TS EN 657

TS EN 657 is a terminology and classification standard for thermal spraying, bringing the field’s core vocabulary into a shared technical framework. Thermal spraying is the family of surface-engineering processes in which coating material is heated and accelerated toward a substrate to build a protective or functional layer. This edition has been withdrawn, but standards of this type remain useful as a common language reference across equipment, process families and coating concepts.

Why terminology matters in thermal spraying

Thermal spraying covers a broad set of processes such as flame spraying, arc spraying, plasma spraying and high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying. Clear terminology helps separate the process itself from the feedstock form, the spraying equipment and the resulting coating layer. In general technical context, vocabulary standards reduce ambiguity when describing surface preparation, deposition, coating build-up and the terms used for powders, wires, rods and related process elements.

What classification helps distinguish

A classification scheme in this subject typically groups processes by energy source, propulsion or gas environment, feedstock type and coating characteristics. That distinction matters because thermal spray coatings can differ widely in density, porosity, bonding mechanism and microstructure, which in turn affects their practical use. Common application areas include wear resistance, corrosion protection, thermal barrier functions and repair, but those are general industry uses rather than requirements that can be attributed to this specific standard edition.

• Provides shared terminology for the thermal spraying field.
• Helps distinguish process families and coating categories.
• Useful as a historical reference even though this edition is withdrawn.
• Places thermal spraying within the broader discipline of surface engineering.