Results of industrial field testing of plasma-treated targets

Summary form only given, as follows. Industrial interactions have demonstrated that the appeal of Plasma Source Ion Implantation (PSII) as a surface modification technique stems from several reasons including: its non-line-of-sight nature, low processing temperatures, retention of dimensional integrity and surface finish, and environmental cleanliness. However for many high stress or high temperature industrial applications, the implanted layer may be too thin to provide sustained wear resistance. In some instances this problem may be overcome by depositing overlay coatings with a degree of mixing at the interface that provides enhanced adhesion. Industrial field testing activities have demonstrated that in identifying appropriate applications for PSII, factors such as damage mechanisms, stresses, temperatures, part chemistry, operating environmental conditions, part cost vs desired improvement factor, and the viability of other surface modification processes, should be taken into account. With these issues in mind, we will present the results of industrial field testing of PSII treated parts along with our understanding of surface microstructural changes that play a role in the performance of PSII treated parts.