This paper deals with the impact melting phenomenon at the interfaces between the deposited particles in cold-sprayed coatings and its effect on coating microstructure and particle bonding mechanism. Al-12Si, Al2319, Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, Ni and NiCoCrAlTaY powders were selected as feedstocks, which have various thermal and mechanical properties. The analytical results showed that most of the used materials possibly experienced the local melting at the contact interfaces of particles under certain impact conditions. Low melting point, relatively high gas temperature and chemical reaction with the atmosphere are the main factors contributing to the impact fusion during cold spraying. The results also indicated that the local melting would benefit the formation of a metallurgical bonding between the deposited particles and enhance the coating cohesion. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.