VLPPS: An Emerging Process to Create Well-Defined Components by Additive Manufacturing

Plasma spraying in controlled atmosphere as very-low-pressure plasma spraying (VLPPS) allows to work with different states of matter, particularly vapor. As a result, the coating microstructure is unique (lower-scale elements, pore architecture) and the properties are improved. Another benefit of VLPPS process is the mold filling. Unlike other thermal spray processes, the vapor mode can follow the gas flow and reach the mold walls to fill. The vapor mode deposition is very soft and protects the surface state of the mold/substrate. The coating microstructure is homogeneous on all the geometry. The choice of a soluble salt mold permits to easily get back the coating and use it as a functional part. The objective is to demonstrate that VLPPS process can be used as an additive manufacturing device to create well-defined objects/pieces.