Definition
A process of restoring worn or undersized metal parts by spraying molten metal onto the surface to build it back up to the required dimensions. The sprayed metal bonds mechanically to the prepared base surface and can then be machined to the correct size and finish.
Plain English
A repair process where melted metal is sprayed onto a worn part to add material back, then the part is machined down to the size it needs to be.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, especially on wood, fabric, or composite aircraft that have metal parts but are not built as one continuous metal structure.
Derivation
From 'metal' plus the suffix '-ize' (to make or apply), meaning literally 'to apply metal.' The name describes exactly what the process does: it puts metal onto a surface.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe restoration of worn or damaged components while maintaining strength and preventing corrosion that could affect airworthiness.
Intuition Check
Metallizing does not mean coating the aircraft with metal here. It means electrically connecting separate metal parts so charge can move safely between them.
Example Sentence 1
The worn crankshaft journal was restored by metallizing and then ground back to standard dimensions.
Example Sentence 2
Metallizing the propeller hub gave it added protection against salt air corrosion.