Fighting Corrosion Caused by Fresh or Salt Water

Prevention of atmospheric corrosion, including rust caused by weathering or immersion in fresh or salt water, can be addressed by spraying exposed areas with zinc, aluminum or zinc/aluminum wires. These materials not only protect vulnerable surfaces, but also galvanically protect the underlying steel.

Advantages of thermal spray over other methods include:

• Zinc or aluminum can be applied at nearly any thickness
• It’s easy to adjust the amount of protection based on the requirements of the application
• Unlike galvanizing, thermal sprayed zinc or aluminum does not distort the parts as they are being processed
• Coatings may be used as sprayed or coated with an appropriate sealer.

Pictured here is a component from a shipboard refrigeration unit that has been sprayed with aluminum and then sealed. Utilizing sophisticated, automated equipment, and state-of-the-art quality assurance measures, CTS has made it possible for such a component to be guaranteed against rust (by the manufacturer) even though the part is made of mild steel and exposed to salt water throughout its lifetime. This technology can be applied to any component that will be exposed to salt spray or immersion in salt water with results that far exceed what is possible with any paint system. The galvanic protection of the pure metallic coating is proven even with a minor rupture of the coating.

To learn more about CTS capabilities, contact us to consult with a CTS Engineer and we will respond within 24 hours.