Industrial Gases Used in Manufacturing

Ever wonder how some products get their cools shapes and how they are made? When it comes to the manufacturing industry, industrial gases are commonly utilized to create the right atmosphere for varying processes or to assist in creating the final product. We are going to dive into the different processes when creating consumer goods that involve plastics, metals, and other raw materials in the manufacturing industry.

3D Printing

3D printing or “additive manufacturing” has transformed manufacturing over the past few years by becoming an efficient alternative to traditional manufacturing. 3D printers are used to create 3-dimensional objects by creating small pieces that get layered on top of one another to create one final product. Industrial gases are an essential part of creating a 3D object successfully because they help create the right atmosphere when printing in an enclosed space. In order to produce quality products, argon and nitrogen are commonly used to create an inert or chemically inactive atmosphere. Having an inert atmosphere is very important to ensure that the metal being produced doesn’t become contaminated by the gases that naturally exist in the air and also reduces the possibility of combustion. This is all important when producing quality parts made from a 3D printer.

Gas Assist Injection Molding

Gas assist injection molding is a part of the manufacturing process that is used to mold large plastics into complex shapes and designs. Nitrogen is the ideal gas for the job because it is an inert, dry and non-toxic gas and melts at a high temperature while preventing oxidation. During this process, the melted plastic is poured into the mold. Because the outermost part of the melted plastic melts first, nitrogen is quickly injected into the mold, thus pushing the plastic against each crevice of the complex mold. Once the mold dries and takes its shape, the nitrogen is released and the plastic is taken out of the mold. The nitrogen injection process is essential in preventing the plastic from shrinking while also reducing any external and internal marks or stretches.

Coating – Thermal Spraying

The coating process is used to apply a layer of decorative or functional material that adheres to the final product. There are many different types of coating processes when it comes to manufacturing depending on the products being produced. Thermal spraying is one of the more common coating methods used for metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics, and composites. It involves using a heat source and coating material that is melted and sprayed onto surfaces. Argon and Nitrogen are commonly used in the thermal spraying process because of their inert state and ability to act as a carrier gas, carrying the coating material through the flame. The gases aid in the functional requirements of the thermal spraying equipment and help produce high-quality products.

Conclusion

In the manufacturing industry, there are many processes that involve industrial gases to operate machinery and provide ideal environments when working with combustible chemicals and reactions. They are essential in the variety of processes and being able to provide businesses with quality products in an effective manner.

Air Source Industries provides high-quality industrial gases for your manufacturing needs. We can provide the necessary gases to ensure quality work and productive work processes. Our expert gas professionals are here to help you meet your business goals and offer extensive knowledge on proper safety and handling. If you’re a local manufacturer in need of ongoing industrial gas delivery, call our experts at (562) 426-4017 or get a gas delivery quote online today.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.typeamachines.com/additive-manufacturing/3d-printing-is-making-its-way-into-the-oil-and-gas-industry
http://www.renishaw.com/en/inert-atmosphere-generation–31885
http://www.airproducts.com/~/media/Files/PDF/industries/metals/en-metals-processing-3d-printing.pdf?la=en
http://www.lindecanada.com/en/processes/plastic-molding-foaming-forming-extrusion/gas_assist_injection_molding/index.html
http://sajarplastics.com/what-is-gas-assist-injection-molding/
http://www.airproducts.com/industries/construction/construction-metals-processing/product-list/thermal-spraying-construction-metals-processing.aspx?itemId=19CC83C320D744D59CA11777FB580459