The evaluation of tungsten carbide thermal spray coatings as replacements for electrodeposited chrome plating ion aircraft landing gear

Tungsten carbide (WC) thermal spray coatings applied hy the high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process are considered the leading candidates for replacement of hard chrome plating. This article describes the decision-making process followed to establish the acceptability of WC thermal spray coatings for aircraft landing gear applications. Descriptions of both the laboratory testing phase and the in-service evaluation phase are given.