Surface World May 2023

MANAGING DIRECTOR & ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR

Nigel Bean

t: +44 (0) 1442 826826

e: nigelbean1@aol.com nigelbean@surfaceworld.com

EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jane Soones

e: janesoones@aol.com janesoones@surfaceworld.com

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION DEPARTMENT

Sheena Burrus e: sheenaburrus@hillmedia.com

EXHIBITION ORGANISER

Sheena Burrus e: sheenaburrus@hillmedia.com

Hill Media Ltd, Marash House

2-5 Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire

HP23 5ED, United Kingdom.

The Surface World magazine is published 12 times a year by Hill Media Ltd. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Surface World, Hill Media Ltd and its agents accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for all material published in this journal remains with Hill Media Ltd and its agents.

© Hill Media Ltd – 2022 ISSN 1757-367X

Specify QUALICOAT for all your architectural aluminium powder coating requirements qualicoatuki.org

Pull-Off Adhesion Testers

n Impact and scratch resistant color Touch Screen display with keypad

n Wirelessly connect the PosiTest AT-A to your smart device using our free app

n Record the results as pass/fail and the nature of fracture cohesive, adhesive and glue failures

HMG Paints receives JOSCAR Supplier Accreditation

HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, is pleased to announce that it has received JOSCAR supplier accreditation. The Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR) Registration Mark is valued by some of the largest purchasers in the defence, aerospace and security community and indicates to potential customers that HMG has successfully demonstrated its commitment and credentials to the industry.

JOSCAR is recognised by some of the largest purchasers in the defence community such as BAE Systems, Babcock, Boeing, Leidos, Leonardo QinetiQ, Raytheon, Rolls Royce and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is used a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information to determine if a supplier is “fit for business”. The award of the accreditation will allow HMG Paints to further develop its sales within the

defence industry and other markets.

“We are delighted to have gained the JOSCAR supplier accreditation” commented Alan Sharples, Defence Sales Manager at HMG Paints. “The award is testament to the investment and innovation we’ve made into the business and the marketplace over the last few years. It also represents a huge opportunity area for us and we’re excited to start working with the businesses who utilise JOSCAR to find

suppliers.”

Made in Britain

All of HMG’s Defence coatings, including its Def Stan 80-225 system, are also Made in Britain accredited. As a British based manufacturer HMG can provide fast delivery across its entire range, something which the company believes can benefit businesses who use JOSCAR.

“With pre-qualification via JOSCAR we are looking forward to getting started on some very exciting projects with members” added Alan. “Being a British SME, we can manufacture and deliver products fast and now with JOSCAR accreditation we can do it even faster by removing pre-qualification and reducing procurement timescales.”

Additional Accreditations

To further highlight its commitment to the defence area HMG have also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by HMG and the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The two recent accreditations follow on from the company being Cyber Essentials Certified and a member of Make UK Defence.

HMG’s Defence team will be in attendance at the DSEI Show at the ExCeL London in September, where buyers can meet the team to discuss

requirements. The HMG Defence range offers products which are free from Chrome VI, meet low VOC requirements, and are IRR and CARC resistant and includes military standards such as 80-225. HMG Paints will be located on Stand H4-518 and you can prebook appointments by emailing defence@ hmgpaint.com.

You can find out more about HMG’s range of Def Stan products and bespoke coatings development service at www.hmgpaint.com/ products/landing/Defence.

QUALICOAT Leading the Way in Architectural Coating Technology

By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT Chair

The QUALICOAT Specification is unique and it can be confusing to understand exactly what it is? It is not a national standard, such as a British Standard or an ISO and it does not fall under any country or specification body. What it is, is a freely available global specification, updated in real time, produced by members of the QUALICOAT Association.

A Specification produced by QUALICOAT Members, who include powder coaters, pretreatment suppliers and powder manufacturers, may seem to suggest that the lowest specification is adopted by members, but that could not be further from the truth. With several Working Groups, made up of members from various countries, work is undertaken to review new technology and research ways to improve coating technology. As soon as new methodologies are proven, they are immediately added to the QUALICOAT Specification by way of update sheets and include implementation dates. At the end of each year published update sheets are incorporated into a new Specification.

To ensure that the Specification is open to all specifiers, it is free to download the Specification and any update sheets from qualicoat.net. Unlike many standards, a QUALICOAT Specification comes with third party accreditation. All Members of QUALICOAT, which include powder coaters, pretreatment suppliers and powder manufacturers agree to allow an independent test house, nominated by QUALICOAT, to undertake unannounced inspections of their plant and processes. The intention of these inspections is to ensure that the current Specification is being followed demonstrating compliance, the Member is then licensed to supply QUALICOAT approved products and

coatings. Members who fail to demonstrate full compliance are reinspected and can lose their licence as a result of further non-compliance being reported.

One of the most recent developments within the Association is the launch of QUALICOAT 3.0. Part of a licence holders responsibility is the provision of regular coated samples for extended ‘acetic salt spray’ and in some cases ‘filiform corrosion’ testing at the appointed test house, in the case of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland, this is at IFO Netherlands BV. In a very small number of these test samples it was noticed that premature failure could occur following these very corrosive and accelerated tests. With the cause of the issue unknown, QUALICOAT set up a Working Group of Members to try to identify what was causing the issue and how this could be eliminated to further enhance powder coating durability.

Gas Process Burners

Lanemark gas burner systems offer users reliable, high efficiency, process heating solutions.

FD Series Packaged Oven/Dryer Burners

•Speci cally designed for process air heating applications in convection ovens and dryers

•High turndown/short ame lengths providing accurate process temperature control

•High ef ciency gas + air modulation, gas only modulation and simple high/low control options

•Heat Input Range: 9 kW – 1550 kW

TX Series Gas Fired Process Tank Heating Systems

•High ef ciency (80%+) heating of all types of spray and dip process tanks

•Compact high ef ciency small diameter immersion tube heat exchangers occupying minimum tank space

•Accurate performance modelling using Lanemark TxCalc design software

•Heat Input Range: 15 kW (1½") – 1150 kW (8")

Midco HMA Series Air Replacement or “Make-Up” Air Heating Burners

•Direct red, high ef ciency burner systems, for high volume air heating applications such as paint spray booths, ovens and dryers.

•Supplied either as Midco burner heads for OEM system integration or as Lanemark DB or FDB complete packaged systems including modulating gas valve trains and controls

•Wide range of ring rates to suit alternative temperature rise and air velocity system requirements

•DbCalc system design software

It became obvious during research that the aluminium alloy itself was the contributing factor, so the Working Group began to develop a specification for the alloys used in fenestration, namely alloy 6060 and 6063. The resulting alloy specification, which now forms Appendix A13 of the QUALICOAT Specifications 2023,

requires the alloys to fall within the EN573-3:2019 Standard, which can be met using primary or secondary (recycled) aluminium and requires the following three tests to be carried out, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Anodic Cyclic Polarisation (ACP) and Metallographic Study for Aluminium.

All requirements of these tests need to be undertaken and passed by an independent test house before an approval is awarded. By ensuring that the alloy is of the correct standard, with reduced inclusions and improved grain consistency, it has been demonstrated by QUALICOAT that architectural powder coat finishes can be further enhanced for sustainability, especially when used with Class 2 powders (super-durable) and Class 3 powders (hyper-durable)

Appendix A13 of the QUALICOAT Specifications is now aimed at specifiers who have large facade projects and wish to take advantage of the additional protection that comes from a ‘QUALICOAT 3.0’ Specification. Whilst the current QUALICOAT supply chain includes powder manufacturers, pretreatment systems providers and architectural powder coaters, QUALICOAT 3.0 introduces for the first time the aluminium extruders into the QUALICOAT powder coating supply chain.

Specifiers who wish to take advantage of QUALICOAT 3.0 should in the first instance contact QUALICOAT UK & Ireland for guidance on specification and help in choosing the correct supply chain.

The current QUALICOAT Specification is freely available for download via the Association’s website, qualicoatuki.org and offers an up-to-date list of licensed UK and Ireland Powder Suppliers, Pretreatment Suppliers and Applicators. Telephone support is available from QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Head Office in Birmingham on 0330 236 2800, the Association can also be followed on Twitter @Qualicoatuki.

Future-proof your cleaning with Kleen Power

Kemet is very pleased to provide a new range of cleaning machines which function in an allencompassing vacuum treatment cycle in all phases, ensuring perfect cleaning of components from wastage and oily substances, without launching injurious substances into the environment.

The systems use a mixture of spray, basket rotation, aqueous cleaning, modified alcohols hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons HFE and ultrasounds. The advantages of the machines are:

Minimal loss of solution, substantially reducing the process cost and environmental affect.

Distillation, separation, and filtration of contaminants allow the reuse of oils in machining processes and swarf/particles to be reused or economically disposed of.

