Spraytime

Attend the ITSA 2025 Annual Meeting

The International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA) will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette in Peoria, Ill., from November 10 to 12 in conjunction with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

The Annual Meeting is a must-attend for thermal spray industry professionals, offering the opportunity to connect with peers and discover the impact of thermal spray technologies in heavy machinery, overhaul, and mining. This two-and-a-half-day event includes the AWS C2 Committee on Thermal Spraying and ITSA executive committee meetings and a tour of Caterpillar’s tractor assembly plant and the Visitors Center. A formal ITSA business meeting will also be held. Additional information about this event will become available in the coming months. Updates on the 2025 Annual Meeting will be posted at thermalspray.org.

Apply for a $2000 ITSA Scholarship

Applications for the International Thermal Spray Association’s (ITSA’s) Scholarship Program will be accepted until October 30. Up to three one-year scholarships worth $2000 each may be awarded. Since 1991, the ITSA Scholarship Program has contributed to the growth of the thermal spray community, especially the development of new technologists and engineers.

To be considered, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be actively pursuing a postgraduate degree in thermal spray processes (plasma, flame, arc, high-velocity oxygen fuel) or materials at an accredited U.S. university,
• Have at least one year of studies remaining after this year,
• Be recommended by a supervisor/professor of the university they are attending (a professor must verify the student’s financial need, and the student must also be recommended by at least one industrial source), and
• Present an essay about their interest in pursuing a career in thermal spray (maximum of three typed pages).

The application can be accessed at aws.org/about/industry-partners/itsa/ITSA-Scholarship. Winners will be announced in the fall.

New AWS A3.0 Standard Features Thermal Spray Terms and Definitions

AWS, Miami, Fla., has recently released A3.0M/A3.0:2025, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions Including Terms for Additive Manufacturing, Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, Thermal Spraying, and Nondestructive Examination. This American National Standard is available through the AWS Bookstore at pubs.aws.org.

This edition represents an update to the 2020 version. It features a glossary of technical terms used in the welding industry, including thermal spray (see next section), to establish standard terms to aid in communicating information related to welding and allied processes.

“Using accurate welding terminology is critical,” said Stephen Borrero, secretary to the AWS A2 Committee on Definitions and Symbols. “Clear and consistent definitions ensure professionals can communicate effectively and avoid costly mistakes. A misinterpreted term in a welding procedure, inspection report, or blueprint can create safety hazards, cause project delays, and result in expensive errors.”

Since it is intended to be a comprehensive compilation of welding terminology, nonstandard terms used in the welding industry are also included. All terms are either standard or nonstandard. They are arranged in word-by-word alphabetical sequence.

AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2025 includes the following updated terms and definitions for the thermal spray industry:

• Thermal spray pass. A single progression of the thermal spraying torch across the substrate surface.
• Thermal sprayer. One who performs manual or semiautomatic thermal spraying. Variations of this term are arc sprayer, flame sprayer, and plasma sprayer.
• Thermal spraying torch. A device for heating, feeding, and directing the flow of surfacing material.

Alleima to Develop Thermal Spray Products

Alleima, Sandviken, Sweden, a global manufacturer of advanced stainless steel, specialty alloys, and industrial heaters, is investing in thermal spray technology to develop new products in sustainable energy. The company has sent the first prototype of the coated material to a customer.

“This investment is part of the company’s long-term strategy to drive innovation and create sustainable solutions,” said Tom Eriksson, head of strategic research at Alleima. “It is a pilot that will primarily be used for research purposes but will also be used for small-scale production when possible. By using this technology in our manufacturing processes, we can offer advanced materials and components that meet the high demands of hydrogen production. This initially includes the development of components for electrolyzer cells but also other applications that require robust and durable coatings.”

The technology will eventually allow the development of products that replace expensive material solutions. This will help reduce the cost of electrolyzer stacks, which in turn can promote the increased use of green hydrogen and thus reduce carbon emissions.

Titomic Unites with DNV for Global Certification

Titomic Ltd., an Australian provider of 3D metal printing and cold spray technology, is collaborating with DNV, a risk management company in Oslo, Norway, to obtain certifications for its advanced coating and repair technologies in the oil and gas and maritime sectors.

The collaboration aims to achieve qualification under NORSOK M-501, Surface preparation and protective coating, a global standard developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry for offshore installations. This certification will validate the Titomic Kinetic Fusion^TM cold spray additive manufacturing technology for high-performance, corrosion-resistant applications in harsh marine and offshore environments.

“This agreement with DNV marks a significant step forward for Titomic as we expand into the global energy and maritime markets,” Klaas Rozema, president of Titomic EMEA, said. “NORSOK M-501 and related maritime certifications will enable Titomic Kinetic Fusion™ to be recognized for thermal spray aluminum repairs; surface protection of field welds; and restoration of marine hulls, ballast tanks, subsea infrastructure, and pipeline systems. Working with DNV ensures our technology is held to the highest international standards.”

HC Starck Joins the Mitsubishi Materials Group

Mitsubishi Materials Europe BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands, a subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Materials Corp. Group (MMC), has completed its acquisition of HC Starck Holding GmbH (HC Starck Group), Goslar, Germany.

The acquisition includes HC Starck Tungsten GmbH, which operates production facilities in Germany, Canada, and China, as well as sales offices in the United States, China, and Japan. The deal also covers Chemilytics GmbH & Co. KG and Chemitas GmbH, which operate at the Metallurgie Park Oker in Goslar.

MMC, a manufacturer of metal-based high-performance materials, operates its tungsten recovery facility in Japan and has long sourced tungsten-based products from HC Starck. The acquisition supports the company’s continued focus on recycling and raw material sustainability.

“The change of ownership opens up new, promising perspectives for the strategic development of our group,” Hady Seyeda, CEO of the HC Starck Group, said. “On the one hand, our recycling capabilities harmonize perfectly with MMC’s stated goal of focusing on particularly sustainable activities. On the other hand, forward integration into MMC’s metal processing value chains promises significant synergies.”

AZZ Announces Leadership Changes at Precoat Metals

AZZ Inc., Fort Worth, Tex., an independent provider of hot dip galvanizing and coil-coating solutions, has appointed Jeff Vellines as president and chief operating officer (COO) of its Precoat Metals business segment. Kurt Russell, who previously held the position, will transition to the role of senior vice president and chief strategic officer.

Vellines joined Precoat Metals in 2011 as director of strategic planning, leading the integration of Roll Coater. He was promoted to vice president of sales in 2013 and later to senior vice president, overseeing all commercial operations. He became president of AZZ Precoat Metals in early 2024. His prior experience includes leadership roles at Roll Coater and Material Sciences Corp.

“We are excited to have Kurt Russell, with his tremendous experience in the metal coatings industry and successful track record leading AZZ Precoat Metals, move into the newly created chief strategic officer role,” said Tom Ferguson, CEO of AZZ. He added that Vellines will assume Russell’s responsibilities as COO.