| Abstract: |
Digitization and Digitalization offer the possibility to collect and use data. All data help analyzing process parameters and identifying potentials for optimization – which is also valid for the thermal spraying sector.
By retrofitting older thermal spraying equipment, it is possible to produce data even with existing equipment. Very often, already slight changes in equipment can offer great additional value. However, the decision for or against retrofitting of old equipment or investing in new equipment is depending on many factors, like needs, necessities, applicability, future trends or even peculiarities during or after implementation.
voestalpine successfully retrofitted their old thermal spraying equipment (bought in the late 90s) and started production with the new equipment in 2020. Before implementation, the existing requirements were specified in various loops in order to catch all necessities concerning data production and collection as well as human handling. After that, the possibilities on how to implement these necessities were evaluated. In every step it was necessary to check the accordance of the ideas with the latest safety requirements. The equipment runs successfully, providing relevant data of the thermal spraying process that allow a databased optimization of the spraying process.
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