Surface World November 2022

Welcome to the SURFACE WORLD team!

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

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

INVESTING TO MEET POST-COVID DEMAND. 4 QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND AUTUMN MEMBERS MEETING. 6

GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION

GA NAMES INDUSTRY EXPERT, DAVID WATKINS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. 10 SURFACE WORLD 2023 SURFACE WORLD 2023 - BRINGING OVER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO YOUR INDUSTRY. 14

INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW QUALICOAT LICENCE GRANTED. 16 BASF LAUNCHES CHEMETALL INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR SURFACE TREATMENT SOLUTIONS IN CHINA. 18 HMG PAINTS RECOGNISED AMONGST FAMILY BUSINESS TOP 100. 20 HOW WE CAN INSPIRE OUR NEW GENERATION INTO ENGINEERING. 24 WATER & EFFLUENT TREATMENT SPLIT-O-MAT® LINE OF PRODUCTS. 28 BABCOCK WANSON BROCHURES HIGHLIGHT STEAM SOLUTIONS AND THERMAL FLUID HEATING APPLICATIONS. 30 PURE WATER FOR A PERFECT POWDER COAT. 32 IONPURETM FROM SIEBEC UK. 34 RAINWATER HARVESTING: AN INVESTMENT NOT TO BE MISSED. 36

PUMPS & FILTRATION

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR A WIDE RANGE OF FILTRATION SOLUTIONS AND FILTER SUPPLIES. 38 HENDOR-PE UK LTD - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS. 42 CHEMICAL PUMPS & FILTRATION SYSTEMS50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. 46

PRE-TREATMENT,

SHOT BLAST, SHOT PEEN - THE NEXT LEVEL! 50 CLEANING - OWN THE PROCESS AND CUT THE COSTS. 54 SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL CLEANING OF THE FUTURE .... NOW. 58 A SIMPLE ENERGY SAVING SOLUTION ... 60

PRODUCTS & PROCESSES

DUPLEX COATING SYSTEM THICKNESS MEASUREMENT WITH THE POSITECTOR FNDS FROM DFT INSTRUMENTS UK LTD. 62

THE WEAKEST LINK - THE HUMAN HAND. 66 CONSISTENT AND EFFICIENT REMOVAL OF SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITH AN AUTOMATED PROCESS. 68 COLOURS 2022. 70 CLARIANT'S NEW CLARICOAT. 71

MATERIAL & EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS 73

TRADE FINISHERS 80

Scan & Spray

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.

Gema Europe Srl – UK Branch

Tel: 0044 1202 763 942 Email: uk.sales@gema.eu.com

Investing to Meet Post-Covid Demand

North East based engineering company Hydram, a leading specialist in precision sheet metal fabrications, has recently completed a significant programme of investments in an attempt to satisfy increasing demand from its customers.

Hydram’s customers cover a broad range of industries, and almost without exception, there has been a significant surge in requirements since the lifting of Covid restrictions. Meeting increasing demand presents challenges at the best of times, and currently, those challenges have multiplied and intensified, with both constrained labour and spiralling energy markets conspiring to make the task particularly difficult throughout the supply chain. Responsibility for overcoming market challenges and navigating through the current headwinds lies with Hydram’s Operations Director, Stephen Beacham.

Increasing the Tempo

“Over 45 years Hydram has always maintained a steady rhythm of investment and renewal to ensure we remain competitive and have capacity to grow with our customers,” says Stephen, “although there are times when you have to increase the tempo and do something exceptional to make the difference.” The difference in this case was a huge increase in the company’s powder coating and finishing capacity.

Hydram’s extensive capabilities range from laser cutting and punch profiling through to forming, welding, coating (both wet and powder painting) and assembly. “Analysis proved that our most significant bottleneck was in painting, which is an area where floorspace and energy use are significant constraints,” Stephen explains, “which together made this a significant project to undertake, entailing a great deal of planning and preparation, and two new paint plants, a batch line and a volume production line, with a budget of over £1.2M.”

Increased Automation

A bespoke-designed batch line allows Hydram to optimise the low volume, highly variable parts with great flexibility in a compact footprint. The second line is a large, highly automated conveyorized line installed over a 6-week period. The plant has a 145m overhead conveyor capable of processing a full range of components, from flat parts to complex geometries, with high throughput capability. Pre-treatment is handled by a 20m-long five-stage plant with eco-friendly nano-ceramic multi-metal pre-treatment solution, coupled with a 15m-long dry-off oven. The automated process is supported by a fast colour change booth, provided by market leader Gema Europe (pictured above). The booth selected is the MagicCompact system with 2nd generation dynamic contouring guns, high efficiency powder reclamation and the recently launched GemaConnect cloudbased monitoring system. A 38m-long curing oven completes the plant and it is fitted with heat-recovery equipment.

Neil Snowdon, Production Manager at Hydram went on to explain “When selecting the suppliers for our new powder coating system, we carried out a detailed market study with visits to several manufacturing sites across the UK. In relation to the powder booth, with the new innovations from Gema,

it was clear that these new to market technologies would move our capabilities to a new level. The benefits of the dynamic contouring application guns that track the product geometries in real time are clear (pictured left). This revolutionises the level of automation and, combined with the SIT dense phase pumps, the powder coverage and consistency of application is on a new level. The booth is extremely quiet and offers a clean working environment with reduced carbon footprint thanks to its compressed air and energy optimisation systems.”

“The new conveyor plant was commissioned in July and it sits next to our two other conveyor plants,” Stephen says. “It has a higher throughput than our oldest plant, has more automation, a powder reclaim unit –which reduces the amount of powder wasted. Overall, we have increased capacity by more than 50%, with the benefits of reduced labour requirements and increased energy efficiency, which are our two other constraints.” Now, with three conveyor paint plants for powder coating and a separate batch plant for wet and powder coating, Hydram has impressive capacity for metal coating and can rightly claim to offer a complete manufacturing solution.

Maintaining the Rhythm

With the bottleneck in painting alleviated thanks to the £1.2M budget, the underlying rhythm of investment involved in maintaining Hydram’s capacity continued to be addressed in other processing areas in the factory.

Stephen concludes, “Our business is built on customer satisfaction – and maintaining a high level of service in the current climate is challenging for all businesses in this sector. We can prove that Hydram is working exceptionally hard and investing significant sums to continue meeting demand.”

Leon Hogg, Gema UK’s General Manager explained ‘It was clear during the evaluation stages that the team at Hydram were keen to invest in the very latest innovations that deliver quality and performance benefits to existing and future customers.

With the high demand for quality, repeatability and efficiency we quickly arrived at the Magic Compact fast colour change booth complete with contouring, a system that provided the perfect strategic fit when it comes to matching the level of performance and efficiency Neil Snowdon and his team

were looking for. This investment in the very latest technology puts Hydram at the forefront of premium finished products.

For more information on Gema UK’s Powder Coating solutions please visit www.gemapowdercoating.com or email uk.sales@gema.eu.com

QUALICOAT Autumn Members Meeting

By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair

Members met at the Arden Hotel, Solihull for their Autumn meeting with most members opting to meet in person and several joining remotely. The format of the ‘hybrid’ meeting is proving to be very successful and gives more members the opportunity to attend meetings of the Association and partake in the updating of the QUALICOAT specification.

With regard to executive posts, the Association is pleased to announce that Chris Mansfield of Tomburn has stood and been voted in to be Vice-Chair of the Association. Chris is in regular attendance at the Member’s meetings and as an active contributor brings a wealth of experience to the Chair. Chris will be taking up the position in 2023.

Despite the economic outlook, Members reported that business remains healthy despite rising costs of materials and energy. Growth of the Association also continues with three new licences being granted in October, one further new member expected to gain their licence before the end of the year and a further three applicators progressing through

inspections. These initial inspections, undertaken by independent test house IFO, review both plant and processes to ensure that an applicator member can operate within the QUALICOAT Specification. Often a new applicator’s initial inspection will consist of a long list of non-conformities after their first inspection, this could include the need to upgrade equipment as well as introducing new processes. Working with the applicator, IFO will help guide new working practices to ensure the applicator can maintain the high specification laid down by QUALICOAT. Following further unannounced inspections, when the applicator can demonstrate full conformity, only then will a licence be awarded. It can take up to a year to become a licensed QUALICOAT Applicator, once approved current licence holders can be found on the associations website.

All licensed applicator members are then inspected twice yearly by IFO, through an unannounced visit, to ensure they continue to conform to the up to date QUALICOAT Specification. A further requirement is that all applicator members must send their laboratory technicians on a technical training day once every two years. This year the training was held at pretreatment system Member, Chemetall in Milton Keynes on the 8th November.

One of the Associations missions is to continually improve the quality of the final

coatings. In mid-October all the independent test houses who inspect members of the Association across the globe met in Spain to review feedback from inspections and put forward suggestions for further improvement in the specification. Of the points raised, two of the recommendations to be introduced in 2023 are as follows:

It has been the case that whilst all production lines are inspected on an unannounced visit, the member is then awarded an up to date single paper licence to show company compliance. In future each coating line will be issued a separate certificate and should the Applicator carry additional qualifications, such as ‘Seaside’ approval, these will also be issued separately.

For Applicators who wish to supply preanodised and powder coated finishes, QUALICOAT are now approving finishing between two plants in different locations as long as the process completes within a 72 hour period. Suitable pretreatment plants are expensive investments for an applicator, anodising plants are far more expensive, so very few powder coaters have the ability to utilise pre-anodising as a pretreatment prior to powder coating. Allowing pre-anodising to be conducted off site for an applicator will allow for a wider supply of pre-anodised powder coated profiles to specifiers.

Finally, it was reported that chrome-based pretreatments, which are still used by some

members, will receive a full ban, when used as a powder coat pretreatment. The European ban will come into effect in September 2024 and it is very likely that the UK will follow this lead. Since chrome-based pretreatments were identified as a potential carcinogenic, the industry has devised various chrome-free systems which have been demonstrated to be as substantial as their chrome based counterparts. Most of these systems are QUALICOAT approved.

The worldwide QUALICOAT Specification is continually and incrementally revised in real time with regular update sheets, the specification is completely rewritten at year end to include all updates. The Specification, its appendices and any update sheets are always freely available for download at www.qualicoat.net. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated

information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association new website at www.qualicoatuki.org.

GA names industry expert, David Watkins, Chairman of the Board

With nearly four decades of galvanizing industry experience, Galvanizers Association decides David Watkins, the current Managing Director of Hereford Galvanizers, has the vision to lead their membership through the current economic environment and help position galvanized steel as a core material within circular construction. The new Chairman is also CEO of Zinco International, a global leader in technical services and products to the galvanizing industry.

Galvanizers Association, the representational body of the hot dip galvanizing industry in the UK and Ireland, announced recently that David Watkins will replace Ed Byrne, MD Galco Steel, as Chairman of the Board. Mr Watkins began working for Hereford Galvanizers in 1986 and after a variety of roles in galvanizing Sales, Marketing and Operations, he became Managing Director in 2005. He takes up his position with GA as the industry faces difficult decisions around energy, inflation, and rising costs.