Uses modified alcohols with a flash point of over 60°C under vacuum, so machines don’t need to be fabricated to ATEXapproved standards, reducing machine cost.

Ethernet connection allows online diagnosis of technical problems and predictive maintenance.

Cleans component areas that are difficult to reach (such as blind holes and tubes) with Aqueous / HFE solvents.

The ideal applications are advisable according to the quantities to be treated, the quantity of contamination, and the size of the semi-finished products. Kleen Power tech is appreciated in the fields of precision mechanics, medical, dental, automotive, heat treatment, moulded components, oleodynamic components, springs, jewellery, watches, and electronics.

As well as this new range of Vacuum Solvent cleaners, Kemet additionally provide;

Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks ranging from 40 to 160 litres with over 400 elevated performance formulations to pick from.

Aqueous Cleaning Fluids with validation qualities of ISO 19227-2018 and biocompatibility qualities of ISO 10993-18, perfect for the Medical and Aerospace industries.

Passivation lines that meet ISO 7 clean room.

Call Kemet on +44(0) 1622 755287 or email Sales@Kemet.co.uk to arrange cleaning trials, so Kemet can ascertain the perfect cleaning approach for you.

Become an Acknowledged Leader in Surface Engineering and Materials Finishing: Industry Recognised Training Courses from the IMF

Are you involved with the application of coatings to enhance and protect your products? Do you need to meet client specifications to ensure the longevity of your components? Does the complex world of surface engineering and materials finishing cause you headaches?

If so, the courses offered by the Institute of Materials Finishing (IMF) could be your solution!

The IMF have been promoting knowledge in the surface finishing industries, both inorganic surface treatments including plating and the application of organic paints, lacquers and varnishes for many years. Large numbers of engineers and technicians across a multitude of industries have benefitted from the knowledge gained to enhance their careers, their standing within industry and the ability to

problem solve the many challenges they face in their daily working lives!

Starting with the Foundation level course, students gain knowledge on all aspects of materials finishing, specifically aimed at their own industry requirements, but to include sections on Health & Safety, the Environment and Surface Finishing and Corrosion Protection. There is no need for a

science background to be able to successfully complete a foundation course.

The Foundation Course requires study of 15 sections and requires the submission of 2 marked assignments followed by an end examination. The course, conducted by distance learning will take 16 weeks to complete. There are three specific study routes to choose from; electroplating, organic coatings and aerospace finishing. On successful completion, the student is awarded the Foundation Certificate. To follow on, students can then elect to progress to the Technician level modules, which give more in-depth knowledge for key finishing technologies, their application and best practice methods. Again, both inorganic and organic technologies can be studied to match the industry requirements. There is a choice of eight modules, which provide study in applicable areas of surface finishing best matched to your needs.

Like the Foundation course, study is by distance learning, and the student is required to complete four marked assignments and pass an examination. Passing two technician modules leads to the award of Technician Certificate; passing four modules leads to the award of an Advanced Technician Certificate.

If you feel your career could benefit from being a recognised specialist in your particular branch of Surface Engineering or Materials Finishing, then contact the IMF today. Speak with our training manager Karen Yates on +44 (0)121 622 7287 or e-mail at karen@materialsfinishing.org.

Move your career to the next level and join the finishing community and all the benefits that gives through the IMF.

PosiTector ® Inspection

Unrivaled probe interchangeability for all of your inspection needs.

Coating Thickness Probes

n Ferrous n Non-Ferrous n Combination n Ultrasonic

Surface Profile Probes

n Depth Micrometer n Replica Tape Reader

Environmental Conditions Probes

n Integral n Cabled Magnetic Probe n Anemometer Probe

n 1/2” NPT n Infrared

Hardness Probes

n Shore n Barcol

Salt Contamination Probe

n Bresle Method

Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Probes

n Corrosion n Multiple Echo Thru-Paint n Precision

DesignandFeatures

Customized Inspection Kits... Build your own kit from a selection of gauge bodies and probes to suit your needs.

Coating Thickness Surface Profile

Conditions

Backwards Compatibility! The redesigned PosiTector gauge body accepts ALL coating thickness (6000/200), environmental (DPM), surface profile (SPG/RTR), salt contamination (SST), hardness (SHD/BHI), and ultrasonic wall thickness (UTG) probes manufactured since 2012.

DFT Instruments UK LTD

DFT Instruments UK LTD

Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN

Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN

01442 879494

01442 879595

Coatings industry expands network of ambassadors to engage with the next generation

The British Coatings Federation has partnered with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Paint Research Association (PRA) and Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association (OCCA) to add to the growing network of ambassadors from the coatings industry engaging with schools and universities across the UK.

Coatings Ambassadors from a spectrum of businesses in the coatings supply chain are being trained and given materials to hold careers sessions at schools and universities. When delivering the course material, ambassadors will introduce the coatings industry, and share their

career paths and the varied jobs and opportunities available within the sector.

Held at the BCF’s office, April’s workshop, run by Cogent Skills, hosted a diverse group of attendees from organisations including AkzoNobel, University of Cambridge, HMG Paints,

Nazdar, Thomas Howse and Generation Phoenix. This year’s event follows the success of the previous events back in 2019, 2020 and 2022, with students describing the day as engaging and enjoyable.

The workshop provided guidance on how to reach out to the younger generation, using activities, presentations and creative projects.

“On behalf of OCCA, PRA, RSC and BCF, we would like to thank the companies and individuals who took part. Our network of Coatings Ambassadors is hugely important to educate the next generation on our industry and we wish them every success in engaging with local schools and universities, to help develop the future workforce for the coatings sector.” concluded BCF’s CEO, Tom Bowtell.

For more information about the programme, visit coatingscareershub.com/ ambassadors. To register your interest for the next workshop and receive the latest communications on future training dates, please email info@bcf.co.uk.

BCF takes the Coatings Training Institute global with major relaunch

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has invested in a major relaunch of its online training offer, the Coatings Training Institute (CTI), aiming to bring its technical training to many new markets around the world.

The content of all 57 training modules across four academic levels of study is being redeveloped and updated, in a fresh new format to improve the learning experience. The addition of video content will augment the tried and tested model used today, with a combination of workbooks, online assessments and written exams, all with full tutorial support.

Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive Officer of the BCF, commented on the launch: ‘This relaunch is part of BCF’s overall strategy to be more proactive in our engagement with potential new entrants to the sector globally. Our progress to date has seen CTI training modules sold in several countries around the world, but I’m optimistic about CTI reaching many new companies and markets with its new, upgraded offer.’

As an additional benefit, BCF members receive an exclusive discount of over 25% on all modules. To recognise the launch, all learners will be able to claim an additional 10% off all modules purchased in May, using the discount code MAY10 at checkout.

To explore the new website, browse the modules or sign up for the new monthly e-newsletter, visit https://www. thecoatingsinstitute.com/ or contact info@ thecoatingsinstitute.com for more information.

Global test and inspection partner Industrial Physics to accelerate growth with acquisition by KKR

Industrial Physics, the leading packaging, product, and material test and inspection provider, today 11.05.2023 announced its acquisition by investment funds managed by KKR from Union Park Capital (UPC).

With over 100 years of experience in the industry, Industrial Physics is a globally recognized specialist in testing and inspection equipment for manufacturers, production lines, and laboratories. With extensive worldwide operations, the company is integral to the operational safety and innovation of sectors including food, beverage, flexible packaging, medical products and more.

“At Industrial Physics, we are excited to work with KKR as we enter this new phase of our growth. KKR supports our employee-first culture and shares our vision for building a scaled testing and measurement platform that continually invests in growth and innovation to even better serve the needs of customers around the world,” said Jim Neville, CEO of Industrial Physics.

Brandon Brahm, Partner at KKR and Co-Head of KKR’s Ascendant strategy commented: “Testing and measurement is an attractive market that is poised to continue growing as focus on product quality and supply chain transparency intensifies. We are thrilled to invest in Industrial Physics, a leader in this space, that has built an impressive portfolio of brands used by many of the world’s leading manufacturers. We look forward to working with the Industrial Physics team and helping the company reach new heights through organic growth and M&A.”

Following the close of the transaction, Industrial Physics also plans to implement KKR’s broad-based employee ownership program to support employee engagement, which will make all employees owners of the company alongside investment funds managed by KKR.

Providing instruments and services to organizations across a wealth of industries, Industrial Physics offers an unrivalled portfolio of products. From a range of instruments that carry out seam inspection, can inspection, label inspection, code reading, permeation analysis, and headspace testing for the beverage industry,

to crush, burst, peel, and tack testing for those manufacturing food packaging, the diversity of solutions is simply unmatched. Together with testing tools used for coatings, materials, and various components –such as viscosity testing, gloss testing, abrasion testing, melt flow testing, and so many others, there truly is no test and inspection partner that can compare.

