PTA surfacing, a process that can be highly automated, utilizes a combined arc/plasma stream to form a limited melt at the workpiece surface. Offering a low base metal dilution and a dense, uniform coating. Permits a wide range of user specific consumables. The process has found wide use in high volume automated applications such as the thermal surfacing of exhaust valves.

Deposition rates up to 12 kg/hour are possible and surface thickness from 1 - 6 mm.