What is HVOF?
HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel) coatings are applied through an HVOF spraying process using either a liquid or gas fuel HVOF gun. The process provides high bond strength, maximum hardness, high density, and greater coating thickness.
Which materials can have an HVOF coating?
HVOF coatings are used on materials such as:
Metals
Alloys
Tungsten carbide
Chrome carbide and chrome oxide
Carbides
Chilled iron composites
And other hard-to-grind materials
Why do I need a superabrasive for HVOF?
Like grinding ceramics, carbide, or other hardened materials, when grinding HVOF coatings, it is best to use a resin or vitrified bond diamond grinding wheel. Because HVOF coatings are denser and harder, they require a different approach to grind the material to achieve the required finishes and geometries.
Since diamond wheels are exceptionally hard, they can grind substantially higher levels of the coating compared to silicon-carbide and aluminum-oxide wheels. They maintain size and keep the conformity of the part better.
HVOF Applications & Industries
HVOF coatings can be utilized in many applications and industries to include:
Compressor repair
Pump repair
Paper mills
Oil fields for downhole mandrels
Valve repair
Maritime applications
How is HVOF quality defined?
HVOF coating quality is judged by measuring:
Porosity
Oxide content
Macro and microhardness
Bond strength
Surface roughness
Recommended grinding method for HVOF coatings:
Typically, wet grinding is recommended for grinding HVOF because of the advantages it offers.
When wet grinding, a harder grinding wheel can be used without increasing the likelihood of heat cracking. It also minimizes surface particle detachment and achieves an optimal surface finish. The grinding wheel will not load up as quickly with wet grinding and requires lesser truing intervals.
In addition, wet grinding also aids in washing away debris residue. The concentration and filtration of the grinding fluid also has an effect on the surface finish.
Keys to success
The key to successfully grinding HVOF coatings is to follow the correct procedures. These include proper selection of the grinding wheel (grit size, grade, and bond type) and proper mounting, balancing, truing, and dressing of the wheel prior to grinding.
Eagle’s Solutions
Our HVOF grinding wheels are customized and manufactured with HVOF coatings in mind. Based on your application, our engineers will formulate a solution with the correct bond system, grain, shape, and grit to achieve your operational goals.