Speaking recently Mr. Watkins said: “I am honoured to become chairman of our trade body and would like to give credit to the former chair for six years of hard work, helping the industry through Brexit and multiple Covid lockdowns. The challenges facing me today are somewhat different but by no means less, as we continue operating at a time of high inflation and amid unprecedented concerns around rising energy costs. I see my role very much being to support the membership through this period and promote the valuable role of hot dip galvanizing wherever possible.”

Based in the heart of the UK, Galvanizers Association has provided free authoritative information and advice on hot dip galvanizing to users and the specifican supply chain since it was first established in 1949.

Over 95% of all steel galvanized in the UK and Ireland is processed by members of the Galvanizers Association, whilst the Association itself fields a technical team of chemists, engineers, and metallurgists who advise on legislation, standards and specification.

William Smith, (Executive) Director of Galvanizers Association adds: “We are very pleased to be working with David to highlight the significant contribution that hot dip galvanized steel makes to the built environment throughout UK and Irish infrastructure.

He has a wealth of knowledge about the role galvanizing can play in helping the construction sector transition to net zero, and is excellently placed to help our members navigate the challenges presented by the current and emerging operating environment.”

For further information visit www.galvanizing.org.uk or call +44 (0) 121 355 8838.

Please check us out on our social channels too:

@Galvanize_it facebook.com/galvanizing linkedin.com/company/galvanizers-association

Surface World 2023 - bringing over 20 years of service to your industry

Trade shows, exhibitions and other events can be an excellent way to showcase your products and services. They give you the opportunity to increase awareness of your business, launch new products and services, network with industry members, explore partnership opportunities, see what competitors are offering, generate new business leads, attract and convert customers.

What is a Trade Show?

A trade show is a platform where businesses (exhibitors), professionals and business representatives (visitors) come together under one roof to exchange knowledge and make connections with other like-minded professionals.

Exhibitors book a stand and use this space to connect and engage with visitors to the event. Ideally, the event is used to generate leads, network, promote products and services, and hopefully close a few sales in an organic setting that’s tailored to them and their audience.

How can you benefit from exhibiting at a Trade Show?

There are many reasons why you would choose to exhibit at a trade show, which include:

Make sales – the golden ticket to trade show success, hitting a quota or making direct sales is the ultimate definition of winning.

Capture leads – without leads salespeople have nobody to convert, so generating enough leads for your marketing funnel is a must.

Analysing the competition – what technology are they using, what marketing angle are they taking? It’s good to know what the competition is up to.

Engage with existing customers – existing customers are more likely to invest in new products and services, so you can keep building relations and offering them more benefits.

Introduce new products/services – new and old customers could benefit from your new product.

Account-based marketing – go into a trade show with an idea of who you’d like to speak with, so you can create a strategy that’s more likely to convert them.

Gather feedback – feedback is how you improve services and sales and marketing; you

could receive advice that revolutionises how you do things.

Spot trends – spotting trends is vital if you want to stay relevant or avoid something that’s a flash in the pan.

What should you look at when selecting a trade show?

The best success can be gained from participating at an event that has a wellestablished history. These events usually draw the best reward. The event organiser should have proven methods in place to market the event to the right audience. They will have a database they have accrued over many years of business. The venue should be easily accessed by road or public transport and have plenty of parking. A venue with excellent nearby facilities, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, can also be a bonus if the event is held over more than one day.

Can You Make Money at a Trade Show?

Keeping costs down is a benefit when deciding which trade show to exhibit at. Smaller shows tend to be cheaper, so choosing an event that is aimed at your target audience is the key to a successful outcome from exhibiting.

Here are some ways you can get a healthy ROI from a trade show, including:

Only buy the space you need – the area you buy takes up a significant amount of your budget, so overdoing it can waste money, which is going to eat into your sales.

Get an enticing exhibition stand – you can have a tiny space and still attract people

if your stand is attractive, making your area presentable promotes credibility.

Organisation is key – there’s a temptation to blindly hand out literature and marketing collateral, putting it at the back of your space makes reps think about engaging first, which is more likely to generate a lead or a sale.

Use tech where it’s useful – the whole purpose of a trade show is to generate business through face-to-face marketing, so don’t dehumanise the event by using too much technology.

Pick the right team – there’s no point in attending an event if you pick the wrong staff. Ideally, it would benefit you if you had people who understand and empathise with customer challenges, but also know when to close deals.

Work the aisles – do not limit yourself to the boundary of your stand, you can reach out to passers-by and engage in the aisle.

Tell people you’re exhibiting – use as many marketing techniques as you can to create a build-up to the event and get people excited. Utilise all marketing opportunities the event itself offer, these are generally targeted directly at your required audience.

What Do You Need for a Trade Show?

The last thing you want to do is under prepare. Get the following ticked off before you get to your event:

Event space – the first thing you need is event space, you’ll have a shock if you turn up and there’s nowhere for you to pitch!

Stand with supporting collateral – your stand and marketing collateral are what

attract people to your stand.

Travel plans – train, bus, plane, car? It would help if you had robust plans in place before you depart.

Accommodation – if you’re planning on staying over, which you may want to as events are long, tiring days, reserve in advance as hotels may get booked up prior to the event.

Marketing collateral – brochures, leaflets, business cards; get all the material you need and ensure you get plenty. You don’t want to run out.

Staff – ask your staff well before the event to ensure they are available to attend, cancelling holidays will not be seen as favourable to you! Remember your staff are the face of the business at the event, get them prepared.

Could You See Success at a Trade Show?

Trade shows aren’t an antiquated form of marketing and sales – they’re proven to generate targeted, high-quality leads and sales. Not every business can benefit from attending trade shows, but they’re certainly worth exploring. Just like trade shows give you the opportunity to better connect with prospective customers, exhibiting at a trade show also allows you to meet existing customers face-to-face. While most of today’s business is conducted over email or phone, face-to-face meetings are undeniably a fantastic way to do business.

The Wall Street Journal agrees. Citing a study by Oxford Economics, the well-known financial publication reports that face-to-face meetings are the most effective way to

strengthen relationships with both prospective customers and current customers.

Trade shows help bring all the different aspects of an industry together – consumers, distributors, suppliers and manufacturers, all in one place. With such a broad audience together in one place, businesses are able to schedule meetings, negotiate orders and other opportunities and collaborate on other projects. Trade shows allow businesses to facilitate discussions with their suppliers and even with other businesses, as well as move projects to another level if the opportunity arises.

Surface World 2023 is a well established trade event, with over 20 years of experience, specifically tailored to the Surface Finishing Industry.

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

Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 826826 Email: nigelbean1@aol.com

Surface World – Connecting The Industry

New

Licence Granted

By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair

Following QUALICOAT’s recent announcement that three new powder coating companies had completed inspections and been awarded licences from QUALICOAT, this month sees a further new coating company joining the association with the granting of licence approval.

Architectural Powder Coatings, (APC) based in Blaydon, Newcastle-uponTyne is a privately owned company specialising in the powder coating of all architectural aluminium components and systems.

Craig Johnson, Director of APC comments: ’At APC we have always strived to offer the best quality and service within the industry. Gaining our QUALICOAT licence gives our customers, and in turn their customers, piece of mind that the finished product will always

be of the highest possible standard. Going forward this enables APC to carry on working with some of the best fabricators in the country, on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK.’

QUALICOAT welcomes APC into membership of the association alongside a growing number of powder coating applicators who wish to take advantage of the increasing level of specification among architects and specifiers for QUALICOAT approved finishes. A QUALICOAT specification, whilst encompassing the BS EN 12206 standard, ensures that coating applicators are independently third party inspected by IFO at regular intervals to ensure consistency of quality meeting the QUALICOAT specification. A BS EN 12206 specification alone does not incorporate such accreditation.

The QUALICOAT Specification is continually and incrementally revised in real time with regular update sheets, the specification is

completely rewritten at year end to include all updates. The global Specification, its appendices and any update sheets are always freely available for download at www.qualicoat.net. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at www.qualicoatuki.org.

BASF launches Chemetall Innovation and Technology Center for surface treatment solutions in China

BASF’s first regional center for applied surface treatment technology in Asia Pacific

Advanced facility and dedicated expertise will address Asia’s growing demands for customized surface treatment innovations and solutions

The Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, opened its first regional innovation and technology center for applied surface treatment technology in Shanghai, China. The new 2,600 square meter center will focus on developing advanced surface treatment solutions and product innovations for a wide range of industries and market segments in Asia, for Asia.

“The opening of this Innovation and Technology Center is an important pillar of our growth strategy and strengthens our technical and innovation capabilities in Asia Pacific. It shows our commitment to further contribute to and support the long-term success of our customers in the fastestgrowing region,” said Christophe Cazabeau, Senior Vice President, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

“Innovation is key to powering growth for BASF. This new center’s ability to develop customized surface treatment solutions closer to the market will further underpin our technology leadership and our customers’ success,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman, BASF Greater China.

Equipped with multiple technical capabilities and operated by a highly experienced technology team, the new laboratories can provide a comprehensive range of tests and services including analytical, application, salt spray and climate testing as well as development work on a range of applied surface treatment technologies and applications for various market segments including but not limited to automotive OEM and components, coil, general industry, cold forming, aerospace, aluminum finishing and glass.

“Our regional innovation and technology center will help to accelerate our speed-to-

market of cuttingedge surface treatment solutions, drive customercentric product development and expand our innovation pipeline.

As an integrated technical hub, it can harness the synergies and competencies within our existing global network, as well as our local surface treatment analytical labs in Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, to better serve the rising market demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in Asia,” said Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, Head of Global Technology, Surface Treatment, Coatings Division, BASF.

The center also runs various state-of-the-art simulation lines for pre-treatment and coating processes including VIANT, a novel coating technology for corrosion protection.

For more details of the center, please refer to the introductory video: https://youtu.be/jOVGLaKbmBk

About BASF’s Coatings division

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. This portfolio is supplemented by "Beyond Paint Solutions", which enable new applications with innovative surfaces. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe,

North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2021, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.44 billion. Solutions beyond your imagination –Coatings by BASF. For more information about the Coatings division of BASF and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

Further information at www.basf.com

Official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the launch of the Chemetall Innovation and Technology Center.

From left to right: Markus Wittig, Director, Global Supply Chain and Operations, Surface Treatment; Jin Hui, Managing Director, Shanghai Chemetall Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Dr. Jeffrey Lou, President and Chairman, BASF Greater China; Dr. Mubarik Chowdhry, Head of Global Technology, Surface Treatment; Dr. Han Wei, Vice President, Innovation Campus Asia Pacific; Lucia Königsmann, General Manager, BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd.

The Chemetall Innovation and Technology Center is BASF’s first regional center for applied surface treatment technology in Shanghai, China.

Aluminium Anodizing

HMG Paints recognised amongst Family Business Top 100

Family Business United recently released the first 50 individuals on the Family Business Top 100 list. Two of names listed are employees of 92-year-old business HMG Paints Ltd; John Falder, Chairman and Stephen ‘Paddy’ Dyson, Marketing Manager. The duo are recognised amongst other prominent leaders of family business such as John Thatcher of Thatchers Cider, Stephen Bagnall of Alfred Bagnall & Sons, Simon Brewer of Brewers Decorator Centre and Joyce Onuonga of John White & Son Ltd.