For more information about Industrial Physics, please visit:

Website: www.industrialphysics.com

LinkedIn: industrial-physics

Twitter: @IndustrialPhys

Trade shows can be a vital business platform for companies

Trade shows offer a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their products or services to a targeted audience of potential customers and industry professionals. They can also be a great way to network with other companies in the industry, learn about the latest industry trends and developments, and gain valuable insights into customer needs and preferences.

Why you should consider exhibiting at trade shows and how they can benefit your business:

1. Build brand awareness

Trade shows provide a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of potential customers. By exhibiting at trade shows, businesses can build

brand awareness and reach a larger audience than they would through traditional marketing channels. This is particularly important for new businesses or those looking to expand their reach into new markets.

2. Generate leads

By exhibiting at a trade show, you have the opportunity to engage with potential customers, demonstrate your products or services, and collect contact information for follow-up after the event. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for your business.

3. Network with industry professionals

Trade shows also provide an opportunity for businesses to network

with industry professionals. This can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations that can benefit your business in the long term.

4. Showcase new products or services

By exhibiting at a trade show, businesses can get feedback from potential customers and industry professionals on their new products or services. This can help businesses refine their offerings and make improvements based on customer feedback.

5. Stay ahead of the competition

Businesses can learn about their competitors’ offerings, pricing, and

marketing strategies. This can help businesses identify areas where they can improve and stay competitive in their industry.

In conclusion, exhibiting at trade shows can be an effective way for businesses to build brand awareness, generate leads, network with industry professionals, showcase new products or services, and stay ahead of the competition. If you’re looking to grow your business and reach a larger audience, consider exhibiting at trade shows as part of your marketing strategy.

as it needs to be eye-catching and memorable. Make sure it stands out from the other booths and is visually appealing.

5. Marketing materials

and distributors of surface coatings. This targeted audience provides businesses with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the right people who are interested in their offerings.

1. Audience

Check the profile of the attendees expected to be at the trade show. Are they the right fit for your product or service? Will they be interested in what you have to offer? Make sure the trade show attracts the kind of audience you’re targeting.

2. Competition

Research and identify your competitors who will also be exhibiting at the trade show. You want to understand their marketing strategy, product offerings, and pricing to be able to position yourself effectively against them.

3. Booth location

Consider the location of your booth. Is it in a high traffic area? Will your booth be easy to spot? Is it located near any key players in your industry? These factors can all impact the number of visitors you receive.

4. Booth design

The design of your booth is important,

Ensure you have plenty of marketing materials on hand, such as brochures, flyers, business cards, and samples. Make sure they are high quality and visually appealing to attract potential customers.

6. Networking opportunities

Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals in your industry. Take advantage of this by connecting with other exhibitors and attendees.

7. Follow-up strategy

Have a plan for following up with potential leads after the trade show. Collect contact information and ensure you have a system in place to track and follow up on these leads in a timely manner.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that attending a trade show is a productive and valuable experience for your business.

2. Networking opportunities

The trade show provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to network with other industry professionals, potential customers, and suppliers. Networking can lead to new business partnerships, collaborations, and sales opportunities.

3. Product launches and demonstrations

The trade show provides businesses with an opportunity to launch new products and demonstrate their products to potential customers. This can help businesses generate buzz around their offerings and attract new customers.

4. Market research

Surface World 2023 allows businesses to conduct market research by observing industry trends, competitor offerings, and customer preferences. This information can be used to improve business strategies and offerings.

Overall, the Surface World 2023 is a valuable platform for businesses in the surface coatings industry to showcase their products, network with industry professionals, launch new products, and conduct market research.

Surface World 2023 is being held at The NEC in Birmingham on 4th & 5th October 2023.

1. Exposure to a targeted audience

Surface World 2023 attracts a specific audience of industry professionals, including manufacturers, suppliers,

If you are interested in exhibiting or visiting this event, please contact Nigel Bean at:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 826826

Email: nigelbean1@aol.com

As an exhibitor attending a trade show, there are several things you should look out for. Here are some key considerations:

Surface World 2023 is a leading international trade show for companies in the surface coatings industry. This event is considered a valuable platform for businesses connected to this industry for several reasons:

The Solution for the Automotive Coatings Industry: The Integration of Sagola and Elcometer

Sagola has been manufacturing high performance spray paint guns and spray equipment accessories for the automotive industry for over 65 years. Building a reputation for manufacturing high quality, highly efficient, versatile and reliable spray guns and filters, their equipment allows professionals to quickly and easily achieve the highest levels of finish.

In 2021, Sagola was acquired by Elcometer, a leading manufacturer of inspection equipment for the coatings industry.

The combination of Elcometer’s coatings inspection equipment with Sagola’s spray equipment brings together an ideal and unique solution particularly for those in the automotive and automotive refinishing sectors. Whether you are testing a coating in the paint laboratory, applying a coating on the paint line or respraying vehicles in a bodyshop, the final product needs

inspecting, by adding Elcometer’s comprehensive range of inspection equipment to Sagola’s range of spray technologies, Elcometer can now provide our customers around the world with a total solution.

Physical Testing

Automotive coatings serve a dual purpose in providing both protection and aesthetic appeal. Acting as a barrier to protect the underlying material from various environmental and physical impacts, whilst also giving

an attractive appearance that enhances the visual appeal of the vehicle.

Physical testing in the laboratory is crucial not only in evaluating the quality and durability of a coating, but also to ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.

Through undertaking controlled, repeatable and reproducible impacts, scratches and abrasions on a coating, an evaluation can be made into the performance of a paint in real-world situations.

The results of such tests can then be used to make improvements to the paint during the development process, leading to durable and long-lasting, high quality finishes which also meet industry standards and quality expectations.

From

Elcometer offers a wide range of physical test equipment ideal for the automotive industry, including:

Bend and Impact Testing

Abrasion and Washability Testing

Hardness and Scratch Resistance Testing

Gloss Measurement

The appearance of a vehicle’s paint, and particularly it’s shine, is a critical factor in the overall quality of the product and customer satisfaction. Automotive and coating manufacturers must therefore ensure that the paint has the desired level of gloss – not only on the body panels, but also on key visual components within the car itself.

A glossmeter works by directing light at a specified angle on to the surface and measuring the amount of light reflected back at the same angle. The amount of light reflected is then used to calculate the gloss value, typically expressed in gloss units (GU). This gloss value provides an independent, objective measure of the paint’s finish, which can be used to determine if the paint meets the manufacturer’s desired specifications, helping to improve the quality of the final product.

In bodyshops, gloss is also critical as it is important to match the finish of the repainted areas of the vehicle to the original paintwork so that the vehicle’s overall appearance can be restored. With its simple one button operation

and a large, clear display, the Elcometer 480 Glossmeter is easy to use. Its portable, lightweight and rugged design makes it suitable for use on the production line or in the bodyshop. The Elcometer 480 is a high precision instrument and has a measurement range of up to 2000GU, an accuracy of ±1GU and can store up to 500 measurement readings.

Coating Thickness Measurement

The coating thickness gauge is a vital piece of equipment in the automotive industry, serving dealerships, bodyshops and insurance companies alike. The coating thickness of a vehicle can be measured for various reasons which include quality assurance, assessing historical damage and ensuring adequate repair has been carried out which all goes to help determine the value of the car. When measuring a vehicle’s coating thickness, inconsistent readings on a body panel can be a strong indicator that rework, has been undertaken. Rework could range from simple scratches to significantly filled body panels. A high reading suggests body filler was used, a

lower reading can suggest a replacement panel was not adequately painted.

This information gives valuable insight to dealerships and insurance companies alike, allowing detailed assessment into a vehicle’s true condition, determining if it has been in an accident or has experienced other types of paint damageultimately giving a more realistic resale value of the vehicle.

Coating thickness gauges, also known as dry film thickness gauges (DFT) are also used in bodyshops to determine the amount of paint needed for repairs and ensure the rework is of a similar thickness to the rest of the vehicle.

The entry level Elcometer 311 Automotive Paint Meter and the more advanced Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge are versatile and reliable instruments which are both widely used within the automotive industry as they are ideal for measuring the thickness of paint and other coatings on vehicles. With instant material recognition and the ability to switch between steel and aluminium panels, these Elcometer gauges allow users to quickly and easily assess any damage to the vehicle.

Elcometer 3095 Buchholz Hardness Tester

Elcometer 480 Glossmeter

Spraying

Replicating a vehicle’s entire paint finish in an aftermarket paint environment, matching the exact colour, gloss and coating’s uniformity of finish across the whole of the car to as it was when manufactured can only be achieved with high-quality spray guns recognised and approved by the leading automotive paint manufacturers. Sagola by Elcometer is one of the few manufacturers with approval from many of the automotive paint manufacturers around the world. Our spray

guns are widely used in bodyshops providing aftermarket painters with a similar paint finish and appearance uniformity on the vehicle as it was when first manufactured.

