This invention relates to thermally spray coated work rolls for use in metal or metal alloy, e.g., aluminum alloy, sheet manufacture comprising a cylindrical-like structure having an outer peripheral surface and a thermally sprayed coating on the outer peripheral surface of said cylindrical-like structure, said thermally sprayed coating comprising from about 65 to about 95 weight percent of one or more Group VI metal carbides, and from about 5 to about 35 weight percent of one or more transition metals selected from chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel. This invention also relates to a process for preparing the work rolls for use in metal or metal alloy, e.g., aluminum alloy, sheet manufacture, a method for manufacturing metal or metal alloy, e.g., aluminum alloy, sheet using the thermally spray coated work rolls, and a thermal spray powder for coating the outer peripheral surface of the work rolls for use in metal or metal alloy, e.g., aluminum alloy, sheet manufacture.