the plasma spraying process is a versatile fabrication technique used to apply a wide range of coatings on various workpiece materials. coatings are applied to restore or attain desired dimensions, to provide electrical or thermal shielding or conduction, or to improve the resistance to abrasion, corrosion, or high temperatures. success in meeting intended goals by plasma spraying depends on selecting an appropriate coating material and using cleaning and spraying techniques suitable for the materials involved this report provides useful, up-to-date information about plasma spraying both metallic and nonmetallic coatings on steel and bronze it discusses the principles and details the procedures suitable for producing high-quality coatings destined for severe service applications of interest to the u. s. navy. this handbook should be considered a guide, not a bible, for planners, designers, and production personnel responsible for choosing, applying, and evaluating plasma-arc sprayed coatings. limitations on space and reliable information, and the variety of types and applications of coatings, prevented covering some aspects of plasma spraying in detail. for such reasons, differences in the types of plasma-spray systems used successfully, limiting coating thickness, and effects of specific part geometries are not covered comprehensively. most of the information in the handbook is directed to engineers overseeing and developing expertise in plasma-arc spraying. the handbook is based on experience, published information, and experimental data generated on this program