I.T.S. is equipped with rapid elevated furnaces (capable up to 3100°F or 1705°C) for thermal shock evaluation of ceramic coatings.  These coatings are primarily used in turbines as a thermal barrier protection of compressor blades and various other parts.  In an effort to increase the efficiency of the turbine, these components are exposed too much greater temperature for which the base materials were originally intended.   Thus, with the addition of a ceramic coating over the parent material yielding a high thermal gradient across the thickness of the coating (coating thickness on average 0.010 to 0.100 inch). The surface temperature in the hot gas path may reach in excess of 2200°F (1205°C) while at the surface of the substrate (i.e. parent material) below the ceramic coating is at a suitable operating temperature (perceivably ~1700°F or ~927°C).  

The furnace photo below demonstrates the thermal cycling seen by a coated component in a normal turbine start-up and shut-down performed in a controlled laboratory test environment.  

Please feel to contact us if you require more information regarding our capabilities.