Supersonic spray coating on wire arc additive manufactured parts
Tam Nguyen and Jim Galloway, School of Engineering & Technology
About Centreline Ltd.
Centreline Ltd. designs and manufactures automated welding, assembly and metal-processing solutions for a range of industrial applications. The company partnered with Conestoga to investigate opportunities to add value to wire arc additive manufacturing processes.
The challenge
Wire arc additive manufacturing enables the efficient production of large metal components, but post-production processes may be needed to improve surface characteristics and long-term performance. The project sought to determine whether supersonic spray technology could enhance the quality and durability of parts produced through wire arc additive manufacturing.
Approach
- Evaluated the application of supersonic spray technology on wire arc additive manufacturing components
- Compared coated and uncoated parts to assess performance differences
- Examined surface quality and coating adhesion
- Conducted accelerated corrosion-resistance testing
- Assessed coating technologies as a potential post-production enhancement process
Results
- Demonstrated the feasibility of applying supersonic spray coatings to wire arc additive manufacturing components
- Generated comparative data on surface quality and coating performance
- Evaluated coating adhesion on additively manufactured parts
- Assessed the impact of coatings on corrosion resistance
- Provided findings to support future manufacturing and product-development decisions
Why it matters
- Supports innovation in advanced and additive manufacturing technologies
- Explores ways to improve the durability and performance of metal components
- Creates opportunities for value-added post-production processes
- Helps manufacturers evaluate new approaches to surface enhancement and protection
- Strengthens industry knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
