Cold spray economics

This chapter presents a slightly different approach to cold spray (CS) economics when compared to other CS economics references. The goal of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of the cost to set up and operate a CS facility including machining, quality assurance testing, and work force training. Two key factors in determining cost are property requirements and selection of the target applications. The size and complexity of the components will determine the specifications and scale of the CS system and support equipment such as the dust collector, gas supply, robot, turntables, powder storage, and material handling systems. The property requirements will determine the type of main process gas and the required performance of the CS system. The applications and property requirements have a cascading effect on almost all parts of a CS facility. In addition, the pre- and post-CS steps such as masking, masking, and robot programming can be significant cost drivers. This chapter starts with an explanation of nitrogen and helium applications and property requirements followed by system selection criteria and then addresses infrastructure and support equipment, workforce training, and then a detailed economic analysis of the CS process. Additionally, this chapter will provide guidelines for determining the cost of operating a CS facility.