Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) Cladding Process

The Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTA) process is a leading surface engineering technology designed to improve the durability and performance of metal components. By depositing a dense, metallurgically bonded alloy layer, PTA cladding enhances resistance to wear, corrosion, and high temperatures. At FNS Pipeline Technology Co., Ltd., we deliver advanced PTA cladding solutions tailored to critical applications across industries.

Key Steps in the PTA Cladingg Process

1. Preparation

Before cladding begins, the workpiece surface is cleaned of oil, rust, and impurities to ensure adhesion. Unlike other methods, PTA welding can tolerate slight oxidation or oil contamination, making pre-treatment simple and cost-efficient. Equipment such as the plasma power source, powder feeder, and gas supply system is also calibrated to ensure consistent results.

2. Plasma Arc Generation

PTA utilizes a transferred plasma arc created by ionizing argon gas. With a temperature range of 16,000-24,000 K, the plasma arc provides an extremely concentrated and stable heat source, ensuring precise melting of alloy powders and minimal distortion of the base material.

3. Alloy Powder Feeding

Specialized powders-such as nickel-based, cobalt-based, or tungsten carbide alloys-are delivered through a feeder into the plasma arc zone. The particles melt rapidly and distribute uniformly, preparing them to bond tightly with the substrate.

4. Formation of the Cladding Layer

As the molten powder interacts with the base metal, a metallurgical bond is formed, creating a dense and defect-free cladding layer. The stirring effect of the plasma arc refines grain structure, enhancing hardness, strength, and long-term performance.

5. Cooling and Post-Treatment

After deposition, the cladding layer cools naturally or through controlled cooling methods such as water quenching. Post-processing steps like grinding and polishing may be applied to meet dimensional accuracy or surface finish requirements.

Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) Cladding Process In FNS

Advantages of the PTA Clading Process

High metallurgical bonding strength with minimal porosity.
Low dilution rate (5–15%) to maintain alloy properties.
Small heat-affected zone (HAZ) reduces workpiece deformation.
Flexibility in materials, including nickel, cobalt, iron, and tungsten carbide alloys.
High precision and efficiency, making it ideal for automation.

Industrial Applications

The PTA cladding process is widely adopted in industries where durability and reliability are critical:

Engineering machinery: buckets, blades, augers, and wear parts.
Mining and cement industries: crusher rolls, mixer paddles, conveyor components.
Energy and petrochemical sectors: valves, pump bodies, drilling tools, pipelines.
Aerospace: turbine components and critical wear-resistant parts.
Medical and tooling: artificial joints, stamping and forming dies.

FNS PTA Solutions

At FNS Pipeline Technology Co., Ltd., we combine advanced equipment, optimized alloy powders, and industry expertise to deliver tailored PTA cladding solutions. Whether your goal is extending component lifespan, reducing downtime, or cutting replacement costs, our PTA technology ensures a cost-effective and sustainable approach to surface engineering.

📩 Contact our technical team today to discuss how our PTA cladding solutions can meet your specific industrial requirements.