Do you need to validate the compliance of your thermal spray powders according to MIL-P-83348?
Securing surface coating performance with MIL-P-83348 requirement
In the Aerospace, Space, and Defense (ASD) sectors, thermal spray coatings (plasma, HVOF) are essential for protecting components against wear, heat, and corrosion. The quality of the final coating depends directly on the intrinsic properties of the powder. Any deviation can impact the durability of your essential parts.
The MIL-P-83348 military specification defines requirements for metal powders (Nickel, Cobalt, Chrome alloys, etc.) used for protective coatings. It imposes strict controls on chemical composition, particle size distribution, and particle morphology to guarantee optimal melting during spraying.
At FILAB, we support applicators and powder manufacturers in the ASD supply chain with the qualification of their materials according to MIL-P-83348, with a clear goal: to ensure the reliability of your technical and industrial decisions.
MIL-P-83348: a flowability and purity challenge
Thermal spray powder compliance control according to MIL-P-83348
Compliance with this requirement guarantees that the powder will behave predictably in the spray torch and that the deposit will exhibit the expected hardness and adhesion characteristics.
It is specifically used to:
- Verify chemical composition by ICP-OES to guarantee alloying element content and limit impurities.
- Analyze particle size (often by laser diffraction or sieving) to ensure the size is adapted to the spraying process.
- Characterize grain morphology (sphericity, internal porosity) which directly influences final coating density.
In the Aerospace and Defense industries, compliance with MIL-P-83348 has a direct impact on:
- Thermal resistance of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) in engines.
- Wear protection of landing gear and transmission shafts.
- Interface quality between the substrate and the coating to avoid spalling.
FILAB, a laboratory tailored to aerospace & defense requirements
An analytical park dedicated to MIL-P-83348 expertise
Characterizing thermal spray powders requires instrumentation capable of linking chemistry and particle physics. To meet the requirements of MIL-P-83348, FILAB provides its clients with state-of-the-art tools:
Density and flowability measurement
(Hall Flowmeter) to anticipate machine behavior
PSD (d10/d50/d90)
Dedicated material expertise services
At FILAB, analyses according to MIL-P-83348 are part of a global approach to surface process control. Our teams work on:
Systematic receiving inspection on powder batches before spraying
Recycling monitoring to evaluate degradation (oxidation)
Coating defect expertise (excessive porosity, inclusions, poor adhesion)
Why choose FILAB?
- 45 years of recognized expertise in analysis and materials science
- Dual competence: Chemistry / Materials
- Specializing in metallic alloys and critical applications
- Customer qualification : Safran, Dassault Aviation, and Framatome
- ISO 17025 Accreditation regarding metallic alloys
Analysis of Iron, Aluminium, Molybdenum, Copper, Tin, Chromium, Titanium, Lead, Nickel, Zinc
Learn moreOur analytical services in accordance with MIL requirements for the ASD sector
Our analytical services based on ISO and ASTM standards for the ASD sector
Our FAQ
We mainly find Nickel-based powders (Nickel Aluminides), Cobalt-based (Stellite), or MCrAlY alloys used as bond coats for thermal barriers.
If particles are too fine, they evaporate or overheat in the plasma jet. If they are too coarse, they do not melt completely, creating "unmelted particles" (or unmelts) in the coating which weaken its properties.
Yes, Oxygen and Nitrogen determination is crucial because an overly oxidized powder loses its adhesion capabilities. We use Inert Gas Fusion (ONH) for these measurements.
Absolutely. FILAB can perform micrographic cross-sections on your test coupons to verify porosity, thickness, and structure of the deposit according to your complementary specifications.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email. Simply send us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, specific standard, urgency, sample quantity...). We will then send you a personalized technical and price proposal within 24-48 hours.