The inaugural Family Business Top 100, which showcases some of the best of family business individuals across the UK, was created by Family Business United this year to recognise these people, their efforts and collective importance to our national economy. “We wanted to do something special to celebrate ten years of Family Business United and what better way than to celebrate the individuals managing the businesses that are at the very heart of what

we do – championing family firms across the whole of the UK. Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and often the unsung heroes too. Family firms are significant contributors to the economy in terms of jobs provided, income generated, and wealth created and behind each family firm are individuals driving them, making decisions and looking to the future. Family firms take the long-term view and invest in their businesses and the communities in which they operate, and we wanted to create the Family Business Top 100 to recognise outstanding individuals within these organisations and to shine a light on the people that are making a difference within the business and more broadly too.” Said Paul Andrews, Founder of Family Business United.

HMG Paints are proud to have been recognised on the Top 100 list with John and Paddy both representing the business.

“It is an honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with magnificent family business leaders on the Top 100 list. I’m very humbled to have been recognised for my time and achievements at HMG. Every step of my career has been a pleasure and I have been fortunate enough to work for a business that has encouraged my development and

engagement with other family businesses. There is no better culture than the one that family businesses create. Congratulations to the other worthy individuals on the list.” Commented Paddy Dyson.

Recently in 2021 HMG Paints Ltd were awarded the Essence of Family Business award by Family Business United “HMG Paints are truly great ambassadors of the family business sectors and in the eyes of the judges totally represent the essence of family business. They are worthy winners of this national award.” Said Paul Andrews.

Featured in the Family Business Top 100 list, John Falder has been in the paint industry and his family business, HMG Paints Ltd (formerly H. Marcel Guest) for almost his whole life. Venturing into the family business for the first time when he was about 7, accompanying his father, Brian and grandfather, Herbert Falder, founder of the business, John has never looked back.

“My very first job was sticking on labels, and packing tubes of adhesive this was fantastic, and a good Saturday morning which involved me earning some wages (2 shillings and 6 old pence to be exact), which were spent later in the day at a local toy shop.” said John in an interview.

the crowd

Maximize the automatic coverage and save powder with Nordson Dynamic Contouring Movers. Combined with the soft spray of the Nordson HDLV® Technology, the Dynamic Contouring Movers System increases the automatic coverage of complex forms and achieves the highest process control in your powder coating application. Learn more about our superior spray systems online at www.nordson.com/hdlv or get in contact with us today ics.eu@nordson.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

After John graduated from Bangor University in chemistry and marine biology, he started his full-time career in HMG at 21 years old and remains a huge part of the business 46 years later, stepping down as Managing Director in 2021 and becoming Chairman.

In 2021 John Falder was awarded the paint industries highest honour with a lifetime achievement award from the British Coatings Federation. “John is a great example of someone that has dedicated his career to the family business and embraced each opportunity along the way. He thoroughly deserves recognition and his place in the Family Business Top 100” said Paul Andrews.

HMG Paints second recognition on the list is Stephen ‘Paddy’ Dyson who joined HMG Paints Ltd at just 18 years old (19 years ago) following in his father’s footsteps. Starting from humble beginnings in the label printing room, Paddy quickly became noticed by peers for his dedication & enthusiasm for the family business.

Paddy put himself forward for the new Marketing Manager position in 2008 and has since completely transformed the branding and marketing of HMG Paints with the family values at the core of everything that is done. Throughout his time in the business Paddy has also been an ambassador for HMG taking part in talks and judging panels for industry & family business events such as Family Business United.

In 2019 Paddy was a finalist for the Young Leader of the Year Award with the British Coatings Federation based on his achievements throughout his time at HMG. From creating internal engaging content for staff around the family values of the business to promoting them externally, Paddy has a skill set that is second to none and continues to go above and beyond for HMG and his peers.

“Paddy is an exceptional individual and totally committed to the family business in which he works, as well as the broader family business community and thoroughly deserves

recognition for all that he does and is a deserving recipient of a place in the Family Business Top 100.” Commented Paul Andrews.

The nominations for the Family Business Top 100 list were sought from all corners of the UK and all sectors of the economy. Entrants must have been working in a senior position within the business for at least five years.

If you require further information, please contact:

HMG Paints Communications

Telephone: 0161 205 7631 Email: sales@hmgpaint.com Visit: www.hmgpaint.com

How We Can Inspire Our New Generation Into Engineering

It’s no secret that the engineering sector is experiencing a shortage of workers. In fact, research shows that the industry will need to train and employ around 200,000 people by 2024 to fill the gap.

Here, we’ll explore how your business can inspire students and professionals to become the engineers of tomorrow.

Inspiring young people into engineering

First and foremost, your business can focus on encouraging young people into engineering, whether they’re secondaryschool leavers or graduates seeking roles within the industry.

Partnering with educational institutions

In order to do this, your business should consider partnering with educational institutions to inspire people before they enter higher education. One way you can do this is by offering career events in secondary schools. These events enlighten young people about the inner workings of the industry, such as using complex building design software that they would not have previously come into contact with.

As well as this, you can make graduate programmes available to those leaving university. Multiple institutions are willing to partner with reputable businesses, such as how Teesside University and ITS Ltd, a specialist automation systems developer, came together in an effort to tackle industry staff shortages within the North East of England.

Offering worthwhile apprenticeships

Your business can also offer engineering apprenticeships for school leavers. These can train people interested in an engineering career even if they don’t want to attend university. The benefits of these for students are endless, from being able to work alongside professionals within the engineering industry to prioritising 20% of their time to training and studying. Engineering apprenticeships, as well as other

industry placements, are also available to seasoned workers as long as they’re over the age of 16. This approach could be critical to rebuilding the workforce, especially considering that 71% of engineering employers who are experiencing difficulties filling employment positions claim the issue lies with a lack of engineering or technical skills in the talent pool.

Graduate schemes

As well as this, your business can offer graduate programmes. These are a great way to connect with emerging talent in the industry, especially while the engineering sector is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.

Graduate programmes are beneficial for both employers and employees. It is an

attractive route for people wanting to break into the engineering industry, with research showing that the average salary for graduate engineering programmes is £28,000 in the UK. On the other hand, they are a great way for businesses to employ and nurture new talent while they can.

Recruiting professionals into engineering

On the other hand, your business can help to solve the shortage of skilled workers by focusing on training and retaining professionals.

Back-to-work schemes

It’s not uncommon for people to take a break from their careers. This might be to upskill in other areas or to prioritise personal issues such as caring for family members. While common, it may be difficult for people to return to the workplace after this break.

In fact, this is also an issue within the engineering sector. Research shows that 40% of women who choose to take a prolonged break from their career in STEM to care for their children feel there are barriers to returning to their careers.

To tackle this and encourage people to return to their STEM jobs, including engineering jobs, businesses can offer back-to-work schemes. These are common practices around the nation, as companies run 12-week paid return schemes or training schemes to potential workers.

Improving company culture

It’s no secret that multiple businesses across the nation are struggling to retain their staff. The engineering sector is also experiencing this hardship, with research discovering that 32% of engineering workers left companies due to their employer’s company culture. The logical solution, therefore, would be to improve company culture wherever possible.

Your engineering company can boost company culture in a number of ways. This can come in the form of employee recognition, social events, hybrid working

schemes, or employee rewards. The trick is to have fun while doing it!

Career progression

Career progression is an attractive selling point in any career. No one wants to feel like they are stuck in the same position or same level for too long. This can become monotonous, possibly leading to your employees leaving their for another.

In fact, according to research, 86% of workers within engineering, as well as architecture and building industries, are eager to learn new work skills. And 28% believe career progression is one of the most important goals of their professional careers.

To ensure your employees feel fulfilled in their role, your business can create career progression plans. This can be something like offering educational courses that will continue to challenge their knowledge and work as a method of upskilling.

While it may take time and resources, there is hope that the industry will be able to fill the skills shortage in time. If, in this case, businesses do their part and encourage people – both school leavers and current employees – to become engineers.

Sources

https://www.crooton.com/2022/02/22/what-is-the-futureof-recruitment-in-the-engineering-sector/

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/02/11/ women-in-stem-week-2021-how-were-empowering-thenext-generation/

https://www.mazakeu.co.uk/inspiring-the-next-generation/ https://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/scedt/news_story. cfm?story_id=7914

https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice https://pwemag.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/4928/ Engineering_skills_crisis_prompts_calls_for_urgent_ government_action.html

https://uk.talent.com/ salary?job=Engineering+Graduate+Programme

https://employernews.co.uk/news/recruitment-biaspreventing-talented-engineers-from-returning-to-work-aftera-career-break/

https://engineering-jobs.theiet.org/article/returning-toyour-engineering-career

https://www.fenews.co.uk/employability/the-engineeringsector-has-trouble-retaining-staff-heres-why-your-workersneed-regular-training-and-motivation/

Split-O-Mat ® line of products for compact, reliable and effi cient wastewater treatment

Wastewater from surface treatment processes will contain heavy metals and other pollutants that need to be removed, prior to sewer discharge, to avoid breaches in consent limits.

EnviroChemie UK Ltd is the UK operation of EnviroChemie GmbH, the leading German industrial water technology company. EnviroChemie manufactures and implements solutions for its industrial customers, providing innovative technologies for wastewater treatment. These are supplied as prefabricated compact plant or bespoke solutions, to ensure your wastewater does not exceed specified limits.

Split-O-Mat® wastewater treatment plants have been in use in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications for more than 40 years. EnviroChemie has now optimised this tried-and-trusted product line to enhance its performance capabilities and ease of use.

The compact plants are designed for physico-chemical treatment of wastewater to ensure compliance with discharge consents. All plants are fully automated and are able treat batch volumes of between 200 and 1,500 litres.

The pre-assembled Split-O-Mat® plants with their plug-and-play design can be quickly connected and commissioned at a customer's site. EnviroChemie also supply chemicals that are tailored exactly to the water requiring treatment, thus assuring efficient operation of the plants. The new EnviroChemie app for users will be available shortly. It enables web-based online monitoring and assures the plants are run at optimum performance.

In addition, EnviroChemie offers an optional service model for the Split-O-Mat® plants. By opting for this model, customers benefit from application engineers and water experts who ensure the reliable operation of the plants and the efficient treatment of the wastewater.

EnviroChemie are experts in industrial water and wastewater technologies, providing our customers with reliable and innovative solutions. We can access global expertise to develop customised processes to meet our customers’ needs, delivered and supported locally by our UK team.

The UK team has recently strengthened with the appointment of Bradley Unwin as Head of Sales.

Bradley has over 10 years’ experience in Water Treatment, providing solutions for process water and recycling and reuse projects.

After completing his engineering apprenticeship Bradley went onto work some of the major Water Technology providers initially as a service engineer and then moving into commercial roles covering healthcare, Food & Beverage and industrial markets.

