Sensors & Electronics
Electronics & Systems
Coating Process Evaluation & Analysis (380)
Problem: Need to identify key process variables that govern coating consistency to enable effective process control.
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Mechanisms through Sensors and Devices
PNNL Solution:
- Instrumented manual electrospark deposition (ESD) system to allow monitoring of key process variables during operation (voltage, current, probe pressure).
- Recorded data during coating operations by skilled operator.
- Found coating consistency was governed by probe pressure.
- But direct pressure measurement was not a practical basis for control (response time, etc.).
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Electrical instrumentation system assembly to monitor process operation; conducted film deposition tests under a variety of operating conditions; metallurgical examination of ESD deposited materials to determine film properties and consistency; comparison of operating parameter and film property data to establish key operating parameter(s); identify preferred operating conditions for desired film properties; documented results; established intellectual property position.
Selected Links to Related Information:
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Contact: Jeff Bailey
