Progressive Surface has compiled a broad selection of articles and case studies over the years that outline some of our unique capabilities in the fields of thermal spraying, water jet stripping, automated abrasive grit blasting and controlled shot peening.

100HE Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) and Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) application development
A new breed of nano-structured coatings are being developed around the suspension plasma spray (SPS) and solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) processes. SPS and SPPS require more energy per deposited mass than conventional powder spraying because a liquid carrier must be vaporized before the plasma can interact with the coating material. The 100HE is well equipped to meet this increased energy requirement through the use of high enthalpy gas mixtures (Ar-N2-H2 or Ar-N2-He) and operating powers up to 105 kW.

New battery manufacturing processes at UofM Dearborn reduce time, expense using 100HE plasma torch
Pravansu Mohanty, associate professor of mechanical engineering at University of Michigan – Dearborn, has developed a new approach for direct deposition of phosphate and oxide compounds used in Lithium-ion batteries.

Emerging Applications at University of Michigan - 100HE Axial Feed Liquid Precursor Plasma Spray
An overview of emerging applications using the 100HE plasma torch developed at the University of Michigan for medical implant and renewable energy programs.

The 100HE Plasma Torch ‐ a technical solution to thermal barrier coatings
The aircraft and industrial gas turbine industries constantly face new challenges as their hot section products are required to operate at higher temperatures and faster speeds for improved efficiency. To achieve this enhanced performance, the industry relies more and more on protective and clearance control coatings.

100HE™ Abradable Coatings for Compressor Cases
Describes a cost comparison between standard plasma spray torches and the 100HE plasma torch in applying aluminum-silicon polyester thermal spray coatings to compressor cases.

100HE™ Plasma Torch Stability
Data from a 16-hour process run to validate the consistency of the 100HE plasma torch voltage and current control.

Unique Thermal Spraying System at KLM
Presents a multi-process thermal spraying cell developed for KLM using arc spray, standard plasma spraying, 100HE™ high enthalpy plasma spraying, and HVOF coating technologies. This paper was presented at the 2008 International Thermal Spray Conference in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Shot Peening Medical Implants at Medtronic
Describes how Medtronic has pursued highly controlled shot peening to enhance the fatigue life of critical medical implant devices. This article first appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of The Shot Peener.

Aircraft MRO at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Discusses how KLM utilizes world-class surface treatment technology manufactured by Progressive Surface for aircraft engine overhaul, maintenance, and repair. This article first appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of The Shot Peener.

Rotary Lance Shot Peening Applications
Illustrates how rotating lances can be used to shot peen holes and other difficult geometric surfaces using automated or robotic manipulators. This article first appeared in Metal Finishing News.

ShotMeter Particle Velocity Sensor
Presents a unique sensor system which provides particle velocity data for any type of abrasive grit blasting or shot peening media. This system can be used for process monitoring as well as for quick process development and troubleshooting.

Single Piece Flow Shot Peening Systems
Many manufacturing systems utilize single piece flow techniques to minimize inventory and product float. This article describes how one turbine engine manufacturer has integrated a number of small peening cells to help achieve this goal. This article first appeared in Metal Finishing News.

Small Hole Shot Peening Applications
Describes a variety of methods for shot peening holes including quadrant peening, flapper peening, deflector pin peening and rotary lance peening.

Water jet Stripping in the Aerospace Industry
Describes how ultra high pressure water jet cleaning technology is used in the aerospace engine industry to remove thermal sprayed coatings in a fast and environmentally friendly manner. This article first appeared the 2002 issue of Engine Yearbook.