On joining EnviroChemie Bradley said:“This is an exciting opportunity to join EnviroChemie as Head of Sales, bringing my experience in Process water.

EnviroChemie’s experience in industrial water treatment and range of proven technologies in both effluent and process water allows us to offer solutions to all our customers water treatment requirements.

I look forward to supporting my customers alongside our technical teams in the UK and Germany”.

To use your water resources more efficiently, seek practical advice from our advanced water treatment specialists.

For more information please contact:Bradley Unwin

Telephone: +44 (0) 7940 172546 Email: bradley.unwin@envirochemie.uk

Babcock Wanson Brochures Highlight Steam Solutions and Thermal Fluid Heating Applications

Industrial process heating manufacturer Babcock Wanson launched two brochures: a guide to the company’s Steam Solutions, and a Thermal Fluid Heating Solutions brochure with a focus on the applications and industries most suited to this energy efficient, easy to use process heating technology.

The 12-page Steam Solutions brochure emphasises Babcock Wanson’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of industrial steam products and services, for which the company is renown. It features Babcock Wanson’s latest steam boilers, including Coil, Fire Tube, Water Tube and Electrical Steam boilers, along with the company’s generation of micro-modulation Burners with very low NOx. The brochure continues with a look at Water Treatment products, plus the range of services

available, from maintenance to equipment rental, training and latest digital services. Smart products and services, which are becoming increasingly popular, are also highlighted, which include unattended operating mode (up to 30 days), automation, HMI for easy day to day boiler operation, and cloud based Navinergy and e-Water remote monitoring Apps.

The Thermal Fluid Heating Solutions brochure takes a different approach, with the main focus on applications and industries that are best suited to thermal fluid heaters and that have potentially the most to gain from swapping to this process heat technology. This includes pressing, curing and moulding; tanks, vessels and cookers; printing, coating, laminating and drying; and heating and cooling, which can be combined in a single thermal fluid system for exothermic reaction control or simply to maximise the use of a plant. Each section is illustrated with

photography and clear graphics showing how a typical thermal fluid system works in that specific application. The brochure finishes with a brief overview of the thermal fluid heaters available from Babcock Wanson, including the TPC and EPS ranges, along with the services provided by the company.

For a PDF copy of the Babcock Wanson brochures go to www.babcock-wanson.com/ resources/brochures/ or request a hard copy from Babcock Wanson on 020 8953 7111 or info@babcock-wanson.com.

Babcock Wanson offers a complete range of products and services for boiler houses and other process heating needs, from steam boilers, thermal fluid heaters, rapid steam generators and hot water boilers to VOC and odour treatment by thermal oxidation, water treatment or process air heating solutions.

For information on Babcock Wanson, go to www.babcock-wanson.com

Pure water for a perfect powder coat

Powder coating is going green. In some cases this is the result of legislation which requires existing process cleaning solutions to be replaced with more environmentally friendly ones. Increasingly, however, it’s coating quality that is the driver. Some coating specifications now demand salt spray testing for more than 1000 hours, and that means that surface preparation is absolutely critical. One of the proven ways of achieving high quality surface preparation is the use of pure water. Mains water contains a wide range of dissolved salts. These are harmless in drinking water but can promote corrosion and poor adhesion of powders to metal surfaces.

Using pure water increases the life expectancies of cleaning tanks and sprays and is a proven way of making both the cleaning and protective barrier chemical more effective. This means longer periods between tank drain downs and cleans, extending process operating time and less maintenance. It also means less wastewater generation and lower operating costs. A more environmentally and sustainable process. All this and improved product quality too.

There are two main processes to produce pure water: ion exchange demineralisation and reverse osmosis (RO). Ion exchange uses a chemically active synthetic resin to remove dissolved ions from water, in exchange for hydrogen in the case of cations and, hydroxyl in the case of anions. The resulting hydrogen and hydroxyl ions form water molecules. On the other hand, RO passes the water through a semi-permeable membrane which effectively filters out the dissolved ions. Selecting the best process depends on the quality of the mains water supply and the water purity required.

Ion exchange demineralisation is a batch process. The ions removed from solution accumulate on the resins and then have to be removed by regeneration. This uses hydrochloric acid for the cation resin and caustic soda for the anion. The regeneration process isn’t 100% efficient, so some of the chemical – typically about 20% - is wasted, and the regenerated resins also have to be rinsed prior to returning to service. This generates a waste stream with volume equivalent to about 5 - 15% of the plant throughput depending on the raw water quality. RO is a continuous process that uses no chemicals but depends on a high operating pressure generated by an

electrically driven pump. This makes it appear more environmentally friendly than ion exchange. The ions removed from the raw water are concentrated into a waste stream that is typically 25% of the throughput suggesting that it is less sustainable. If the raw water is hard, RO can be fouled by scaling and this is normally prevented by softening upstream of the membranes, but this requires salt and produces more wastewater.

A simple two-stage ion exchange demineralisation system can produce purified water of >1µS/cm conductivity which is equivalent to about 0.5mg/l total dissolved solids (TDS) whilst RO permeate is typically about 5µS/cm (about 2mg/l TDS).

RO has a higher capital cost than ion exchange but operating costs for both processes depend on the system flow rate and the TDS of the raw water. The chemical consumption in ion exchange is directly proportional to the raw water TDS whilst the power consumption of RO remains fairly constant, so RO becomes more economic for higher TDS raw waters. The actual cut-off point will depend on the raw water composition, the costs of chemicals and the anticipated lifetime of the plant.

Using pure water in all stages of surface preparation will not only improve the adhesion of the coating but will also extend chemical life and reduce waste. Not only sustainable but also cost effective.

You can get in touch with the Adept Pure Water Ltd team for more information on water purification for surface finishing.

Telephone: +44 (0) 1933 677181

Email: enquiries@adeptpwt.co.uk

Visit: www.adeptpwt.co.uk

–

–

–

SIEBEC UK

A revolution for the chrome (III) bath treatment

Traditionally, to avoid massive pollution of the treatment baths, baths are often completely drained and refilled with brand new chromium (III) solution. Such maintenance represents a significant cost. It leads to a complete stop of the production, a major quantity of effluent to treat and a non-negligible cost of a brand new solution.

IONPURE™ treats the chromium (III) bath continuously, keeping metal ion pollution to a minimum. Thus, there is no interruption in production and the volume of effluent is minimal compared to the traditional method. Once the ion exchange resin is saturated (50 g of metal for 1 litre of resin), IONPURE™ switches to regeneration mode to clean the resin of impurities in order to reuse it in the next cycle.

Note: As IONPURE™ does not have an integrated analysis system, regular monitoring and analysis of the chrome plating bath is necessary to trigger the resin regeneration mode.

Quality parts. Guaranteed

Zero bath contamination due to the build-up of metal impurities.

Continuous high quality, every time.

Increased productivity

No production line interruption.

Reduced maintenance frequency.

Durable and profitable investment

Removal of a significant part of the cost linked to maintenance.

Reduced environmental footprint thanks to minimal effluent disposal.

Automatic regeneration mode

When the bath analysis reveals an abnormal level of polluting metals, it means that the resin is saturated and that it is time to regenerate it. The operator then activates the “automatic regeneration” mode. The IONPURE will then successively evacuate the metals and regenerate the resin.

Machine stop mode

This mode allows the IONPURE™ circuit to be completely emptied and cleaned, in order to avoid any risk of crystallization inside its various elements.

Product Features

10 µm pre-filtration, Ion exchange resin (40 or 80 l), Storage of regenerating solution, 100% polypropylene pneumatic valve, Special resin strainer, Compact design, Touch screen interface. Get in touch with SIEBEC UK today to learn more about products, support and service Telephone: 01785 227700 Email: sales@siebec.co.uk Visit: www.siebec.co.uk

New SIEBEC brochure: Dedicated Equipment Surface Treatment –please contact SIEBEC for a copy.

IONPURE™ from

continuously eliminates metals polluting the chromium (III) baths in order to guarantee optimal concentration and constant parts quality. 4kg of polluting metal collected in one cycle!

FILTER MEDIA

Rainwater Harvesting: An investment not to be missed

Plastratum Ltd, the Birmingham based manufacturer of both Manually operated and Fully Automatic Electroplating and Metal Finishing plant and equipment together with Effluent Treatment plant, Water Recirculation plant and Fume Extraction systems can provide the benefit of rainwater harvesting chemical engineering.

The costs of energy, materials and manufacturing operations are constantly increasing and unlikely to be reduced in the foreseeable future, so companies are required to work more efficiently and effectively to enable costs of production and operational costs to be standardised or even reduced.

The control of significant energy costs, both gas and electricity, is well understood but that of water is another commodity that is somewhat taken for granted and accepted, although the costs of water in and effluent out must be accounted for in the total company employment of capital and affect bottom line profits and profitability.

Rather than rely on the ever-increasing cost of water from the water companies in all industries and especially in the electroplating

and metal finishing sectors, significant water volume can be sourced from harvesting the rainwater collected on the company’s roof area into a bulk holding tank. This can augment a decreasing dependance on the supply from water companies or have a volume that can service the applications completely.

From the holding tank the collected rainwater is filtered, using Multimedia filtration and carbon filtration. The filtered water can then either be dosed with a biocide or sterilized using a UV lamp system. Conductivity monitoring and ion exchange operations can also be utilized to ensure water quality required by today’s increasingly water critical processes.

The treated process water can then be boosted to the required pressure and connected using the existing pipework systems to each application accordingly.

In some cases, the water can also be used for domestic applications.

Following its use, apart from that used for domestic purposes, the water can be recirculated, recycled and constantly reconstituted and reused following the application of ion exchange resins thus again

reducing the cost of incoming water from the supply companies and enhancing and reducing the effect on the environment.

It is not unusual to expect a payback on investment that could be within three and a half years.

With the ever-increasing production costs Rainwater Harvesting an investment not to be missed.

Please contact us for an evaluation of your potential.

Telephone: 0121-314-1191 Visit: www.plastratum.com

Total Filtration is a Division of The Westbury Group of Filtration Companies and is your one stop shop for the manufacture and supply of liquid and dust filter cartridges and associated components.

Our Industrial Dust Extraction Collectors and filter cartridges span many industries including:

Aerospace - Agriculture - AutomotiveChemical - Construction - Food & Beverage - Gas Turbine - HVAC/Ventiliation - Defence - Material Handling - Paper, Pulp & Woodwork - Pharmaceutical - Plant Machinery - Plastic - Plasma/Laser CuttingRubber - Shotblast & Beadblast - TextileTransport

We carry a vast selection of filter media, including Cellulose blends, Polyester, Anti-Static Polyester, PTFE coated and Membrane, Nano, Flame Retardant coated, to name a few.

We pride ourselves on our bespoke, OEM and retrofit dust filter cartridge range which fit equipment from the following manufacturers and many more:

AAF - Airmaster - Altair - Camfil Farr - Clarcor - Dantherm - DCE - Donaldson - Freudenberg - Mahle / Dustcheck - Nordic - Unicell - WAM

Airmaster Retrofit

Camfil Farr Goldcone Retrofit

Our Airmaster Dust Filter equivalent is a pleated cartridge made in two lengths, 450mm (type 1) and 920mm (type 2). The end caps can be Galvanised Steel or Stainless Steel, there are three types of filters available with spun polyester standard, Anti-Static, PTFE media and Anti-Static PTFE.