Sagola has a gun to suit any application - engineered for both quality and performance. The Sagola 4600 Xtreme is a top-of-the-range gravity-fed spray gun designed for high performance and versatility, featuring a stainless-steel needle and nozzle, which ensures a high-quality finish and increased durability. Its adjustable air and fluid controls allow users to fine-tune their application,

ensuring a consistent and precise finish every time.

Each Sagola spray gun is designed to deliver high performance and a low cost of ownership being easy to maintain. Sagola’s interchangeable aircaps, needles and nozzle kits allow for the customisation of the spray gun’s spray pattern, fluid flow and atomisation, ideal for each specific application or material requirement.

Elcometer’s acquisition of Sagola brings a comprehensive solution to the automotive coatings industry. The combined offering of Sagola and Elcometer ensures that professionals have the necessary tools to inspect, evaluate, repair and respray vehicles to a high standard from one company - Elcometer.

For more information on Elcometer and Sagola, please visit www.elcometer.com

Elcometer 311 Automotive Paint Meter

Sagola 4600 Xtreme

Product Overview

Manual Monorail Systems

Unit loads up to 3000kg

Handling Solutions

Stewart Gill Conveyors Ltd have been supplying overhead conveyors into all sectors of industry for over 70 years.

As a long time member of the Railtechniek van Herwijnen BV Group based in the Netherlands, Stewart Gill Conveyors can offer a comprehensive range of overhead conveyor products which are capable of handling unit loads up to 7000kg.

Monorail Chain Conveyors

Unit loads up to 300kg

Stewart Gill Conveyors Ltd offer complete manufacture, installation and commissioning, coupled with fully documented instruction, operation and maintenance manuals.

We do:

 In-House 3D CAD engineering

 In-House manufactoring in the UK and EU

Power & Free Conveyors

Unit loads up to 7000kg

 In-House design of PLC/PC control systems

 Industry 4.0

 Worldwide installation and commissioning

 Remote support, service & inspection

Part of the

Floor Conveyors

Unit loads up to 500kg

Hot-Dip Galvanization as Corrosion Protection

Corrosion Protection

According to the Regulations For protection against the elements, exposed steel parts require an anticorrosion coating such as hot-dip galvanization. To this end, a directive for CE labelling of steel products and their corrosion protection will become effective. Product liability will be significantly tightened and manufacturers will be obligated to verify the thickness of the hot-dip galvanization.

Corrosion Protection for Steel Products

Coaters are obliged to measure the thickness of the corrosion protection layer on steel products and to prove this. A CE labelling standard for steel products and their corrosion protection has shifted product liability – i.e. the burden of proof for documenting coating thickness measurements – to the providers of the coating systems. For many in this field, only the most user-friendly and cost-effective measurement technologies will come under consideration.

Perfectly suited for the application on site

The FISCHER MP0/MP0R product family meets precisely these needs and requirements. Due to their compact design and simple fourbutton handling, these instruments are flexible in on-site applications and require no costly user training. The two displays allow for easy reading in various operational positions. Visual and acoustic signals inform the user when the measurement is complete.

The hard metal probe tips are a special feature that guarantees significantly longer lifetime, even on rough surfaces. Measurement results can be easily transferred to a computer for evaluation, recording and storage using the convenient FISCHER DataCenter software.

The software and interfaces of the MP0 and MP0R instruments are designed for precise coating thickness measurement as well as efficient analysis of the resulting data.

Determine hot-dip galvanization and paint layer with one measurement

Solutions are also available for more demanding requirements, for example the measurement of hot-dip galvanized

coatings underneath a layer of paint. Specifically for this purpose, FISCHER has developed the FDX13H probe. Used in combination with the FMP instruments, it can determine the thickness of both the zinc and paint coatings in one “duplex measurement” step; the readings are displayed separately. FISCHER has thereby succeeded in simplifying for the user an extremely complicated metrology procedure, simultaneously presenting the results of two different physical measurement principles in one easy operation.

The optimal solution for duplex measurements

Whether the compact and costeffective MP0/MP0R gauges or the powerful FMP models with exchangeable probes, FISCHER has the right high-precision instrument for determining the thickness of hot-dip galvanized coatings.

For more information, please contact your local FISCHER representative:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1386 577370

Or visit:

www.fischerinstrumentation.co.uk

Compact pocket-sized instruments of the MP0/MP0R family

We are Pure Water Equipment Specialists and provide an extensive range of water treatment systems and services to commercial and industrial clients throughout the UK. Providing a Full Turnkey Service means we can Design, Manufacture, Install and Commission a system based on specific produc�on needs or requirements.

These Systems include:

Deionisers

I‐on‐x Exchange Cylinders

Reverse Osmosis

UV (Ultra Violet)

Filtra�on

So�eners

Pumps and Tanks

Spares and Consumables:

ADEPT Pure Water Ltd can also provide service for: Break Down & Repair on ALL makes of Water Purifica�on Equipment

Re-Condi�oning of all types of Water Purifica�on Equipment

Tailored Service Agreements –Standard or Responsive op�ons available Site Survey and System Efficiency Reports for prospec�ve clients or Repair and Service op�ons for pre-exis�ng systems.

ADEPT offer a choice of consumables including UV Lamps, Chemicals, Micron & Carbon Filters. We also offer Spare Parts, Tanks, Refurbished Water Equipment and more. Look out for the launch of our New ONLINE STORE COMING SOON

ADEPT Pure Water Limited

36 Huxley Close, Park Farm South, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 6AB

XRF Measurement Systems Designed for Metal Finishers

SciMed, a leading supplier of scientific instrumentation, is the UK’s exclusive distributor of Bowman XRF plating thickness measurement systems. The Bowman XRF suite has 8 distinctive benchtop XRF systems, 4 of which were engineered exclusively for platers and finishers. The others were designed for testing wafers, chips, PCBs, lead frames and electronic components.

The most versatile analyzer in the suite is the Bowman L Series, an XRF for parts measuring up to 550mm x 600mm x 330mm.

Developed for users who require precise control of the thickness of plated deposits, the L Series prevents the quality issues that result from under-plating, and the cost consequences of over-plating.

The L Series XRF quickly and precisely determines the thickness of coatings within a broad range: from aluminum through uranium (13-92 on the periodic table.) The instrument measures up to five coating layers simultaneously, any or all of which can be alloys.

Key features of L Series units include Bowman’s proprietary micro spot focus x-ray tube, and silicon drift detector. The detector has significant

performance advantages which include the highest resolution, lowest baseline noise, and highest photon count capability.

The standard L Series configuration includes a 4-position multiple collimator assembly; collimator sizes and focal distances can be tailored to the application. A micro-focus video camera, synchronized with the x-ray optics, pinpoints the target; recessed areas and unusual part geometries are easily accommodated.

The L Series has the largest part capacity of any available XRF plating measurement instrument. In addition to testing large parts, it is well suited for fixtured components, and applications involving multi-point measurement. Its X-Y stage travel distance is 254mm x 254mm.

SciMed also offers the Bowman G Series, an XRF system whose most distinctive features are precision video imaging, and ‘bottom-up’ measurement using a motorized Z-axis with laser-based auto-focus. The latter is a feature unique to Bowman. An optional manual XY stage facilitates easy positioning of parts. Its compact chamber is well suited for jewelry and other precious metal analysis applications, and components such as connectors and fasteners.

All Bowman XRF systems run advanced software to precisely quantify coating thickness from the detected photons. Introduced in early 2023, “Archer”

software is a successor to Bowman’s Xralizer, a software that pioneered several important features, including a multi-method auto-focus, a workflow optimizer, and the ability to focus on highly reflective surfaces where laser or image sharpness methods are unworkable.

Archer’s all-new Graphical User Interface makes the software easy to learn and use, highly intuitive, and visually ergonomic. A tasking feature allows users to program custom steps for execution while the software is running – a huge time-saver. Pattern matching for datum points, highspeed Z axis adjustability and real-time measurement updating are other key features, along with the ability to view the calibration curve and recalibrate –both in analysis mode.

Archer generates customizable Excel reports with no MS Office required, and unlike competitor platforms, there is no need to install a software plug-in to export data to customer ERP systems. SciMed provides equipment evaluation, selection, commissioning, maintenance and modernization for all Bowman instruments, as well as other XRF brands.

From more information, or to arrange an equipment demo, email enquiries@scimed.co.uk or call 0161 442 9963.

XRF Instruments and Service • Local Tech Support • Calibration Standards

HANGON QUICK WIRE SHAFT

HangOn proudly present a new cost effective disposable hanger, HQW D.

