Abstract: Apparatus for thermal spraying powdered material onto a substrate. The apparatus consists of an elongated conductive tube, an electrode positioned coaxially within one end of the tube. Inert gas such as helium is mixed with a powdered material such as a ceramic or a metal and a controlled amount is injected evenly into the tube. A high energy pulse is applied between the electrode and the conductive tube to produce current sheets which move from one end of the electrode to the other forming a high temperature and velocity plasma for melting and discharging the powdered material at a high velocity from the other end of the tube.