What are the methods for detecting the thickness and uniformity of plasma spray coating?

Plasma spray coating is used to detect the thickness and uniformity of sprayed coatings, which can comprehensively evaluate the thickness and uniformity of the film layer. Today, please follow the editor to learn more about the methods that can detect the thickness and uniformity of coatings to ensure the quality and performance of the coating.

Firstly, under normal circumstances, if the film thickness is uneven, it may lead to local performance degradation, affecting the overall performance and service life of the product. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the process parameters and feed back the detection results to the production process to improve production efficiency and product quality. For example, by adjusting parameters such as plasma spraying power and gas flow rate, the uniformity of film thickness can be improved;

Secondly, accurate detection of film thickness and uniformity can avoid situations of excessive or insufficient spraying, thereby reducing material waste and lowering costs; To meet specific application requirements, it is necessary to adopt a plasma spraying coating thickness and uniformity detection method in certain applications. Common methods include the following:

1. Roughness measurement method

2. Electron microscopy method

3. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with laser-induced fluorescence technology;

4. Optical simulation software simulates spectral curves; X-ray irradiation method;

5. Ultrasonic thickness measurement method; Laser scanning measurement method;

6. Magnetic induction method; Infrared thermography method;

7. Comprehensive evaluation of film thickness and uniformity.

Let me explain to you what roughness measurement method is:

Firstly, the roughness measurement method can indirectly evaluate the uniformity of the coating by measuring the roughness of the coating surface. If the coating thickness is uniform, its 

surface roughness is usually also relatively uniform; On the contrary, if the coating has uneven thickness, it may lead to significant differences in surface roughness. It is relatively easy to operate and can be quickly measured using a roughness meter, which can reflect the uniformity of the coating to a certain extent;

Secondly, the principle of electron microscopy is to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the coating, which can clearly see the 

microstructure and thickness distribution of the coating. By observing and measuring multiple different positions, the uniformity of the coating can be evaluated, providing high-resolution 

coating microscopic images and accurately measuring small changes in coating thickness. It is very effective for studying the uniformity and microstructure of coatings.

But the disadvantage is that the equipment is relatively expensive, the operation is complex, professional technicians are required, and the detection range is small. It can only observe local areas of the sample and cannot represent the uniformity of the entire coating.

Regardless of the measurement method used, it depends on the product and the situation. It is recommended to evaluate accuracy under the guidance of a technician.