It’s unique and Innovative design, with thin wire in a framework shape provides strong stability as well as allowing for flexibility in how it is suspended on the line. It is a standard, stock, product that is quick to use and easy to pack. Filling the line has never been easier!

Quick, 3 times faster than daisy chain hanging Efficient packing, easy start up Low pricing

Easy handling and stable design

Flexible, can be used with hooks, shafts or frames

Standard program on stock makes HQW D very accessable

For generations HangOn have developed with their customers

Centuries of smart solutions have paid off. At HangOn know-how and industrial coating process experience run deep, which means that they quickly find the smartest solutions that give you the best result.

HangOn’s R&D is constantly focused on finding new solutions for your challenges. Sometimes they come up with answers before questions arise and solve yet unidentified problems. They are happy to provide advice on how to make your process more efficient, and can provide calculations that show exactly how much money you save or make with our smart solutions.

“Smart thinking is never stupid. HangOn focus on small solutions that make a big difference for your business. What you do with the resources saved, well, that is up to you.”

HangOn keeps on growing – with new colleagues, new technological possibilities and new smart solutions. Regardless of how big they grow, they will never grow apart – and will always grow with you. Always close, only a phone call away and delivering as promised, if not more.

Global presence

HangOn is present all over the world, with distributors in more than 40 countries. They are continuously developing their international operations to meet customer’s needs. The HangOn headquarters, R&D, production and main distribution hub are located in Hillerstorp, Sweden.

To offer superior logistics, their distribution hubs are strategically located around the world.

Patents

HangOn are constantly inventing new smart solutions while developing their products.

Many special projects for specific customers and products lead to solutions with wider applications. These often have the potential to make the coating industry much more efficient, which is why they apply for patents and design patents.

All of this ensures HangOn have the customer at the heart of their operation.

Telephone: 01547 540573

Email: sales@hangon.co.uk

Visit: www.hangon.com/en

THIS IS HANGON

HangOn is a partner who helps customers to nd smart solutions to increase the e ciency in their coating process and improve their pro tability. We develop and produce in own factories. Our products are distributed from our warehouses into more than 40 countries.

Suspension and masking technology for the surface finishing industry

WHAT WE DO Epifatech has been developing and manufacturing suspension systems for the electroplating & powder coating industry for over 40 years now and take great pride in being recognised as one of the market leaders when it comes to design and manufacturing for the surface treatment industry.

In collaboration with our customers, we have been producing effective solutions in a range of areas and are now pleased to have representation across Europe, and to meet with customer demands we are now pleased to confirm we have a comprehensive UK stock holding in place at our warehouse facility based in Shropshire, ensuring we are able to offer quick and effective deliveries across the UK.

Surface treatment can differ significantly and, on many levels, with this in mind Epifatech ensure that our suspension systems comply with the current stringent quality stipulations in place for many and make the process as smooth as possible, whilst always considering optimising the solution, giving our customers the desired outcome, they require.

A slightly more advanced suspension system could also make it easier to synchronise the different phases, and by doing so our customers have better control over the entire process through to the finished product.

WHAT WE DO Epifatech has been developing and manufacturing suspension systems for the electroplating & powder coating industry for over 40 years now and take great pride in being recognised as one of the market leaders when it comes to design and manufacturing for the surface treatment industry.

OUR PROCESS

Listening to your needs, budget and timescale is at the forefront of our vision on every enquiry we undertake.

We pride ourselves on making the process for our customers as simple as possible, we use a 4-stage process to obtain a final product that meets with our customer’s needs, from initial consultation &

discussions we are able to propose a solution, drawings are then submitted allowing any changes or adjustments to be made before prototype samples are manufactured.

With Epifatech this isn’t limited to a single prototype, again understanding the trialling process is something we appreciate and sometimes the need to have multiple prototypes is a must for some customers.

Upon approval we enter full production from either our head office based in Sweden or our new purposebuilt production facility in Poland.

QUALITY DRIVEN

Epifatech takes great pride in having a dedicated skilled team, with many employees being with us since day 1 of our venture, our success is clear for all of them to see and this has led our workforce to be as fully committed to delivering quality driven products to all our customers.

We feel quality is a matter of gaining the full trust of our customers, allowing us to work along side them gives us all immense pleasure when seeing a basic idea evolve into an optimised hanging system, meeting the needs of the customer completely.

PRODUCT RANGE

We offer a wide range of standard hooks, jigs, fittings, and masking products, our full colour brochure also makes ordering very simple, using a simple unique product code enables us to process orders efficiently.

Ensuring our solutions can be adapted to suit all types of products and operations is a priority for us, and to achieve this we haven’t locked ourselves into just a standard range, instead we strive in every way to be flexible and by doing so can deliver product-based

needs, the result, is that we can offer complete, optimised solutions without necessarily costing more.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

We constantly seek to find specially adapted solutions, Epifatech firmly believe that we have optimised solutions as standard, by this we mean that it should not need to cost more to have an adapted system than it would be to buy a ready-made standard solution. Not only are we committed, but we are also competitive and have a great

understanding with our customers, having dealt with clients for many years clearly highlights the mutual success we have.

Listening to your needs, budget and timescale is at the forefront of our vision on every enquiry we undertake.

For more information, please take a look at our user-friendly website www.epifatech.com

Telephone: 07500 938950

Email: jason@epifatech.uk

t he sit at

DECADES OF EXPERTISE AND COMMITMENT

finding

he be s t possible solu t ion

t o get in t ouch if you have que s

Affordably measures uncured powder coatings using non-contact ultrasonic technology to predict a cured thickness

 Dedicated stand-alone unit is ready to measure right out of the box

 Fast measurement speed—ideal for moving lines and swinging parts

 Scan Mode continuously takes measurements—ideal for analyzing large areas

 Storage of 999 readings with onscreen averaging. Stored readings can be downloaded to PosiSoft Desktop Software

Powder Inspection Kits

Complete solutions for measuring powder coating before and after cure are available

PRETREATMENT, SURFACE PREPARATION, DEGREASING

& CLEANING

Straaltechniek UK Ltd provide bespoke solutions & equipment modernisation programmes to the Surface Preparation Industry

Straaltechniek UK Ltd offer many services into the surface preparation industry including manufacture and supply of equipment, new or 2nd hand refurbished, aftermarket spares, and equipment modernisation (including our High Performance Long Life GN last Wheel) as well as maintenance support through service contracts and breakdown cover. With their office, workshop and showroom based in the Steel City of Sheffield Straaltechniek UK Ltd are proud to be a member of Made in Sheffield, one of the Worlds great brands.

As well as brand New, we offer quality 2nd refurbished shot blasting equipment. Our skilled engineers refurbish to a high standard to customer spec whilst also offering key feature upgrades including our Long Life High Performance Blast wheels as part of our Equipment Modernisation Programme (EMP).

Straaltechniek UK have a wide range of EMP programmes to assist customers when legislation and production demands require more from their existing equipment. Health & Safety, Dust Filtration, House-keeping, Handling & Ergonomic issues are classic examples. The health & safety of

all employees is paramount in any modern businesses who must comply with the latest H&S regulations. Straaltechniek UK can assist these businesses with advice and Straaltechniek UK Shot Blast & Shot Peen Equipment Modernisation Programmes E.M.P. Simple Safety Interlock, Access Platform & Ladder, Automatic Abrasive Replenishment upgrades to meet with these mandatory demands. Whether it is working from heights, near to powered moving machinery, excessive noise, dust or ergonomic issues

Straaltechniek UK can provide the latest bespoke solutions.

With the supply of Servicing and Spare Parts Straaltechniek UK are able to provide customers with a quick response by keeping spares on the shelf and having a fleet of skilled engineers on hand to offer the support daily requirements from scheduled service and maintenance visits, to emergency breakdowns. Carrying out preventative maintenance to customers installations will save them on costs, unnecessary down time and ultimately lost profit. Proper and timely maintenance will also extend the service life of the machinery. Opting for a Straaltechniek UK service contract allows the customer to concentrate on other critical aspects of production maintenance.

Abrasive Media plays a key part in both shot blasting and shot peening and Straaltechniek UK supply all types, from glass bead and aluminium oxide to steel shot and grit. Not only do they supply the media but also provide technical support to customers including on site sieve analysis. Correct abrasive selection and control in the process is absolutely key to success in surface preparation and Straaltechniek UK can assist by offering trials with different media and having the understanding for what works best to achieve the required finish.

Shot Blast Machine refurbishment (before & after)

Providing Advanced Cleaning Solutions for Challenging Applications

Kemet International is a leading provider of intelligent aqueous cleaning solutions that cover a wide range of industrydemanding applications. With a complete turnkey solution to your cleaning requirements, Kemet can help you find the optimal solutions to your cleaning needs, whether it’s a completely new cleaning project or a review of an existing one.

