Hard Chrome Replacement and Other Thermal Spray Applications in the Chilean Navy

Naval ship components are subject to extreme operating conditions while at sea, either during regular sailing periods and/or during training exercises. The Chilean Navy has employed thermal spray technology since the early 1960 decade. By setting up a joint cooperative program between the Chilean Navy industry and suppliers, it has been possible to start regaining confidence in thermal spraying and positioning the same as a "must" technology in regular naval maintenance work. This article presents a description of the Naval Components Reclamation Program and discusses the processes involved in hard chrome plating replacement in naval components. It provides a review of characteristic thermal spray applications developed by the Joint Naval Components Reclamation Program.