We manufacture our own range of Goldcone style filters, without the cone, available in the length of 1000mml. These are available in a range of medias which include: - Cellulose blend 80/20FR, STD Polyester, A/Stat Polyester.

Camfil Tenkay Mark 1, 2, 3, 4 Retrofit

ALTAIR Retrofit

The Altair dust filter equivalent range are cartridge filters made in several lengths: 600mm, 660mm, 1000mm and 1200mm (Other lengths available). These are available in a range of medias as detailed below.

We manufacture a range of square top filters in both 325mm and 225mm (closed end cap sizes). These are also known as Camfill Farr Tenkay Mark 1, 2, 3 and 4 alternatives.

They are available in a choice of lengths and medias (All lengths are also available in the round end cap version).

Dantherm Cartridge Filter Retrofit

Our ABS Dantherm Cartridge Filter Alternative (also known as an Airmaster, Nederman or Disa Dust Filter Cartridge.) is made of lightweight strong plastic version of the Type 66,44,40,22 and 20. (Also available in carbon impregnated for Anti-static requirements).

Donaldson Siloair Filter Retrofit

Our DCE Torit Siloair Filter equivalents are perfect for silo vending machines. These filter cartridges are made in three lengths: 565mm, 800mm and 1000mm. They are available in a range of medias including Standard, Anti-Static, PTFE Standard and Anti-Static PTFE.

Donaldson TDS Equivalent Retrofit

The Donaldson TDS Equivalent single or double ended filter cartridges are available in three basic diameters (202mm, 325mm and 350mm) with six different lengths. They are available in different medias. (Depending on the application), these include Nano Fibre, Spun Bonded Polyester, PTFE, and anti-static.

Donaldson TORIT Equivalent Cartridge ECB/TDS/DF+ Retrofits

Our Donaldson TORIT Cartridge Filter retrofits come in two basic diameters (325mm and 350mm) with six different lengths. There are several medias to choose

from. (Depending on the application), these include Nano Fibre, Spun Bonded Polyester, PTFE and anti-static.

This dust filter is available in both Galvanised and Stainless-Steel finish. Available in several lengths from 200mml to 1200mml. Media Options include STD Polyester/ A/Static Polyester. STD PTFE Membrane/ Antistatic PTFE Membrane.

Nordic / Freudenberg 3 Lug Filter Retrofits

DONALDSON UNICELL Retrofits

We also manufacture a complete range of Unicell type cartridge filters which include the two size 70mm x 475mm x 1004mm with 5.00M² or 70mm x

475mm x 800mm with 4.00M². These two sizes of cell filter can be made using any of the following filter media: 260g Spunbonded Polyester, Anti-Static finish / Oleophobic coat/ PTFE Coat or Membrane.

Mahle /Dustcheck Catchplate Retrofit

We manufacture Mahle Catchplate Alterative / Dustcheck twist lock cartridge filter alternative in 328mm O/D x 600mml, available in

single open end or double opened ended, using a choice of high-quality medias including: - Cellulose blend 80/20 FR, Nano fibre, STD Polyester, Antistatic Polyester and both STD and Antistatic PTFE membrane.

Mahle/Dustcheck Screw thread RD72/62/100

Retrofits

Total Filtration can manufacture a parallel version of the RD60/RD72/RD100 screw thread filter.

We manufacture 3 lug filters in a range of sizes:145mm O/D, 150mm O/D, 225mm O/D. 370mm O/D and 397mm O/D. In a range of materials available including Aluminium, ABS Plastic and Resin. All Lengths available up to 1400mml. Medias include: - Cellulose blend 80/20 FR, STD Polyester, Antistatic Polyester.

Total Filtration are pleased to announce a new range of Total Filterbox Dust Collectors. Here’s just a few of the many benefits of our new range

All our dust collectors are manufactured in the UK with a full range of sizes to suit all airflow requirements.

All our dust collectors can be offered to ATEX standard to ST1 & ST2 and can be provided with full certification.

Our Range of Dust Collectors and Extractors include:

Reverse Jet Dust Collectors. Technical Advice, Evaluation and Sizing for all customers.

Downflow and Crossflow dust Collectors, to suit specific processes.

Unicell style Dust Collector. Full turnkey installations, Large & Small.

For more information on our Dust range contact Mark Longworth on 01282 459744 or email sales@totalfiltration.com

Product Overview

Manual Monorail Systems

Unit loads up to 3000kg

Monorail Chain Conveyors Unit loads up to 300kg

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 comprehen sive range of overhead conveyor products which are capable of handling unit loads up to 7000kg.

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

Stewart Gill Conveyors Ltd

Unit 3&4 Brook Business Park

Brookhampton Lane Kineton, Warwickshire CV35 0JA, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1926 641424 info@stewart-gill.co.uk www.stewart-gill.co.uk

Hendor-pe UK Ltd – Celebrating 20 Years supplying products to the UK surface treatment industry!

20 years ago, I was asked if I would like to set up my own business, Hendor-pe UK Ltd, selling Pumps, Filters and Rectifiers to the UK Surface Treatment industry. At the time I was working for another Pump/Filter manufacturer in the UK as their Technical Manager, I had been there for 12 years, it was a daunting decision with three young children at home.

Myself and my wife visited Hendor in the Netherlands and were extremely impressed with the people, the high quality product range and the pricing!

Some people thought we were crazy trying to introduce another manufacturer to the already crowded market, but we were convinced that this exceptionally high quality, competitively priced product would be readily accepted.

20 years on, we were right, we have built up a loyal customer base in many industries from GMF, Precious metal plating, electronics, Government establishments, Reel

to Reel Plating, Aerospace, Automotive, F1 manufacturers etc, etc . One of our proudest moments is when we get repeat orders from these companies, they like the products we are supplying them.

Hendor was established more than 70 years ago, their principal customer at that time was the mighty Philips in Eindhoven.

Over the years Hendor has become a global leader in manufacturing exceptionally high quality and innovative chemically resistant pumps and filtration products.

In the 90’s, Hendor established partners and distributors located all around the world to enable the supply of products at a moment’s notice.

The Hendor-pe partnership began in 1995 when Hendor-pe Inc in the USA was established. Since then, Hendor-pe France, Hendor-pe UK, Hendor-pe Spain, China, and Japan have all been introduced to better serve local markets, as well as having independent distributors in other territories.

A lot has changed at Hendor over the last seventy plus years, however, the desire to do business in an innovative and sustainable

way has remained a constant. This is why the organisation set the goal of lean manufacturing in 2016. This desire was manifested by introducing a round of investments worth half a million euros. Hendor invested money in new pump design software and automatic welding, installed LED lighting everywhere and organised the workplace in a more efficient way. Through automation, we wanted to obtain a higher output with the same number of people. The machines are used more efficiently thanks to new planning software. We work with small batches and customise more products in accordance with our customers’ requirements. Not only does this shorten lead times, but we also use raw materials more economically.

With regard to raw materials, we blend our own mix of Polypropylene pellet types which allows us to mould a Polypropylene perfectly adapted to our industries

We at Hendor value social responsibility and act accordingly. A strategic decision was made to develop the next generation of pumps by a Sustainable Design principle. By applying this concept both the manufacturing and the life cycle carbon footprint of our

products are significantly reduced.

Our filters are an important and successful part of the Hendor legacy. Henk Bohncke, our former owner, designed them with a clear, innovative vision for the future. They were the first filters in the industry made entirely of polypropylene with a welded base. For decades, this product has served many companies within industry.

With the advent of new technologies and the search for optimum efficiency, we have developed a new, innovative design under the leadership of our technical director Hessel Bohncke - son of Henk.

These new Hendor filters are even more user-friendly and efficient. Completely new are the double-welded bases that ensure less pressure loss, more flow, more reach and more energy efficiency from the motor. Absolutely no concessions have been made to the quality of raw materials, features, or user-friendliness. We challenged ourselves by finding a way to still save costs. That is why the new filters consist of fewer components, yet still to the high exacting quality you expect from Hendor

All our filters are available with standard size filter papers, single and double length filter bags, and of course filter/carbon cartridges, in combination with a magnetic drive, vertical sealless or mechanical seal pump.

More series and products are planned for the future all grafted from the knowledge and experience we have gained over the past 70+ years.

The Hendor product range consists of a wide range of pumps and filters allowing us to supply to the most critical and aggressive solutions at ambient or high temperature. Typically, a selection of the products we offer is as follows:-

Magnetic Drive Pumps

Sealless design

Constructed from Polypropylene, PVDF

Available with Union, Flanged or hose connections

Motors finished with Two Pack Epoxy for superior corrosion resistance.

Vertical Sealless Pumps (Sump Pumps)

Constructed from Polypropylene, PVDF, or 316SS

Self-priming

No seals or bearings therefore can run dry safely without damage

Motors finished with Two Pack Epoxy for superior corrosion resistance.

All manufactured by Hendor to ISO9001

Hendor-pe UK has been established for 20 years, but our involvement in the UK industry spans almost 35 years.

We have a wealth of experience of supplying the UK with high quality cost effective solutions.

Other Products within our range

Plating Electronic DC Switch Mode and Pulse Reverse Power Supplies

Filter Cartridges/Bags/Carbon

Scandymet Immersion Heaters

Drum Pumps

Eductor Installations

pcb Scrubbing Brushes

Filter Chambers

Cartridge, Bag or Disc

Constructed from Polypropylene, PVDF, or 316SS

Sizes range from 1 x 10” cartridge to 36 x 20” cartridges

Also available with standard Single or Double Length PP Filter Bags Compact and Robust construction

As well as the individual range of pumps and filter housings, we can combine into many different styles of Cartridge/Bag/Disc or Microfibre horizontal or vertical filter system

pcb Cotton Sleeving

We at Hendor-pe regard it as our core task to provide pump and filtration solutions that best help our customers optimize their processes and provide products at the lowest possible total cost of ownership.

If you have any requirements then please do not hesitate to contact our Manchester Sales Office where our staff will give you the best attention and service we can offer.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 776 4331 or sales@hendor-pe.co.uk

Bathing in non-reflective glory

When you are looking to push the boundaries of light, color and design, especially with an ultra matt surface, our Précis Ultra Matt range has the answers. With a finer mica effect that enables an ultra matt surface to change appearance depending on the way the light reflects on it, you can create a finish that not only looks amazing, but also offers stunning levels of superdurability.

With innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible, a vast range of sustainable products backed by industry leading certifications, and the best performing powder coatings on the market used and respected by architects around the world, your imagination starts with our finish. architectural.interpon.com

Chemical pumps & filtration systems

– 50 years of excellence

SERFILCO® International Ltd is a global supplier of liquid handling equipment for chemical, surface finishing and other wet process applications.

