Plasma arc apparatus for applying coatings by means of a consumable cathode

摘要

A plasma arc apparatus comprises a working anode chamber in the form of a pipe of a non-magnetic metal, a consumable cathode provided with an opening for a work to be installed therein, the cathode having a cross-sectional configuration which coincides with that of this pipe, a starting electrode connected with the cathode and current sources for starting and feeding an arc between the anode and cathode. The cathode is disposed within the anode in axial relation therewith so that the lateral surface of the cathode faces the anode and functions as an evaporation surface whose width is less than the length of the anode. On the outer side of the anode there is mounted a magnetic system for deviating ions of the plasma produced by the arc in the direction of the work. The apparatus also can be provided in the form of multiple, spaced consumable cathodes within a unitary working anode chamber or within a plurality of aligned but electrically insulated working anode chambers that correspond in number with the number of cathodes.