Abstract: A thermal spray system may include a thermal spray torch configured to produce an emission of material, at least one camera configured to capture an image of the emission of material emitted by the thermal spray torch, a diagnostic device communicatively coupled to the at least one camera, and a controller communicatively coupled to the diagnostic device. The camera may be configured to transmit an image of the emission of material to a diagnostic device that may be configured to determine a characteristic of the emission of material based on the image. The diagnostic device may transmit the characteristic to a controller that may control a position of the thermal spray torch based on the characteristic.

Abstract: A method for inspection of 3D manufactured parts or structures or process control of a 3D manufacturing apparatus is provided. The method includes obtaining, in real-time during a 3D manufacturing build process in which at least one structure is built by the 3D manufacturing apparatus, a topographical scan of an area of a build platform on which the at least one structure is built. An evaluating step evaluates, by a processor, the topographical scan to determine a powder depth and/or a layer depth after powder redistribution. A determining step determines based on the evaluating, whether the powder depth or the layer depth is either inside or outside a predetermined range. A modifying step modifies, based on the determining, an operational characteristic of the 3D manufacturing apparatus. The topographical scan is obtained by a laser scan, a blue light scan, a confocal scan or a multifocal plane microscopy scan.

Abstract: A system and related methods for evaluating a component using a reference feature and a replicate of the reference feature. The component has an exterior surface with a reference feature thereon. The method includes determining an initial condition of the reference feature, subjecting the component to at least one duty cycle after determining the initial condition, determining a subsequent condition of the reference feature after the at least one duty cycle while the component is in a service position, and forming a replicate of the reference feature while the reference feature is in one of the initial condition or the subsequent condition. One of the initial condition or the subsequent condition may be determined based on the replicate of the reference feature.

Abstract: Universal plasma spray extension gun systems and devices for thermal spraying of machine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma gun extension system includes: a plasma extension arm; an arm connector disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect to an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus; an arm coupler disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect the plasma extension arm to a robotic arm; and a set of feed conduits disposed on the plasma extension arm between the arm coupler and the arm connector, the set of feed conduits configured to supply a flow to the adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus.

Abstract: Universal plasma spray extension gun systems and devices for thermal spraying of machine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma gun extension system includes: a plasma extension arm; an arm connector disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect to an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus; an arm coupler disposed on the plasma extension arm and configured to connect the plasma extension arm to a robotic arm; and a set of feed conduits disposed on the plasma extension arm between the arm coupler and the arm connector, the set of feed conduits configured to supply a flow to the adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus.

Abstract: A thermal spray system may include a thermal spray torch configured to produce an emission of material, at least one camera configured to capture an image of the emission of material emitted by the thermal spray torch, a diagnostic device communicatively coupled to the at least one camera, and a controller communicatively coupled to the diagnostic device. The camera may be configured to transmit an image of the emission of material to a diagnostic device that may be configured to determine a characteristic of the emission of material based on the image. The diagnostic device may transmit the characteristic to a controller that may control a position of the thermal spray torch based on the characteristic.

Abstract: A gas distribution ring assembly for a plasma spray system includes a gas distribution ring including a plurality of openings allowing a gas to pass to an inner diameter thereof. The assembly also includes a separate positioning ring axially aligned with the gas distribution ring between the gas distribution ring and an electrically charged outlet of the plasma spray system.

Abstract: An adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus includes: a plasma spray gun body having a fore portion and an aft portion; and a first coupler configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion, the coupler including: a first portion having a first axial opening configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion; and a second portion having a second axial opening configured to removably attach to one of an electrode body or a second coupler.

Abstract: A gas distribution ring assembly for a plasma spray system includes a gas distribution ring including a plurality of openings allowing a gas to pass to an inner diameter thereof. The assembly also includes a separate positioning ring axially aligned with the gas distribution ring between the gas distribution ring and an electrically charged outlet of the plasma spray system.