Headquartered in Manchester, UK since its inception in 1975, SERFILCO® International Ltd has developed an enviable worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. SERFILCO® International are specialists in the design, manufacture and distribution of corrosion resistant pumps, filters, filter media and agitation systems. The company continues to bring products to the market place that enable chemical processors to improve quality, save money, achieve operator compliance and protect the environment. With facilities in the UK, Germany, and China SERFILCO® is

committed to live up to its mantra to offer: “GLOBAL PRODUCTS, LOCAL SERVICE AND ADVICE YOU CAN RELY ON”

SERFILCO® also offers repair, service and installation from their UK facility with a team of engineers able to install PP, CPVC and PVDF piping on site.

Filter Systems

SERFILCO Filtration Systems are compact, corrosion resistant and extremely simple to operate. A choice of construction materials allows their use with most liquids, including strong chemicals at elevated temperatures.

SERFILCO products have gained global approval for recirculation purification of most electroplating and chemical process solutions. They have proven to be a reliable workhorse for over half a century.

With numerous systems in service around the globe, you can be confident a SERFILCO Filtration System will improve the clarity of your process solutions, increase production quality, and reduce process cost.

Choose a basic filtration system with your choice of media, pump and filter chamber. Then select from a wide range of optional equipment to customise your system to fit your specific needs.

SERFILCO filters can accommodate a variety of filter media including cartridges, disks, bags, permanent media or carbon and GAC.

The rugged construction features a low pressure drop for long intervals of continuous high flow and long service life.

With flow rates ranging from 500lph to 120m3/hr, surface areas up to 44m2 and a variety of options and chemically resistant materials SERFILCO have a filter for every application.

The Benefits

Compact, high flow, efficient & durable systems designed to handle a variety of solutions

High Flow Rates

Quiet, efficient centrifugal pumps –double seal or magnetic-coupled. Handles nearly all electroplating applications.

Easy maintenance

Large connections reduce losses and deliver high system flow and long ‘on stream life’.

Reduced losses = Smaller motors

Systems available with cartridge, plate & paper or bag media

Bypass carbon, slurry or oil removal available

Filter Media

SERFILCO are probably best known for providing one of the widest selections of filter cartridges on the planet; string wound, melt

Detergents for Industrial Parts Cleaning

Borer Chemie AG

Gewerbestrasse 13 4528 Zuchwil / Switzerland www.borer.ch

Bühler Ltd.

Unit 8/9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, M41 7LY Urmston, Manchester / United Kingdom Tel. +44 161 866 2800, Fax +44 161 866 2801 www.buhlergroup.com

blown, pleated, wire mesh, sintered porous and more. Available materials of construction include paper, polypropylene, polyester, melamine, cotton, glass, fibrillated polypropylene, SS316, SS304, PVDF, and more including proprietary materials for highly aggressive applications.

Purification media includes high purity granular carbon and carbon cartridges for the removal of organics from process solutions, as well as colours and odours from drinking and process waters, in addition to resins for applications like removal of heavy metal contaminants from waste water.

SERFILCO offer disposable fabric roll media for nearly any gravity filter made. Bag filtration media, coalescing media, horizontal disc filter paper, and filter aid are also available.

The Benefits

Precision wound Micron accuracy tested

Wide selection of media material, cartridge lengths and micron ratings

Excellent chemical resistance

Fits any D.O.E. style vessel Length to fit any chamber

Selective depth filtration

Pleated available for extended surface area

Carbon Media For absorption of undesirable contaminants

Improve finished goods quality, and minimize maintenance and rework with longer continuous high-flow operation

Save money with lower cost, high surface area

Pumps

SERFILCO is a leading global manufacturer of advanced thermoplastic chemical pumps. A choice of construction materials and innovative design means the range can be used to pump a wide array of liquids including acids, bases, corrosive and flammable liquids, inorganic liquids, liquids with entrained gases, organic liquids, slurries, solvents, toxic liquids and viscous and volatile liquids.

SERFILCO’s diverse range of products has gained global approval for recirculation and transfer of most electroplating and chemical process solutions. Through extensive use they have proven to be a reliable workhorse for over half a century.

Since 1962 SERFILCO has been providing solutions to meet the needs of chemical users and with thousands of pumps in service around the globe, you can be confident a SERFILCO pump will help you operate more reliably, economically and efficiently.

SERFILCO horizontal sealed pumps are capable of total chemical resistance both internally and externally with non-metallic construction and a choice of materials, seals and elastomers. Totally enclosed impellers are moulded to close tolerances to allow the pumps to operate at peak efficiency across a broad range operation head/flow requirements.

SERFILCO vertical pumps feature a cantilevered design which eliminates bearings and conventional pump seals resulting in a pump that can run-dry indefinitely without damage. This robust design will reliably endure the most demanding of chemical applications

SERFILCO magnetic drive pumps are seal-less and ‘leak-proof’ providing total solution containment. Their innovative efficient design, low energy consumption and chemical and temperature compatibility make them ideal handling even the most difficult applications.

The Benefits

Non-metallic solution contact

Polypropylene, CPVC, PVDF, Ryton, Noryl, PTFE, Stainless Steel

Centrifugal, quiet, vibration free Vertical sealess

Single or double mechanical seal with EPDM or FKM elastomers

Chemical duty motor

Choice of connections – NPT, BSP, flanges or unions

Self-Priming Available

In or out-of-tank installation

Easy, reliable transfer & circulation

Telephone: +44 (0) 161 775 1910 Visit: www.serfilco.co.uk

Shot Blast, Shot Peen THE NEXT LEVEL!

Straaltechniek UK Ltd

As part of an International Group Straaltechniek UK offer World Class Support to the surface preparation industry.

As a leading manufacturer of NEW, 2nd hand refurbished Shot Blast & Shot Peening equipment, Equipment Modernisation Programmes including the successful High Performance Long Life Blast Wheel range Straaltechniek UK underpin their success with a comprehensive aftermarket package including spares, maintenance, service contracts and 24 Hour breakdown cover.

New Wheel, Air & Portable Blasting & Shot Peening Equipment

Aftermarket Spares, Service Maintenance Contracts 24 Hour Breakdown Cover

With the supply of Spare Parts for their own and many other manufacturers Straaltechniek UK are able to provide customers with a quick response by keeping a wide range of spares stock along with a team of skilled engineers on hand to offer the required service support.

Carrying out preventative maintenance to customers installations will save cost, 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 & spares contract allows the customer to concentrate on other critical aspects of production maintenance.

Shot Blast Equipment Modernisation Programmes E.M.P.

With over 150 years of combined experience Straaltechniek UK can offer extensive Equipment Modernisation Programmes for all types of Surface Preparation Blasting & Shot Peening Equipment. at a fraction of the cost of new installations.

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, Housekeeping, 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 upgrades to meet with these increased production and mandatory demands.

Abrasive Media

Straaltechniek

Table Wheel Blast Machines Manual Air Blast Rooms Portable Manual Hand Blast

Aerospace Robotic Shot Peening Equipment

High Performance Long Life Blast Wheels Maintenance Access Platforms

Straaltechniek UK Quality Standards

Straaltechniek UK continuously aims to improve the quality of their products, managing systems, communication and was one of the first organisations in the Sheffield City Region that was granted ISO 9001 2015 Quality Standard Certification.

Made In Sheffield is one of the world’s great brands, made famous internationally as a mark of origin and quality on the city’s manufactured products.

Today, Sheffield is a successful 21st century producer city, boasting

world-class companies in sectors as diverse as advanced manufacturing, materials technology, the creative and digital industries, food and biomedical / healthcare technology.

Sheffield City Regions companies now have the opportunity to declare their proud Sheffield credentials through the use of the new Made In Sheffield Mark, a symbol of the cities on- going commitment to quality and excellence.

Straaltechniek UK Ltd – THE NEXT LEVEL!

Telephone: +44 (0) 1142 571077 Email: info@straaltechniek.co.uk Visit: www.straaltechniek.co.uk

Call Nigel Bean for more information on +44 (0) 1442 826826

10 great reasons to exhibit at Surface World 2023

Meet

Close

Speak

Optimise your sales and lead generation strategy http://www.surfaceworld.com/surface-world-live/ floor-plan-exhibitor-list/

Fraser Technologies: Cost of Ownership

Cleaningown the process and cut the costs

With the cost of living continuing to rise and energy prices doubling, businesses are looking for more ways to cut costs and increase efficiencies, without reducing on quality.

When it comes to component cleaning, compromises can rarely be made on levels of cleanliness, but there are opportunities to make cost savings by ensuring the system being used is the most suitable for the items being cleaned. In many circumstances, investing in the correct equipment and chemistries can lead to a much more efficient and cost-effective process.

While it may seem counterintuitive, an investment and initial cost outlay in the short term could lead to significant efficiencies and cost savings in the medium and long term.

To understand the cost savings when it comes to owning the cleaning process, it’s important to look at the full process and the associated (and often hidden) costs involved in it.

For organisations that currently clean components by hand, there are a number

of immediate benefits of automation. Using the right equipment for the job makes the process much more efficient – items can be cleaned in batches; it’s an extremely fast activity (in many cases, just a few minutes!); it is much less labour intensive, freeing up the time of a person – or people – on the

factory floor to get on with other jobs; and the level of cleanliness can be controlled, so every item is perfectly clean, every time. We recently started working with engineering client that had been cleaning components by hand after moving away from solvent cleaning years ago due to the negative impact solvents had on the environment. They were finding that the process was a laborious one – with staff often spending an hour or two on cleaning parts to ensure oil and residue was removed from each component, and that they were fully dry before use.

They were finding that parts were not getting totally cleaned or totally dried, so were either needing a second clean, or were starting to rust due to the damp. Plus, as some of the parts were plated, if oil residue was left in the folds, it would affect the plating and they would not be fit for purpose and would be scrapped.

They began a contract manufacturing high-reliability, plated parts that were retaining a significant amount of grease and residue. In a bid to improve the cleaning quality and save time on the factory floor, they approached Fraser Technologies to look

at alternative solutions. While this organisation had - quite rightly - moved away from old generation solvents, Fraser Tecnhologies was able to introduce them to the new generation of solvents that have been developed specifically with the environment in mind and are far less harmful than comparable solutions.

One such product is Opteon™ SF80 from Chemours. SF80 has an ultralow global warming potential (GWP) of less than 2.5, unlike common F-gas solvents that can have a significantly higher GWP. SF80 is just as effective as these damaging competitor products – and in many cases can be even more efficient.

Installing one of our best-selling Solvent machines – which is compact, good value for money and extremely simple to use – along with SF80 has revolutionised their cleaning process. Not only are the parts now consistently spotlessly clean, they can clean more at a time and the process is complete in just minutes – with no need for rinsing or

drying. They’ve found it to be less messy, more efficient, and it also has a positive impact on the team as it is silent and all enclosed, so a much safer and less distracting process. They’re so pleased with the results, they’ve started putting additional parts from other contracts and customers through the process, as it saves them time on the floor. What was initially a short term investment for a specific contract has turned into a new way of cleaning for the full team, and one that they’re keen to continue.

