliable microstructure and integrity.
Properties and microstructures of the applied coatings will be presented. Test results will be shown that the necessary bond strength of the coating can be achieved without the use of a bond coat. Surface preparation prior to coating and surface finishing methods after coating will also be discussed. Experience in Europe, Japan and the United States will be discussed which shows that the plasma-powder spray process offers a performance proven and cost effective solution for the coating of cylinder bores.