Portable Kinetic Metallization Process and Device for In-Service Repair of Protective Coatings on Magnesium, Aluminum and High-Strength Steels

The low temperature Kinetic Metallization technology offers a portable process and device for in-service repair of metallic protective coatings on magnesium, aluminum, and high-strength steel based alloy components used on various aircraft. Damage to protective coatings on these aircraft alloy components include abrasion and cuts. Repairs frequently require removal from the aircraft at the Navy Aviation Depots and airfields or temporary repairs with environmentally hazardous brush plating processes. In-service repairs of damaged metallic coatings including cadmium and IVD-Al would reduce the maintenance cost and allow the aircraft to remain in operational service for longer periods before overhaul. The object of the Phase I research is to develop Kinetic Metallization as a portable process for repairing metallic protective coatings on magnesium, aluminum, and high-strength steel base alloys for aircraft components. Using a handheld Kinetic Metallization gun, repair coatings will be tested and evaluated as a viable process for in-service repair of damaged protective coatings on aircraft components.