ARL Center for Cold Spray - Applications
The Cold Spray process is applicable to corrosion-resistant coatings (zinc and aluminum), dimensional restoration and repair (nickel, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum), wear-resistant coatings (chromium carbide -- nickel chromium, tungsten carbide -- cobalt, and tungsten copper), electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of components and structures, and field repair of components and systems. A Military Standard, MIL-STD-3021, was issued to develop the manufacturing process controls for cold spray operation and can be accessed at MIL-STD-3021.
- Corrosion Resistant Coatings (Zn, Al)
- Dimensional Restoration and Repair (Ni, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Aluminum)
- Wear Resistant Coatings (CrC-NiCr, WC-Co, WCu)
- EMI Shielding
- Portable Units for Field Repair
EMI Shielding for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Shelter by Cold Spray
- HMMWV shelters require EMI shielding to prevent entrance/escape of electronic signals
- The joints in aluminum-composite walls must be sealed with a non-porous, conducting metal
- The composite structure requires low-temperature application of sealer
Cold Spray Deposition of Anti-Microbial Surfaces
- It is known that the metal copper displays anti-microbial characteristics, and the quality of a copper surface affects its ability to disinfect. Good electrical and thermal conductivities both enhance the anti-microbial capacity of copper surfaces. The low-oxide, non-porous nature of cold sprayed copper coatings yield excellent disinfection properties.
- Cold spray can restore damaged metal parts. Precise, low-temperature, placement of fill repairs avoids high-temperature modification of metal substrates and yields structurally sound and adherent fills.