Overview - ISO 17836:2017 (Thermal spraying | Deposition efficiency)
ISO 17836:2017 specifies a standardized test procedure to determine the deposition efficiency for thermal spraying. The standard provides a reproducible comparison method between different spray processes and feedstock (wire, rod, cord, powder) and is applicable to all thermal spray processes (see ISO 14917). Deposition efficiency (DE) is the mass of spray material deposited on a test piece expressed as a percentage of the mass supplied during spraying.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies to all thermal spray processes and all wire/rod/cord/powder spray materials when DE data for a defined process/material combination are needed.
- Test pieces: Two normative test-piece types are defined:
- Pipe (Annex A) - example dimensions ~150–170 mm × 200 mm × 3–5 mm.
- Plate (Annex B) - example dimensions 300 mm × 300 mm × 1 mm.
- Preparation and equipment:
- Test pieces must be prepared (e.g., degreased and grit-blasted) and weighed before testing.
- Required equipment: spray system, feeder (metering device), handling/automation, spray cabin, filter/exhaust, scales (min. 0.1 g).
- Test procedure:
- Feed rate determined in g/min (at least two run-throughs to obtain a mean).
- Minimum spray time: 30 s per test piece (longer if needed for real-world conditions).
- Spraying angle: within (90 ± 10)°; cooling steps if overheating risk exists.
- At least two test pieces coated; post-test mass change documented.
- Calculation and reporting:
- DE calculated per test piece as (mass gained on test piece) / (mass of material fed through) × 100%.
- Test report must include equipment, feed mechanism, spray process, relevant spray parameters, test-piece type and preparation, spray material reference (ISO 14232-1 / ISO 14919), feed rate mean, DE mean, deviations and observations.
Applications and users
ISO 17836:2017 is used by:
- Coating labs and quality-control teams for process validation and benchmarking.
- R&D groups optimizing spray parameters and feedstock selection.
- Manufacturers of thermal spray systems, consumables (powders, wires), and coated components who need reproducible DE data.
- Procurement and specification writers who require standardized DE figures for material acceptance and performance comparison.
Practical uses include comparing spray processes, estimating material utilization and cost, improving process efficiency, and documenting results for conformity and supplier evaluation.
Related standards
- ISO 14917 - Thermal spraying: terminology and classification (process overview).
- ISO 14232-1 - Powders: characterization and supply conditions.
- ISO 14919 - Wires, rods and cords: classification and supply conditions.
- EN 13507 - Pre-treatment of metallic parts for thermal spraying (surface preparation).