Abstract: There is provided a method of spray deposition in which a stream of liquid metal or metal alloy is atomized inside a spray chamber into a spray of atomized droplets. A metal or metal alloy collector is rotated about an axis transverse to the mean axis of the spray and in the path of the spray so that a deposit is formed about the collector with a bond between the deposit and the collector sufficient to isolate the interface from oxygen penetration. The collector is then retained as an integral part of the final product and further processed to substantially eliminate porosity in the region of the bonded interface. The collector and the deposit may be the same or different materials, and the bond between the deposit and the collector is preferably enhanced by plasma heating in the region disposition. The invention also provides a plant for carrying out the preferred method arc plasma heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of spray deposited ingot, disc or bar is provided it which a spray of gas atomized molten metal or metal alloy particles generated with an atomizing device is directed onto a collector. The collector is rotated about an axis of rotation and a controlled amount of heat is extracted from the atomized particles in flight and on deposition. In order to maintain a substantially constant distance between the atomizing device and the surface of the deposited metal or metal alloy there is relative movement between the atomizing device and the collector. The spray is directed so that the main axis of the spray and the axis of rotation of the collector are inclined at an angle to one another; and the spray is oscillated so that the main axis of the spray oscillates relative to the axis of rotation of the collector.