into the hottest zone of the plasma, which melts and atomizes the particles. The droplets are then propelled towards the target surface (substrate) and bond to it. The high temperatures in plasma spraying enable the use, not only of metals and alloys, but also of ceramics, carbides and other high melting point materials. NCT uses plasma spraying in many applications, including wear resistant carbide and thermal barrier coatings for aircraft engines and exhaust systems, and also in the manufacture of our ceramic coated rods.