Achieving effective and efficient aqueous cleaning can be difficult, and it requires a harmonious interplay between chemistry and equipment. To address this challenge, Kemet offer more than 300 cleaning solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs and regulations of new applications. Additionally, Kemet has the resources of its partners at NGL’s Laboratories, where chemists study, formulate, develop, and manufacture cleaning solutions. This partnership assists in process validation and approval of preliminary tests, saving time in the development of customer projects, and guidance and assistance in preparing specifications for equipment investment.

Contact Kemet International today for your ultrasonic cleaner needs and benefit from their expertise in providing intelligent aqueous cleaning solutions. With a dedicated test centre equipped with the latest equipment, including the feature-packed Versa Genius+ ultrasonic cleaning system, Kemet ensures that all requirements are thoroughly considered. Through their partnership with NGL’s Laboratories and their commitment to specifying the necessary equipment, Kemet delivers the best cleaning solutions for a wide range of industry-demanding applications, both for new and existing

projects. Trust Kemet International for exceptional cleaning solutions tailored to your specific needs.

In addition to Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaners, Kemet also offers; Vacuum Solvent Cleaning machines operate in a complete vacuum treatment cycle in all phases, ensuring excellent cleaning of finished products from wastage and oily substances, without releasing harmful substances into the environment. Utilising modified alcohols with a flash point exceeding 60°C under vacuum, eliminates the need for manufacturing machines with ATEX approved ratings, resulting in reduced construction expenses.

Passivation machines are designed to comply with ISO 7 clean room standards, ensuring that your parts are properly prepared for their intended use. The machines are furnished with validation software compliant with ‘21 CFR part 11’. This software guarantees adherence to the stringent regulatory standards imposed by the aerospace and medical sectors, making them the perfect choice for deployment in these tightly regulated domains.

Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection machines are specifically engineered as a highly efficient NDT method for

detecting surface-breaking flaws, cracks, and defects that may remain undetected by other means. Engineered to adhere to the widely recognised ASTM E1417 FPI standard, extensively utilised in the aerospace and medical sectors.

Vapour Degreasing Cleaner is designed for efficient and safe degreasing using compatible solvents. This innovative cleaner offers a highly effective method for removing oils, grease, contaminants, and other unwanted substances from various surfaces.

For more information about Kemet’s comprehensive cleaning solutions, see www.Kemet.co.uk or contact their team at +44 (0) 1622 755287 or Sales@Kemet.co.uk to arrange cleaning trials and discover the perfect cleaning solution for your needs.

PRETREATMENT, SURFACE PREPARATION, DEGREASING & CLEANING

Fraser Technologies – superior cleaning with a conscience

Fraser Technologies provides expert advice and a wide range of world-leading chemistries and equipment solutions for component cleaning, electronics soldering, and heat transfer and carrier fluids. Working closely with customers to understand their individual challenges, Fraser Technologies can help extend the life of existing processes and equipment; recommend and install new equipment; or help to improve efficiency and significantly reduce environmental impact.

Over the last 55 years, Fraser Technologies has built its expertise around meeting technological advances, adapting to legislative changes, and solving environmental challenges for companies in the aerospace, defence, electronics, medical, optics and automotive industries.

The company offers a one-stop-shop, including: expert knowledge; an independent range of new generation products; comprehensive after-sales service; and a commitment to improving performance, productivity, environmental performance and operator safety. Most importantly, the company becomes an extension of its customers’ teams in order to understand their challenges, and uses its expertise to offer best-in-class solutions.

The highly experienced team provides advice on the best options to suit individual business needs; supplies the exact chemistry and equipment required to produce high-quality results; and gives after-sale support to ensure that the cleaning solution in place continues to meet high standards, and to help with any challenges that may arise.

Solvent and Aqueous Cleaning Solutions

Fraser Technologies supplies both solvent and aqueous solutions, depending on the cleaning requirements of the customer.

Each job is carefully considered, with bespoke advice on the cleaning fluids, cleaning systems and equipment that will provide optimum results for the business.

Graham Fraser, Managing Director at Fraser Technologies explains:

“We have a ‘customer first’ philosophy; focusing on long term partnerships to achieve sustainable, cost-effective, environmentally sound solutions, which meet customer needs. Our overall aim is to be the go to experts for precision cleaning due to our honesty, integrity and passion for finding the best solution for our customers.”

A recent example of this is a project undertaken with a prominent aerospace manufacturer customer, looking for an alternative to the high Global Warming Potential (GWP) solvent they were using. Previously, the customer was using 7 Metric Tonnes of solvent per year, so Fraser Technologies worked with them to approve Opteon™ SF80 by Chemours, a specialty fluid designed to meet the high specifications and demands of the industrial cleaning market. It is a safe, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly solvent with an ultra-low GWP.

The team assisted in optimising the customer’s processes to reduce solvent consumption and introduced a solvent recovery process to allow them to further reduce waste and reuse the recovered solvent. This cut the customer’s overall usage of solvent by 28%.

While the former product was less expensive than SF80, the reduction in solvent usage resulted in a cost reduction of around £30,000 per year, as well as a significant reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions.

With over 55 years of experience in component cleaning, across all areas of manufacturing, Fraser Technologies is the name to trust. For more information, visit www.frasertech.co.uk or call 01506 443058.

Stag-gering Project for Galvanizing Firm

through a wire wheel, bent on a homemade press brake, and finally tacked together and dressed down in preparation for galvanizing.

“After creation, I enlisted the help of East Anglian Galvanizing to finish the piece off,” Harry continued.

and be so proactive and dynamic in approaching us. We’ve enjoyed teaching Harry more about the process and requirements, and very much look forward to welcoming him to the plant again with his future projects.”

East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd was called upon to galvanize a life-sized sculpture of a stag for 20-year-old, Cambridgeshirebased sculptor creator, Harry Jackson. Harry explained, “I thoroughly enjoy creating and designing bespoke steel pieces of art. My most recent project is a stag sculpture, which is a belated Christmas gift for my nan as she really wanted something eye-catching and unique for her garden.

“Having learned many of the skills necessary through my current role as a Welder and Fabricator at a nuclear waste container company, my hobby has developed over the years. Unfortunately, my biggest challenge is the equipment – I don’t have the funds available to splash out on all the specialist tools and machines, so I’ve had to be creative and adapt on my own so that I can pursue this passion.”

Standing at 2m tall (from feet to antlers), the stag sculpture was first designed digitally before being cut out of 2mm hot rolled mild steel sheets using Harry’s homemade CNC plasma cutter. All parts were then cleaned

“I’ve worked with them before when I galvanized two other animal sculptures, and they were incredibly helpful.

“With no prior knowledge or experience in this industry, I nervously approached them requesting their help to protect the pieces. I needn’t have worried - they told me exactly what I needed to do to ensure they were safe to dip, and the friendly team supported me throughout the entire process. And, when completed, I was so impressed – the finish was impeccable! I’ll be visiting them again soon with my next project.”

The galvanizing process saw the stag entirely dipped in a large bath of molten zinc at 450oc, ensuring it’s protected from corrosion for more than 70 years.

Jake Pinner, Sales Manager at East Anglian Galvanizing added: “Harry is exceptionally talented, and it’s been a real pleasure supporting him in galvanizing his sculptures. It’s so very refreshing to see someone of his age take such an interest in this sector,

East Anglian Galvanizing is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service. For further information please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing on 01902 601944 or visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk.

A bespoke sculpture made from a budding metalworker has been protected against the elements, thanks to a local galvanizing company.

Hot dip galvanizing provides you with long-term protection against rust and corrosion of steel products.

With 14 plants across the UK, Wedge Group

Galvanizing is the UK’s largest hot dip galvanizing organisation offering a national service, collection and delivery and 24hr turnaround on request. The group can process anything from small components to 29m structural beams.

Ritherdon have recently invested in the purchase of a Magic Compact powder coating system

Established in 1895, Ritherdon have been manufacturing a variety of electrical enclosures and related products for many decades. A passion for innovation with close working relationships with their customers means that they are continually developing and expanding their product ranges.

These products are used across a wide variety of industries such as Industrial metering panels for the electricity supply industry, EV Charger Enclosures, Data and Fibre cabinets & Passive Fire Protection Products.

Their stainless steel electrical enclosures are also used in many other applications where electrical or electronic equipment needs protecting from the elements, from solar photovoltaic farms in the UK to oil wells in Saudi Arabia.

Ritherdon have recently invested in their coating process with the purchase

of a Magic Compact powder coating system from Gema UK & Ireland. After viewing various manufacturers, Gema was the chosen supplier due to the reputation Gema has for market leading after sales, low running costs, quality and equipment reliability.

