Hahn and Woodward, Auto Restoration, Automotive Restoration, Mercedes Restoration, Collector Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration, 300SL Gullwing Restoration, GTO Restoration, Antique Auto Restoration, Spray Thermal Metalizing

What is "Spray Thermal Metalizing" and how is it used in Automotive Restoration?

"Spray Thermal Metalizing" or "Arcspraying" is a process by which molten particles of metal are atomized and projected upon a surface....in this case automotive bodies and components. Upon contact, the particles flatten onto the surface, freeze and mechanically bond, initially to the roughened surface and then to each other as the coating thickness is increased. At the heat energy in the molten particles is small relative to the size of the sprayed component, the process imparts very little heat to the component resulting in virtually no distortion. The resulting surface can then be ground, sanded, primed and painted.



	Home Why Choose Hahn and Woodward? Project Cars Products and Services Contact Us Links Our Blog Store	Spray Thermal Metalizing a.k.a."Arcspraying" What is "Spray Thermal Metalizing" and how is it used in Automotive Restoration? Spray Thermal Metalizing - "Spray Thermal Metalizing" or "Arcspraying" is a process by which molten particles of metal are atomized and projected upon a surface....in this case automotive bodies and components. Upon contact, the particles flatten onto the surface, freeze and mechanically bond, initially to the roughened surface and then to each other as the coating thickness is increased. At the heat energy in the molten particles is small relative to the size of the sprayed component, the process imparts very little heat to the component resulting in virtually no distortion. The resulting surface can then be ground, sanded, primed and painted. Metalizing has been around for a long time and the process is regularly used to provide anti-corrosive surfaces in the bridge construction, petrochemical and marine industries were corrosion is a major problem. In the case of Arcspraying (the process we use), two electrically charged wires are driven and guided so they converge at a point to create an arc. An air nozzle then atomizes the molten metal and projects it onto the workpiece. How is the Metalizing process used for Automotive Restoration? At Hahn and Woodward, we use the process in several ways: First, Arcspraying has proven to be an excellent body seam filler. We are able to blend the surface around body seams to match the body contours without the need for plastic fillers. Second, in some cases, the process can be used to repair rusted panels that otherwise would be costly to replace. Even severely pitted metal can be restored in this manner. The sprayed metal fills in gaps and holes with a new metal surface that does not crack or peal. Finally, in addition to body panels, we have used the process on oil pans, valve covers and other mechanical components to provide a beautiful �cast� finish. As time goes on, we expect to find additional uses for the metalizing process. For more information on how the process has been used for automotive repair, see the "Rust Busting" article in the April 2007 edition of Car Craft Magazine. Our Metalizing Services In addition to using the process on our restorations, we offer Spray Thermal Metalizing as a service. If you have a restoration project you are working on and would like to take advantage of this technology, please give us a call. Our rates for the process are $120/hr ( 1 Hr. Minimum ) that includes setup time, surface preparation and Arcspraying. The more components you need to have metalized, the more cost effective the service is. Compare this to the cost of replacement/repair and the price is very attractive. Examples of the Metalizing Process used to fill body seams and build up low spots on this '68 GTO. Next, the material will be ground smooth. We used Aluminum Metalizing on this valve cover for the HRG. The valve cover was first sandblasted then the aluminum metalizing was applied. We then lightly sanded the material to attain this beautiful "brushed" look. For more information, please call Bill Hahn at 724.865.9684 between 9am - 5pm Mon. thru Fri. or e-mail us at: info@hahnandwoodward.com