Army Research Laboratory Report.

The Army Research Laboratory has released its August 2009 report titled: Cold Spray Process Development for the Reclamation of the Apache Helicopter Mast Support (report# ARL-TR-4922).   This report outlines ARL's  findings in evaluating CenterLine's Cold Spray as a repair technology for corrosion damage.  

The abstract to the report states:
 "The U.S. Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, has developed a novel process for repairing and rebuilding damaged aluminum components using Supersonic Particle Deposition, commonly referred to as cold spray. A Centerline Model No. SSM-P3300 Portable Cold Spray Deposition System was used to deposit a highly adherent, dense aluminum composite material to repair corrosion damage pits and rebuild the snap ring groove and gear teeth on the mast support on an Army helicopter. ARL performed microstructural analysis as well as adhesion, fatigue, and corrosion tests to evaluate the characteristics of the cold spray aluminum composite coatings. The cold spray deposited material was subsequently machined using conventional machining tools to dimensionally restore the component to its original condition. Final testing and approval for implementation of this repair procedure is in progress."

The report concludes that:
• It is recommended that the Centerline Cold Spray System be considered as a viable means to produce aluminum composite coatings to reclaim 7075-T6 aluminum Apache Mast
Supports in non-structural areas.
• For repairs that require higher impact velocity and/or alternative coating materials, such as 6061 aluminum or other alloys, it is recommended that a stationary cold spray system be
used.

Follow this link to obtain a full copy of this report: Official link