ELECTRIC-ARC EVAPORATOR Russian patent published in 1994 - IPC

FIELD: coating metallic material. SUBSTANCE: electric arc evaporator has a gas supply system coupled with a space of electrode 1 through a pressure stabilizer made of, e.g., tank 12 with reducing valve 13 and positive pressure valve 14. In operation one connects tank 12 with the space of electrode 1 using cock 15. Inert gas enters the space and a gap between electrode 1 and ring electrode 4 through capillary openings 3. Igniting electrode 18 then excites electric arc between electrode 1 and ring electrode 4 for heating bottom of electrode 1. The electric arc between electrode 1 and rod electrode 2 is then excited in the space of electrode 1. The rod electrode is melted that results in creating a bath of melted metal at the bottom of the space of electrode 1 resulting in cutting off inert gas flow through capillary openings 3. Inert gas acts on melt surface and delivers melt into capillary openings 3. Excess or deficit of inert gas within the space of cathode 1 is controlled by valves 13,14. EFFECT: enhanced quality of coating. 1 dwg