Thermal spray is the process of depositing metal, alloy, and ceramic coatings on properly prepared substrate materials so that they solidify on and bond mechanically, chemically, and metallurgically to the substrate materials. Thermal-spray coatings are applied to improve surface-wear characteristics, to provide resistance to heat, oxidation, and chemical environments; to restore dimension to the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) specifications; to reduce erosion wear; and to improve corrosion control.