Thermal spraying and machining for printing-related applications.

In printing machines, there are rolls known as "cylinders" that greatly influence printing performance. These include the impression cylinder, rubber cylinder (blanket cylinder), and plate cylinder, among others. The required functions for the impression cylinder emphasize wear resistance and surface characteristics rather than corrosion resistance. The plate and rubber cylinders, referred to as single cylinders, are covered with a stamp and blanket, which can cause moisture to accumulate in the gaps and corrode the substrate. In the past, there have been cases of using deflective coatings and nickel plating for corrosion resistance, but due to the complex shapes of the substrates, castings have become mainstream. However, the "pores" inherent in castings have highlighted the shortcomings of past surface treatments. Thermal spraying serves to cover these pores and forms the best protective coating to prevent moisture from reaching the substrate.