Plasma Powder Welding
A fusion welding process utilizing a plasma arc as the heat source while filler material is precisely fed as metal powder. It is primarily used for highly wear-resistant coatings.
Plasma powder welding is basically a cladding process with powder instead of wire. You generate a plasma arc that melts the powder and deposits it as a layer on the workpiece. The result is a dense, hard surface that protects well against wear. If you don't get the powder cleanly into the arc or the amount isn't right, the layer becomes irregular. And if you move too fast over the workpiece or put in too much heat, you'll distort the part. The key is to keep an eye on the powder feed rate and the distance to the workpiece. You need to achieve a consistent melt pool, then it works. The exact values depend on your equipment and the material, so you have to feel your way in.