Turbines are impressive tools, found in many different applications around a selection of industries. Regardless of what purpose a turbine is ultimately used for, the turbine coating used to protect the material is an important process of the construction of these tools. The coating allows the turbine to be protected against corrosion, which can dramatically improve the overall lifespan of the product. Furthermore, when turbines are used in environments where they are routinely exposed to temperature extremes, a high-quality coating becomes imperative to the overall success of the turbine.
The turbine manufacturing process was greatly impacted by the advent of thermal barrier coatings. Thermal barriers were made to be applied to metallic surfaces that normally operate in areas of high heat. The benefit of this turbine coating method is actually twofold. First, the coating serves as an approach to insulate the metallic surface and its fundamental structure from the elevated heat. Meaning the turbine itself is not susceptible to damage which often can be caused by the heat in which it operates. Secondly, this coating allows the turbine to operate in environments where it would not have been previously possible, due to the high heat.
Probably the most powerful form of thermal barrier coatings used for turbines is actually a high temperature ceramic coating. Depending on the specific application of the turbines, the high temperature ceramic coating ranges in thickness. When used in engines, turbines that have been coated in this manner often exhibit improved performance in comparison to turbines that have not been treated in the same way. Therefore, the coating process very easily translates to more significant results over the course of the long haul, which will work to increase profitability and productivity for the organization utilizing the turbines. Many manufacturers now opt for this coating process solely because of these benefits.
The treatment of a turbine in this manner also can have other benefits for the parts that make up the engine overall. For example, simply by coating a turbine, the other parts of the engine absorb less heat that might commonly be headed towards those areas. Instead, the ceramic coating will take the heat upon itself, that allows the rest of the engine to stay cooler, thus operating more efficiently. These indirect benefits of utilizing a high temperature coating are more incentive for manufacturers who choose to manage their turbines in this manner.
No matter what purpose a turbine is intended to perform, investing in a high-quality turbine coating is the best way to ensure it's performance. For many manufacturers, this means using a high temperature ceramic coating. Better performance and a longer lifespan easily translate to sustained profitability and less future maintenance.