AWS C2.16/C2.16M

Abstract

This guide contains recommendations for establishing, conducting, and maintaining a thermal spray operator qualification program. Such programs generally include training, knowledge and skill testing, and documentation requirements. The skill tests described in this guide relate to flame spraying, arc spraying, atmospheric plasma spraying, and high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. While this guide does not preclude the possibility to establish a qualification program for operators of automatic thermal spray equipment, the examples in this guide assume the objective is to qualify operators who develop process parameters, apply the thermal spray process, and evaluate the effectiveness of the coating process. This document is not to be used as a stand-alone document for operator qualification or certification. An operator would not be “qualified in accordance with AWS C2.16/C2.16M” as this document does not address relevant acceptance standards. However, a qualification program can state that it follows the guidelines of AWS C2.16/C2.16M. Although this guide is not written with mandatory requirements, mandatory language, such as the use of “shall,” will be found in those portions of the document where failure to follow the instructions or procedures could produce inferior, misleading, or unsafe results.