Gema supplied their premium Magic Compact line, complete with SIT dense phase pump technology, with batch management and energy optimisation system. Gema Powder Coating’s dense phase technology is a proven way to improve the efficiency and quality of powder coating applications. If you are looking for a way to improve your powder coating process, dense phase technology is a great option to consider. The advantages of a consistent controlled powder cloud, less powder degradation and exceptionally long service life are key factors in maintaining repeatable outputs day after day.

saving significant cost, and reducing the carbon footprint.

The new state-of-the-art powder coating plant keeps Ritherdon providing the best powder coated finish, quality and performance.

We look forward to increasing our capacity, providing the best paint finish for our products and most importantly doing so in an eco-friendly way.

The new powder coating paint plant will also boost efficiency and help Ritherdon further reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing process due to the exceptionally efficient powder recovery circuit which can reclaim up to 97% of powder. The additional inverter-controlled filter drive system only consumes the power needed and automatically drops to idle mode when no part is detected,

The Management Team at Ritherdon proudly shared that “We look forward to increasing our capacity, providing the best paint finish for our products and most importantly doing so in an eco-friendly way. Making use of the advanced technology that allows the OptiCenter to reclaim up to 97% of the powder used, after being recovered and filtered, with minimal waste at the end of the process.

We pride ourselves in our quality powder coated finish of all Ritherdon Enclosures: cabinets, feeder pillars, meter boxes and FireSeals. The powder coated finish make Ritherdon stainless steel enclosures achieve the ‘smart look’ we are known for!”

John Wright, Operations Director (left) with Operator Matthew Bradley. Matthew is delighted with new system and how it is transforming the coating operation for him and his colleagues.

Visit: www.gemapowdercoating.com

Scan & Spray

Dynamic Contour Detection

Programming-free coating of any shape! Gema

The second generation of Dynamic Contour Detection detects the object contour fully automatic and positions the guns individually even for thin objects and at high conveyor speeds. Due to the programming-free adaption of all relevant line settings the application range is significantly extended.

High corrosion protection, excellent edge coverage

FreiLacke develops a new polyester system based on Primid

Many ingredients, as well as hardener components, have been criticised in recent years as several of their ingredients have been classified as hazardous. This applies, for example, to ingredients such as TMA (trimellitic anhydride) or BPA (bisphenol-A), but especially also to products based on glycidyl esters. FreiLacke reacted to this classification at an early stage and developed new, nondeclarable polyester coating systems with the “FREIOTHERM powder coating PS3005” (highly weather-resistant) and “FREIOTHERM powder coating PP3005” (polyester industrial quality) series. These coatings are particularly suitable for industrial applications and for construction and agricultural machinery.

Completely free from critical ingredients

‘Primid’ is the trade name of a hardener that belongs to the chemical class of β-hydroxyalkylamides and shows its strengths especially in the cross-linking of powder coatings. In addition to very good corrosion protection, the material offers high weather resistance and excellent colour stability.

The use of Primid hardener and its toxicologically favourable profile means FreiLacke’s new polyester system does not require labelling: It is completely free of problematic components.

FREIOTHERM PP3005/PS5205 compared to conventional polyester powder coatings.

Further advantages:

Compared to epoxy resins, the production of polyester coatings requires significantly less energy. Environmental protection is therefore already taken into account in the formulation of this system. Aside from that, epoxy resins are mainly produced outside Europe whereas the new polyester system makes costly transport by sea unnecessary.

Last but not least, coaters thereby circumvent the well-known price volatility of epoxy resins, which continues to fluctuate strongly.

One minor drawback: So far, the new coating system can only be used under standard baking conditions (10 minutes at 180 °C object temperature). A variant for low-temperature applications (10

minutes at 160 °C) for high-quality pre-treatments is already in progress.

The newly developed polyester-based powder coating was designed with the main focus on excellent corrosion protection properties. FREIOTHERM powder coatings based on PS3005 and PP3005 can be used as single-layer or two-layer coatings.

“The new two-layer coating system provides corrosion protection that almost reaches the level of a classic epoxy primer”, explains Alexander Schelling, who is responsible for powder coating development at FreiLacke. “The advantage for the coater is that there is no need for a separate primer and the top coat is simply applied twice.” When using a top coat with high pigmentation costs, however, it is still advisable to use a separate primer.

The properties of the new polyester coating compared to epoxy and water-borne coatings.

The FREIOTHERM powder coatings

PS3005 and PP3005 are available on request in all surface finishes – smooth, fine and coarse structured – as well as in gloss levels from high gloss t o silk gloss.

Forward-looking development

In addition to excellent corrosion protection, the new system also offers very good edge coverage, which virtually eliminates rust damage. “If edges and laser cuts are sufficiently rounded, the polyester coating can also be used in a single layer and, compared to classic industrial/facade powder coatings, brings a clearly noticeable added value in terms of corrosion resistance”, emphasises Jakob Zihsler from FreiLacke’s powder coating development department.

The PS3005 was developed in response to a specific customer request from the agricultural and construction machinery sector. FreiLacke took this as an opportunity to revise the existing corrosionoptimised systems as a whole. “The development took about two years. We started the development proactively because we knew this was coming”, explains Zihsler. The above systems can also be modified according to customerspecific requirements.

In the meantime, more than ten reference customers are already using the new systems in a wide variety of modifications.

For more information visit: www.freilacke.de

Edge unfinished, two-layer

Edge rounded, single layer

Edge rounded, two-layer

Advanced corrosion protection for automation and engineering industries

Corrosion is serious problem for industry and governments worldwide Corrosion, in its many forms, costs both private and public sectors vast amounts of money to repair or replace mechanical, electrical and electronics components. While all metals corrode, due to various reasons, there is no simple or single solution to the overall corrosion problem. However, there are some very cost effective and proven ways to prevent corrosion and failures caused by corrosion, thereby reducing or eliminating associated costs and increasing safety, which should be of foremost importance in the mind set of any preventative maintenance programme manager.

Corrosion is an increasingly serious and costly problem that can lead to equipment failures which range from being an annoyance to being catastrophic. Failures caused by corrosion could and do lead to a direct failure of a component which could affect the entire system and can not only be very expensive in terms of down time to repair or replace but can also prove to be very costly in loss of productivity, and possibly the loss of human life.

The financial cost of corrosion accounts for between 3% to 6% of a country’s GNP [1] and a 2016 study by NACE International concluded that the annual global cost of corrosion amounts to USD 2.5 trillion [2]. These costs increase each year.

A vast amount of the annual cost of corrosion can be saved by using corrosion inhibitor products such as SuperCORR A which was specifically designed to lubricate and prevent corrosion in electrical fittings and connectors, electrical harness assemblies and connectors, electrical and electronic switches, close tolerance and dissimilar metal components, lighting connectors and sockets. It is a non-flammable “self-healing” ultra-thin film lubricant with a proprietary corrosion preventive compound that will not harden or crack. is not a wax or oil-based product and is formulated without sulphates, chlorides or halogens.

SuperCORR A is a unique and proprietary formulation with longlasting, anti-corrosion inhibitors providing a superior lubrication coefficient and protection against moisture, wear, general and fretting corrosion, static electricity, corona, and other electro migration problems. The non-flammable film is only 7 microns (0.007mm) in thickness, is not a wax or oil-based product and is formulated without sulphates, chlorides, petroleumbased material, or halogens, to meet the EU RoHS directive.

Manufactured and supplied by EnviroTech Europe Ltd, it is unexcelled in preventing failures of electrical systems and electronic equipment caused by corrosion as well as preventing the corrosion of metal components surfaces. Use SuperCORR A to protect connectors, electrical systems and switches and mechanical controls during servicing. It’s ability to displace water from exposed contacts can ensure reliable operation in extreme conditions, all from one small aerosol can.

CASE STUDIES

Prevent hydrogen sulphide corrosion in electrical and electronic equipment

Electrical and electronic equipment used in adverse work environments

(e.g., the oil and gas, water treatment, pulp and paper industries) where corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulphide are found, can be particularly vulnerable to corrosion and lead to the rapid deterioration of the electronic components including mechanical controls, connectors and switches.

SuperCORR A inhibits corrosion caused by exposure to both fresh and salt water moisture as well as the corrosive vapours from Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3), and Chlorine (CL12) based gases found in waste water and sewer treatment plants, pulp and paper mills and plants, chemical and petroleum plants, maritime industry, aircraft/airline industry, military equipment including ships, aircraft, and rolling stock, auto industry, farming and agriculture industry, and the list goes on.

HFC-227ea gaseous fire suppression for electronic equipment.

When activated in a fire situation

HFC-227ea will decompose to produce Hydrogen Fluoride. This is a real and ongoing concern. Why? Because Hydrogen Fluoride causes major corrosion problems for electronics and connectors. You may save your equipment but for how long?

