Technical | Methods of Coating | Aluminium Metal Spraying
| Process | On previously shotblasted steel, a fine stream of molten aluminium metal is splattered onto the surface. The droplets splatter forming a coating consisting of molten metal splatter adhered to the roughness of the steel. |
| Strengths | Can be done on site using a machine similar to a welder. |
| Weaknesses | Adhesion is purely mechanical, relying on the blasted surface. No metallurgical bond. Is a porous coating that needs sealing with a paint type sealer. Is a thick coating, often up to 5mm thick. (5000 microns) No self healing |
| Durability | Can last 10-15 years, but depends on adhesion |
| Cost | Expensive, £50 per sqm |
| Health and Safety | Molten metal splash on site, arc flare is a visual hazard that requires screening from other site workers. |
| Environmental | Zinc droplets spray all round the place, leaving zinc contamination. The shotblasting prior to application can leave paint residues (dependent on previous coating) in the environment. |