As well as saving time and boosting cleanliness levels, by considering the system in place and making sure it’s properly set up – whether with a new machine or an upgrade - the amount of chemistry solution being used can be controlled to very low levels, which again saves money in the long term. In addition, most of the waste solvent can be recovered and recycled from the machine by the Fraser Technologies team.

As a result of this, the energy consumption of the process is also reduced. Solvent cleaning

uses one fifth of the energy required with an aqueous cleaner and is more controlled than manual washing. Not only is it five times more energy efficient, but it also has quicker cleaning cycles, leaves zero residue, and has three times better surface penetration.

Using an Opteon™ specialty fluid such as SF80 reduces weekly CO2 usage by 75%, reduces weekly fluid consumption by 50%, and reduces the cost of average daily consumables by eliminating water treatment.

In the current climate, all investments need to be able to demonstrate a return, but when it comes to cleaning, the return is literally clear to see. An efficient process saves time and money, while also ensuring quality –protecting the reputation of the business and keeping clients happy. When considering investing in cleaning – can any business afford not to?

For more information about the products offered by Fraser Technologies, get in touch at sales@frasertech.co.uk, call 01506 443 058 or visit www.frasertech.co.uk.

Sustainable Industrial Cleaning of the Future…. Now

Sustainable cleaning is all about using methods and products that are safer for both the environment and human health. Eco-friendly cleaning products can reduce air and water pollution, as well as helping fight ozone depletion and climate change in the future.

Kemet is pleased to offer a new range of cleaning machines which 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. The Sustainability benefits vs other industrial cleaning methods are:

Virtually no air emissions in closed machines

Zero water consumption in cleaning

Continuous solvent recovery via built-in distillation. Long solvent lifespan and less solvent waste.

These cleaning systems take sustainability to the next level by adopting a waste hierarchy that encompasses three key levels: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reducing the consumption of cleaning fluids and water, as the vacuum applied in the distillation and in the shavings drying allows less consumption, using about 20 times lower than the regulation, per year.

A sophisticated ‘Double Distillation’ allows for separation of up to 99% (the highest value among the washing machines on the market) of the oil from the modified alcohol so that the content of alcohol in distillation residues before extracting it from the cleaning machine is ~1%.

The applied technology allows in particular the use of modified alcohols that ensure a degreasing quality results similar to those that can be obtained with perchloroethylene (chlorinated solvent classified as a suspected carcinogen).

The vacuum range during the cycle is 100 - 1 millibar. This is guaranteed by three different vacuum generating groups, each one with its special own characteristics to take advantage of all its use capabilities and makes it suitable for a wide variety of parts treatment cycles.

A rust-preventing treatment is automatically applied in vacuum and this allows avoidance of further processing, unlike other industrial cleaning units which normally have these additional steps.

The ideal applications are recommended according to the quantities to be treated, the quantity of contamination, the size of the semi-finished products. Kleen Power Technology is appreciated in the fields of precision mechanics, automotive, heat treatment, oleodynamic components, springs, moulded components, fashion

accessories, jewellery, watches, components for furniture, medical, dental, cookware, cutlery, and electronics.

As well as this new range of Vacuum Solvent cleaners, Kemet also offer;

Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks ranging from 40 to 160 litres with more than 400 high performance formulations to choose from.

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

Passivation lines that comply with ISO 7 clean room.

Contact Kemet on +44 (0) 1622 755287 or Sales@Kemet.co.uk to arrange cleaning trials, so Kemet can find the ideal cleaning solution for you.

A simple Energy Saving Solution…

A croffle or technical ball from Euro-Matic can drastically reduce energy usage any in manufacturing processes that use heat and chemical tanks. With a floating blanket of balls heating costs are reduced by up to 75%, and evaporation by 90% & they last for years.

Produced since the 1960’s they may be one of the industry’s best kept secrets. For any factories or production plants with chemical processes or heat or cooling tanks, there will inevitably be a number of knock-on effects, such as maintaining tank temperature, nasty smells and toxins, or even just the damage evaporation can do to the work place environment. But this longstanding, simple solution that has been developed by Euro-Matic solves these issues.

Euro-Matic balls come in a variety of plastics such as HDPE and most commonly PP dependent on the chemicals and in a variety of sizes from 6mm right up to 150mm. The balls move around any parts in machinery and by sitting on the top of the liquid, there’s no maintenance.

How to get some balls

Balls can be ordered on line at: www.euro-matic.co.uk or by calling on 0330 311 0003 where the friendly staff will work out exactly how many you need. There is also a clever ball calculator that enables you to insert tank dimensions and it will do the maths for you at: www.euro-matic.co.uk/ball-calculator

Duplex Coating System Thickness Measurement with the PosiTector

FNDS from DFT Instruments UK Ltd

DeFelsko’s PosiTector 6000 FNDS coating thickness gage non-destructively measures the individual thicknesses of both the paint and the zinc galvanize layers in a duplex coating system with a single reading.

How Duplex Coatings Protect Steel from Corrosion

Steel corrodes when an electrolyte connects anodes and cathodes on a steel surface. The formation of the corrosion cell causes a flaky iron oxide known as rust.

To avoid rust, something must prevent the formation of the corrosion cell. Two common methods for preventing corrosion on steel are:

1. Cathodic protection (by using a sacrificial anode, such as zinc).

2. Creating a barrier to block electrolytes from contacting the steel, such as paint or other protective coatings.

Duplex coating systems use a combination of two corrosion protection systems—typically paint or powder coating over galvanized steel

(hot-dip, electro, or zinc spray metallizing). The corrosion protection which results from a duplex coating system is superior to either protection system used independently.

Benefits of duplex coating systems:

Extended life of coating system and underlying substrate

Delayed maintenance cycle—less touch-up repairing, reduced maintenance costs

Color Coding

Aesthetics

How to Measure the Coating Thickness of a Duplex System

Measuring the thickness of duplex coating system layers with conventional instruments is challenging.

Typically, a magnetic coating thickness gauge such as a PosiTector 6000 F1 or PosiTest DFT Ferrous is first used to measure the zinc thickness. The same instrument then measures the total thickness of both the zinc and paint layers together. The difference between the two readings is taken to be the paint layer thickness. This method assumes the zinc thickness never varies.

In reality, zinc thickness is not always uniform over the entire part or structure. Coating thickness depends on the thickness, roughness, chemistry, and design of the steel being galvanized. Any or all of these factors could produce galvanized coatings of non-uniform thickness.

A second conventional method uses a combination magnetic and eddy-current probe such as the PosiTector 6000 FN3. Two readings are taken, the first in eddy-current mode to get the paint thickness,

the second in magnetic mode to get the total coating system thickness. The difference between the two readings is taken to be the zinc layer thickness. Again, this method assumes the zinc thickness does not vary over the structure.

Both methods are time consuming and error-prone. The PosiTector 6000 FNDS duplex coating thickness probe performs this operation with one reading—simply and accurately.

Duplex Coating Thickness Measurement Solution from DeFelsko

The PosiTector 6000 FNDS duplex coating thickness gage measures the individual thicknesses of both the paint and the zinc layers in a duplex coating system with a single reading. In Duplex mode, the PosiTector 6000 FNDS utilizes both magnetic (ferrous) and eddy current (non-ferrous) principles simultaneously to calculate and display the individual paint and zinc layer thicknesses.

The magnetic principle is used to measure the combined paint/zinc thickness over the ferrous substrate, and the eddy current principle is used to measure the paint thickness over the non-ferrous zinc coating.

The zinc thickness is calculated by subtracting the paint thickness from the combined paint/zinc thickness measurement.

When not in Duplex mode, the gauge will operate like a conventional combination ferrous/non-ferrous instrument (similar to PosiTector 6000 FNS probe). Ideal for measuring non-magnetic coatings over steel and non-conductive coatings over non-ferrous metal substrates.

For more information on the PosiTector 6000 FNDS or any of the gauges in the DeFelsko range, please contact Mark Conlon at DFT Instruments UK Ltd, proud UK distributor for DeFelsko. Telephone: 01442 879494 Email: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk Visit: www.dftinstruments.co.uk

How to Precisely Measure Thickness of Thin Coatings with a Motorised Measurement Stand

Author – Dr Kenan Handzic

THE WEAKEST LINKTHE HUMAN HAND

Countries and economic regions have developed standards in order to maintain high product quality and secure the best return on product investment.

Wasteful processes can be significantly improved by removing measurement errors introduced by the instrument operator.

A dry film thickness (DFT) gauge such as the DUALSCOPE® FMP100/150 from Helmut Fischer GmbH is a highly developed instrument capable of accuracy and precision to fractions of a micron, but a number of external factors can still impair the measurements performed by such capable instruments (Figure 1).

One aspect to consider is automating the measurement procedure. A mention of automation may evoke images of a robotised factory floor where workers are an afterthought, but it’s also possible to make minor changes that could have the largest impact on component quality and employee job satisfaction.

The use of motorised stands in measuring procedures can provide the tools needed to minimise measurement errors and ensure that work carried out is of the highest quality.

Used with an appropriate measurement probe the V12 motorised stand can: –

Maintain a consistent 90° angle between the probe and the sample

Learn the position of the component surface through a teaching function, which allows a virtually force free contact between the probe and the measured coating surface

The contacting probe must be perpendicular to the coating surface, or a significant measurement error is generated; this also occurs if the force applied by the probe varies from operator to operator, causing compression of the coating. Both errors lead to inconsistencies in adhering to standards such as QUALICOAT, QUALINOD, ASTM, BS, NADCAP, DIN, and ISO.

The tilting effect can suggest that a coating is too thick, and compression of a coating can suggest it is too thin. When the coating is just a few microns thick such as Tartaric Sulphuric Acid anodising (TSA), handheld probe measurement uncertainty can be >50%, which is clearly unacceptable. The penalty for allowing uncontrolled measurement errors to continue is the added cost of rework and/or customer rejects. This can be the difference between profit and loss, retention of a contract, or continuing employment of an individual.

Actions to substantially reduce measurement errors:

Ensure that the measuring probe always contacts the measured surface of the component perpendicularly, eliminating tilt errors

Maintain a minimum consistent force applied by the probe to the measured surface, to eliminate coating and substrate compression errors.

Measure on optimal surfaces, avoiding edges and complex curves to eliminate geometric induced errors

All of these requirements are met by the V12 motorised measurement stand manufactured in Germany by Helmut Fischer GmbH, and it’s an ideal partner to their handheld and bench instrument range (Figure 2).

- The approach speed of the probe towards the coated surface is constant, but reduces as the known position of the sample surface approaches, thus avoiding compression of the coating

Multiple measurement mode (1, 5 or continuous measurements modes), allows for multiple measurements on a component.

When used with the MMS PC2 instrument, there is individual control over the period of probe retraction from the coated surface and engagement with it.

An automated measuring device is the key to achieving the most accurate and repeatable results that prove specifications are being met. It can also decrease the time it takes to measure, give operators greater confidence in their measuring equipment, and greater freedom to perform other tasks while measurements are being acquired.

