**4.2 Comparison of multielectrode plasma guns for development of new coatings**

When high throughput is intended, three cathode guns are a supposable solution. Due to their stationary plasma jet and elevated power characteristics, higher feeding rates concurrent with sufficient deposition efficiencies can be realized compared to one-cathode plasma guns. On the contrary to those well-known equipments a newly marketable system makes use of three anodes to combine high power inputs into the plasma as well as stable process conditions. Besides a more narrow nozzle outlet diameter compared to multicathode designs hydrogen can be used as secondary plasma gas, both resulting in higher plasma velocities and net powers. The conceptional designs of two guns are discussed as well as their suitability for suspension and shrouded plasma spraying. The efforts in achieving new plasma sprayed coating systems are presented.
