Ceramic coatings on automotive components are increasingly used to provide protection between different engine parts, helping to increase wear resistance, reduce friction, and improve heat shielding. The components in an automobile engine are often made from a range of different materials. The variations in the metallurgical properties of these materials can cause mechanical parts to absorb or disperse heat at different phases in the engine cycle. Regulating these temperature fluctuations among both internal and external engine parts can improve horsepower and performance characteristics, leading to more efficient vehicle operation. Ceramic coatings on automotive parts have a significant influence on horsepower ratings, and augmenting them through ceramic coating can often enhance an automobile’s performance. In addition, these coatings enable metal components to interact in a more uniform and compatible fashion.
Applying a Ceramic Coating on Automotive Parts
Before a ceramic coating is applied to an automotive component, the component’s surface is typically treated with a smoothing agent or sandblasting in order to remove the uneven outer surface and any contaminants that may have accumulated. After the clean bottom layer is revealed, the part is often heated in an oven to reduce its molecular porosity. Without this treatment, any contaminants remaining after the initial stage may be brought to the surface, forcing the coating layer to detach from the substrate.
Common automotive ceramic coatings, such as titanium and tungsten, are usually applied with a gravity-fed spray gun. The gun’s nozzle tends to be narrow to provide precise application control. Solvent coatings are typically sprayed at lower pressure, while liquid-based coatings are sprayed at higher pressure, but in both cases the process occurs inside a spraying booth. During spraying, it is important to keep careful control over the ceramic layer’s thickness, as the coating must be very thin and evenly distributed in order to keep it from running.
Inspection and Curing
Once the coating stage is complete, the component is examined to evaluate the uniformity of the ceramic film distribution. It is then air dried to allow the evaporation process to occur, and placed in an air-circulation curing oven that will provide an even heating treatment. Curing is performed at incrementally rising heat to address temperature transition phases, and most processes begin at roughly 175 degrees Fahrenheit before rising to a maximum of 600 degrees. The component is often burnished to achieve a more precise thickness level and to ensure it meets clearance requirements. Depending on the part, additional finishing treatments, such as vibration polishing, can be performed.
Automotive Applications
Two of the most common applications for automotive ceramic coatings involve exhaust manifolds and headers. A ceramic coating applied to a manifold or header will provide increased resistance to corrosion, such as rust, and lower the rate of heat loss, resulting in greater power output. When applied to internal headers, these coatings increase the speed of the exhaust gas and reduce overall turbulence by providing a smoother surface. Some other automotive components commonly coated with ceramics include:.
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