Optimization and monitoring of the production of thermal barriers coatings

The production of thermal barriers using High Power Plasma Spraying (HPPS) requires both optimal spraying conditions and control over the stability of the manufacturing process. On way in which to reach these two goals is to undertake a metallographic inspection of a polished section of the pieces which are manufactured. This entails systematic, reproducible appraisals so as to follow the evolution of the measured magnitudes. The present article shows the approach adopted to optimize a metallographic inspection station. The goal is to use it as a rapid and economical line control tool based on the principal of a quality control approach. (authors)