To prevent corrosion caused by Hydrogen Fluoride, as well as other chemicals, acids, salts, and water which can be deposited during the activation of fire suppression systems or rapid humidity changes, all the electrical and electronic hardware, boards and connectors should be sprayed or coated with SuperCORR A. It will protect and prevent damage to the electronics or avionics caused by exposure to the Hydrogen Fluoride produced as a by-product during the fire.

chromitAL TCP

Trivalent Chrome Passivation for Aluminium

SurTec 650 chromitAL provides excellent bare corrosion resistance on unpainted surfaces and enhances adhesion of organic coatings. Applications include plain and anodized aluminium.

drop-in replacement for conventional hexavalent chrome passivation

environmentally safe, non-toxic, simple to operate and waste treat

meets or exceeds MIL-DTL-81706B and MILDTL-5541F for bare corrosion (336 h in NSS per ASTM B-117) respectively, DIN EN ISO 9227 temper resistant up to 100 °C

low contact resistance, meets electrical conductivity requirements on aluminium substrates per MIL-DTL-81706B

field tested on alloys 2024, 2219, 5083, 7075 and various castings applied by immersion, spray or wipe-on for large areas finishing

Fretting corrosion on gas turbine connectors

LP Gas Turbines are used throughout the world by extraction industries and manufacturing plants in remote and hostile locations for essential power production. Dusty and wet environments in deserts, mines, grinding mills, pulp and paper mills and on land or sea drilling rigs for gas and oil production. Turbines powering aircraft services while stationary connect and disconnect many times a day in extreme conditions. These applications and locations test connector sealing continuously allowing dust or water to penetrate. This with the flexing of the connecting cables allows sufficient movement between the metal surfaces of the connecting pins to produce fretting corrosion which reduces, interrupts or produces failures in supply. Regular maintenance of electrical connectors is essential to be certain of uninterrupted supply.

Containing extremely long-lasting, proprietary anti-corrosive inhibitors

SuperCORR A provides a superior lubrication coefficient and protects components against moisture, wear, general and fretting corrosion, surface static electricity, corona, and other electromigration problems.

Avionic corrosion protection

SuperCORR A extends the working life of avionic harness assemblies, electrical systems and other critical items in aircraft maintenance by preventing the deterioration and/or failure caused by corrosion and can significantly reduce downtime, operating and maintenance costs as well as enhance safety. It has as undergone extensive testing by Battelle Labs as well as the U.S. Air Force and meets MIL-DTL-87177B (revised MIL-L-87177A) specification.

SuperCORR A is used by NATO (NATO NSN 8030-99-226-6966) to protect avionic electrical switches, sockets, connectors and components from corrosion in both the military and civilian aircraft. It is the global industry

standard for electrical corrosion protection, for in service maintenance by both military and commercial aircraft major repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Sea Spray exposure

Most people associate corrosion control with rust, which only happens in things made of ferrous metals such as steel girders, ships, iron pipes, steel reinforcement rods, and steel tanks and is the reason metals deteriorate and fail. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals corrode on contact with both fresh and saltwater as well as water vapour. They will also corrode when they come into contact with chemicals, liquid acids as well as acidic vapours, salts and bases, and bacteria.

The U.S. Navy selected SuperCORR A after exhaustive testing using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard B117- Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray Apparatus. SuperCORR A out-performed 11 other products in comparative testing to identify a better product to protect and lubricate the flap tracks and screw jacks on the aircraft. SuperCORR A was evaluated against competitive products under the Federal Test Method Standard #791B, using a five percent Salt Spray Corrosion Test.

HOT SALTSPRAY TEST RESULTS

ABOVE:

Untreated Control Switchfailure after 100 hours

ABOVE:

Mild Steel panel exposed to sea spray on board ship for 6 months.

A: Oil based CPC,

B: Untreated section,

C: Treated with SuperCORR A, demonstrating its superior performance.

ABOVE:

Control Switch Treated with SuperCORR A - passes up to 1400 hours Saltspray test.

The use of SuperCORR A in regular maintenance procedures can bring financial savings in reduced maintenance and replacement costs, and more importantly, greater safety

Maintenance of contacts on portable gas generators

A leading manufacturer of connectors tested SuperCORR A to see what the “life” of the lubricant was in a “rub test”. The typical test is 20,000 cycles, i.e. unplug, plug in is one cycle. The test results demonstrated that after 20,000 cycles there were no failures. It was decided to take it one more step and run the same tests for 200,000 cycles. The results again showed no indications of galling or scoring on the connectors at all. The connector looked and tested as good as new. This test was run under clean conditions in a laboratory but demonstrates the effectiveness of the protective lubricant in SuperCORR A.

Unpainted metal in highly corrosive environments

Tests demonstrate the amazing properties of SuperCORR A corrosion protection spray to protect unpainted metal surfaces from corrosion. These are photographs of 3 unpainted copper components that were exposed for a month next to the “digester” at a Pulp and Paper Mill.

The main atmospheric corrosion was from hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas, produced during the cellulose digestion process, which combines with the atmospheric humidity to form a mild acid. Any unpainted or untreated metal surface, copper, brass, mild steel or alloys of zinc and manganese or magnesium will be corroded by this acid when it condenses on the metal surfaces.

Tests demonstrate the amazing properties of SuperCORR A to protect unpainted surfaces from acidic corrosion. As an example, copper and aluminium condensers on water coolers usually last about a month in the acidic environment of pulp production facilities because the corrosive atmosphere around the plant corrodes the metal surfaces on fins and connections.

SuperCORR A has been also used to protect contacts on the Lifedge lightning connector to USB cable to offer the protection needed in extreme conditions. During the design of this new cable an extensive test programme was carried out by Scanstrut to ensure the contacts were protected from corrosion in the salty and hostile environments in which the connectors are used.

CONCLUSION

It is clear the use of SuperCORR A for corrosion control can not only bring financial savings in reduced maintenance and replacement costs but more importantly greater safety. It is much simpler and a lot less costly to prevent corrosion than to repair or replace the damaged equipment or component that failed because of corrosion. As you have seen The photographs show the effects of protecting metal surfaces and components in extreme condition with SuperCORR A.

SuperCORR A is packaged in aerosol cans making access to component parts easy for engineering crews in difficult locations and conditions. Unpainted mild steel will not rust on exterior surfaces directly exposed to sea water environments for at least 6 months, protecting electrical connectors, switches, chains, drive shafts from corrosion while maintaining lubrication on moving surfaces.

EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL

Extremely long-lasting, specially formulated and proprietary anticorrosive inhibitor.

Eliminates premature failure of components created by moisture, general or fretting corrosion.

Prevents deterioration and contamination on all surfaces of electronic and electrical equipment and mechanical close tolerance moving components.

Reliability increased, maintenance intervals increased and costs reduced, manufacturers save costly warranty service calls or product re-call.

APPROVED

Industry approval from: NASA, Boeing Aircraft, Bombardier, Embraer, Lear, Gulfstream, Hawker-Beechcraft, Cessna, Raytheon, Polish Airforce, Northrop-Grumman, Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Exceeds Mil C 81309 Corrosion Prevention Compounds.

Approved in US Tri-Service Corrosion Manuals.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please visit our website https://www. envirotech-europe.com/supercorr-a for information about other uses and applications for SuperCORR A.

For more advice, please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8281 6370 or use our website contact form. All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd. Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.

References

[1] https://heat-exchanger-world.com/featuredstory-the-cost-of-corrosion-microbial-corrosionin-heat-exchange

[2] http://impact.nace.org/economic-impact.aspx

ABOVE:

The part marked #1 was the control and not sprayed with SuperCORR A corrosion protection spray. Half of part marked #2 was sprayed with SuperCORR A and half left uncoated. Component #3 was completely treated with SuperCORR A.

High Carbon Steel shot and Grit. Low Carbon Steel Shot and metal Bead Stainless Steel Cr and Cr/Ni. No 5,

Fax:

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Parkfield Industrial Estate Kemp Street Middleton Manchester M24 4AA Tel: 0161 643 9333

Fax: 0161 655 3467 www.rdm.u-net.com.

Contact: Robert Horwich or Geoff Ball Spraybooths, rooms, ovens, conveyors, pretreatment, powder plant and air replacement units.

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8 Valley Works, Grange Lane, Sheffield, S5 0DQ, United Kingdom

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Tumblast Wheel Machines

• Type; Rubber Belt

Volume Litre; 420 Litre

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Type; Room

Abrasive Recovery; Waffle Floor

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Type; Room

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Dust Filters

• Various Types & Sizes

For more information please contact:

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6

1000+ hours salt spray protection

No water required - no sludge produced

Ambient processing - no gas required

No flash rust for 6 months on treated-metal prior to painting