For more information, please contact your local FISCHER representative: Telephone: 01386 577370

Visit: https://fischerinstrumentation.co.uk/

Figure 2: Helmut Fischer GmbH V12 motorised stand (A) and MMS PC2 benchtop coating thickness measuring system (B). V12 motorised stand can be paired with both portable and benchtop systems to offer unrivalled control, accuracy and precision when measuring components. The MMS PC2 has the added benefit of having up to 8 probes attached for added versatility and speed.

Innovative post processing of 3D printed components made from photopolymer resin

Consistent and effi cient removal of support structures with an automated process

Photopolymer resins allow the printing of extremely delicate highprecision components in industrial grade quality. The C1 system from AM Solution – 3D post processing technology is an excellent post processing tool for the automated removal of support structures. It meets not only the strictest industrial standards but also fulfills all requirements regarding process stability, consistency of the results, efficiency and traceability.

Photopolymer resins permit the high-quality printing of a large variety of precision functional components, design objects with extremely fine structures and the most complex prototypes. In the past the manufacturers had difficulties fulfilling the industrial standards for the post processing of 3D printed components. To date the removal of support structures was a manual operation. This is not only an expensive process that produces inconsistent results, but it also carries the risk of damaging the components.

A way out of this dilemma is the new C1 system from AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology. This division of the Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH specializes in offering automated industrial solutions for the post processing and surface finishing of 3D printed components. The compact plug-and-play machine, specially developed for the automated post processing of 3D printed photopolymer components, just needs a 230 V electrical outlet. The machine controls contain various processing programs that allow the support removal from components with different shapes. In addition, the users can tailor their processing programs to their specific needs. The C1 system can handle 3D printed components with sizes of up to 340 x 440 x 170 mm (L x W x H).

A precisely adapted compound ensures perfect post processing results

For the post processing operation the components are placed in a basket that in turn is dipped into an immersion bath filled with compound that is precisely adapted to the printing material. After the respective processing program has been called up,

The C1 was specifically developed for the automated removal of support structures from 3D printed components made from photopolymer resins. With its innovative design this machine meets all industrial requirements regarding process stability, consistency of results, cost-efficiency and traceability. Moreover, the C1 produces the desired results much faster than other systems available in the market.

the process starts. This is based on chemical, thermal and mechanical effects. The effective interplay of these three mechanisms ensures that the support structures can be reliably removed without affecting the dimensional integrity of the components. This is even the case with extremely delicate components with geometrically complex shapes and very thin walls. Compared to other systems available in the market, this process is significantly faster.

With a combination of chemical, thermal and mechanical effects a compound, especially adapted to the respective photopolymer, ensures the consistent and complete removal of support structures. An integrated compound fill level control with fully automatic replenishment guarantees absolute process stability and lower operational costs.

For the development of the compounds AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology could take advantage of Rösler’s comprehensive know-how and the company’s chemical lab. With this approach suitable processing compounds could be developed for any photopolymer. Contrary to the extremely volatile and combustible isopropanol, usually used for this purpose, the compounds utilized by AM Solutions are not hazardous and must, therefore, not be classified and labeled as such per EG standard no1272/2008 (CLP).

Monitoring of the process parameters ensures stable and cost-efficient operations

The C1 system was equipped with various design features that guarantee process stability and minimize operational costs. This includes a sensor-controlled monitoring of the compound fill level: As soon as the level drops below a preset value, new compound is automatically replenished from a special container in the system. An integrated, removable skimming (overflow) screen allows

the discharge of removed, gelatinous support material from the compound. This increases the usable life of the compound significantly. Moreover, an integrated sensor monitoring the degree of contamination signals when a compound exchange is needed. It ensures that such an exchange does not take place too early or too late. This saves costs and guarantees a consistently high processing quality.

Industry 4.0 - ready for the digital manufacturing environment

Like all post processing systems from AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology the C1 can be easily integrated into digitized manufacturing networks. Key process parameters such as temperature, processing time and the degree of contamination of the compound are continuously recorded with a data logger and can be stored through an USB interface. Industrial demands regarding quality control, process consistency and traceability can, therefore, be fully met for the post processing of 3D printed components.

www.solutions-for-am.com

For over 80 years, the privately owned Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH has been actively engaged in the field of surface preparation and surface finishing. As global market leader, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, consumables and services around the mass finishing and shot blasting technologies for a wide spectrum of different industries. Our range of about 15,000 consumables, developed in our Customer Experience Centers and laboratories located all over the world, specifically serves our customers for resolving their individual finishing needs. U nder the brand name AM Solutions, we offer numerous equipment solutions and services in the area of additive manufacturing/3D printing. Last-but-notleast, as our central training center the Rösler Academy offers practical, hands-on seminars to the subjects mass finishing and shot blasting, lean management and additive manufacturing. Besides the German manufacturing locations in Untermerzbach/ Memmelsdorf and Bad Staffelstein/Hausen the Rösler group has a global network of 15 locations and 150 sales agents.

For more information, please go to: www.rosler.com

COLOURS 2022

Park Davies, managing director of powder coating specialist, Vertik-Al reports on this year’s powder usage.

Unsurprisingly, Anthracite Grey has dominated our powder coating lines once again. From the hundreds of thousands of kilos of powder used to coat millions of aluminium items in 2022, almost 23 percent was Anthracite Grey in a matt finish. This is more than double its closest rival –Jet Black-Matt which equated to just ten percent of this year’s powder usage.

Coupled with Anthracite Grey-Satin, this shade of grey represents almost 25 percent of our top 30 most used powders.

Goodbye Grey

However, while we are used to grey leading the charge there has been a noticeable shift away from its tonal variations dominating our league table.

Back in 2020, five of the most used colours were shades of grey. The remaining 50 percent of the top ten comprised only neutral tones. This year there has been a significant swing towards neutrality with black and white tones accounting for 60 percent of our top ten powders.

Jet Black, Heritage Black, HIPCA White and Pure White remain in the top ten, but they have been joined by two new entries – Traffic White-Matt and Signal White-Gloss.

Warming Neutrals

Neutral tones are extremely versatile and provide a blank canvas, either to layer up with stronger, bolder colours or to simply complement architectural features and details. Pre-pandemic, designers and architects were embracing more neutrals. Tones of grey, sitting between black and white, have been arguably the most popular neutral for a decade or more, both inside and out.

Yet our experiences and emotions during those turbulent years have influenced trends and tastes. People are craving colour and are now eschewing cool neutrals in favour of warmer, more comforting tones, especially for interiors.

Greater Definition

Grey will always be an important neutral but the resurgence of black and white shows that designers are seeking sharper and more defined contrasts. A warm grey wall can be offset by a Pure White aluminium window frame or Jet Black aluminium sliding doors, for instance.

Our 2022 powder usage reflects this. 50% of our top 30 is made up of a variety of black and white shades.

Rise in Metallics

But what about the anomalies. The colours and finishes that stand out simply by not being black, white or grey. Perhaps the most striking of all is Anodic Bronze-Matt.

We have long talked of the rising interest amongst architects

and designers for bolder shades and metallic finishes, and 2022 is proof of this. For the very first time Anodic Bronze-Matt has entered our top ten, at number ten.

White Aluminium-Matt Metallic and Pearl Gold-Matt Metallic also feature in the top 30, with the former just two places behind Anodic Bronze, in at number 12.

Generally, Vertik-Al uses around 400 colours regularly and can access over 3500. We offer 25-year supplier backed guarantees on a range of colours.

Telephone: 0121 608 7171 Email: info@vertik-al.com Visit: www.vertik-al.com

John

Clariant’s new ClariCoat:

fi nd the ideal additive for your paint formulation in just a few clicks

− ClariCoat’s intelligence is based on real lab data that are translated into product recommendations

− Accessible 24/7, ClariCoat provides customised solutions for a holistic range of performance criteria

Clariant, a leading global provider of additives for paints and coatings, has launched its new digital platform ClariCoat, a results-focused web application for additives.

ClariCoat’s offering is unique in the paints and coatings industry. It allows customised property selection covering a wide range of performance criteria from liquid paint stability and workability to sustainability, to name a few. Once the criteria selection is complete, the product recommendation engine proposes the most suitable additives covering the needs of the paint formulator.

With increasing consumer preferences for sustainable formulations, and ever more stringent government regulations for products that, for example, eliminate or reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), this new tool addresses a growing need in the industry. The increasing shift towards

For quick fixes, ClariCoat has captured the most frequent paint formulator issues, such as phase separation or compatibility, providing a list of additives that solve these issues in just one click.

“We believe that by combining our digitalised formulation data, competence in data science and detailed technical knowledge and formulation expertise, we can tackle every challenge our customers might face”, said Hermann Bach, Head of Strategic Marketing & Innovation Care Chemicals.

− Novel web application for paints and coating specialists who face challenges with their paint formulations

Straaltechniek UK Limited

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

Table Wheel Blasting Machines

• Work zone mm; 1803 Dia x 1500 H

• Work zone mm; 1803 Dia x 1200 H

• Work zone mm; 2743 Dia x 400 H

• Work zone mm; 1500 Dia x 1000 H

• Work zone mm; 1000 Dia x 400 H

• Work zone mm; 1200 Dia x 1200 H

Tumblast Wheel Machines

• Type; Rubber Belt Volume Litre; 420 Litre

• Type; Steel Belt Volume Litre; 425 Litre

• Type; Rubber Belt Volume Litre; 50 Litr

• Type; Rubber Belt Volume Litre; 150 Litre

Hook Wheel Machines

• Type; I Track Work Zone mm; 1800 Dia x 1800L

• Type; Y Track Work Zone mm; 1500 Dia x 1700L

• Type; Y Track Work Zone mm; 800 Dia x 1200L

Roller

Conveyor Wheel Machines

• Type; Roller Conveyor Work Zone mm; 1000 x 500 Wheel No; 4

• Type; Roller Conveyor Work Zone mm; 1000 x 500 Wheel No; 4

Air Blast Hand Cabinets

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 900W x 600D x 350H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 900W x 700D x 500H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 900W x 700D x 500H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 900W x 700D x 500H

• Type; Suction Work Zone mm; 700W x 500D x 400H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 800 Dia Turntable

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 500 Dia Basket

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 1200 x 750 x400

• Type; Suction Work Zone mm; 700W x600D x300H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 600W x 500D x 400H

• Type; Pressure Work Zone mm; 1400W x 700D x 600H

Blast Rooms

• Work Zone mm; 4000L x 2000W x 2000H Type; Room Abrasive Recovery; Waffle Floor

• Work Zone mm; 4000L x 2000W x 2000H Type; Room Abrasive Recovery; Waffle Floor

• Work Zone mm; 20ft x 8ft x 8ft Type; Container Abrasive Recovery; Sweep Up

Dust Filters

• Various Types & Sizes

please contact:

Our ambient temperature one stage processing system requires no heating and therefore no gas.

Additional benefits when switching include: better corrosion protection, savings in water, and savings in extra labour costs.

Customers who switch from their standard three stage phosphating plant to our innovative one stage Toran 3 technology reduce their overall costs by 23% annually.

Contact Metavate to help your business move forward.