EPVD COATINGS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GUN BARRELS

Many attempts have been made to replace electro-deposited chromium applied to internal surfaces of gun barrels. Patented EPVD® process has been bench-marked by DOD programs as a fit substitute. The objective of the proposed work is to continue the investigation and development of erosion resistant coatings to improve performance of large caliber weapon systems that fire projectiles with gilding metal rotating band by application of the Electro-magnetically enhanced Physical Vapor Deposition (EPVD®) technology. During the proposed effort new coating materials will be investigated and optimized, fire-tested and integrated into weapon system prototypes to investigate and demonstrate consistent reproducibility of erosion resistant coatings as it applies to large caliber gun’s operating environment. This activity is intended to generate the necessary processing and performance data for pre-commercialization efforts and integration of the EPVD® coating process to effectively substitute currently employed electro-plating.