GeneralThe thermal spraying processes are specialized@ yet have a wide ranging utilization in both manufacturing and maintenance. The nature of the processes is truly synergistic. That is@ there are many components and variables involved@ which@ when working together and properly applied@ produce an effect far greater than indicated when they are considered individually. Yet each component and variable must be understood to permit the proper selection and operation of a particular process. With this background@ the user is then in a position to tailor the process to a particular application.