• Practically pulsation-free for high surface quality
• Very low detergent consumption
• Applications up to 250 bar and 5 l/min
• For aggressive, abrasive or shear-sensitive materials
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
t: +44 (0) 1442 826826
EXHIBITION ORGANISATION
t: +44 (0) 1442 826826
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 in all material published in Surface World, including but not limited to all Hill Media brands, brand logos, trademarks, and associated assets, remains with Hill Media Ltd and its agents.
Become an Acknowledged Leader in Surface Engineering and Materials
the IMF 2
QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND
Qualicoat
BRITISH COATINGS FEDERATION LTD
Brian
ARTICLES
BYK
Become an Acknowledged Leader in Surface Engineering and Materials Finishing: INDUSTRY RECOGNISED TRAINING COURSES FROM THE IMF
Are you involved with the application of coatings to enhance and protect your products? Do you need to meet client specifications to ensure the longevity of your components? Does the complex world of surface engineering and materials finishing cause you headaches?
If so, the courses offered by the Institute of Materials Finishing (IMF) could be your solution!
The IMF have been promoting knowledge in the surface finishing industries, both inorganic surface treatments including plating and the application of organic paints, lacquers and varnishes for many years. Large numbers of engineers and technicians across a multitude of industries have benefitted from the knowledge gained to enhance their careers, their standing within industry and the ability to problem solve the many challenges they face in their daily working lives!
Starting with the Foundation level course, students gain knowledge on all aspects of materials finishing, specifically aimed at their own industry requirements, but to include sections on Health & Safety, the Environment and Surface Finishing and Corrosion Protection. There is no need for a science background to be able to successfully complete a foundation course.
The Foundation Course requires study of 15 sections and requires the submission of 2 marked assignments followed by an end examination. The course, conducted by distance learning will take 16 weeks to complete. There are three specific study routes to choose from; electroplating, organic coatings and aerospace finishing. On successful completion, the student is awarded the Foundation Certificate.
To follow on, students can then elect to progress to the Technician level modules, which give more in-depth knowledge for key finishing technologies, their application and best practice methods. Again, both inorganic and organic technologies can be studied to match the industry requirements. There is a choice of eight modules, which provide study in applicable areas of surface finishing best matched to your needs.
Like the Foundation course, study is by distance learning, and the student is required to complete four marked assignments and pass an examination.
Passing two technician modules leads to the award of Technician Certificate; passing four modules leads to the award of an Advanced Technician Certificate.
If you feel your career could benefit from being a recognised specialist in your particular branch of Surface Engineering or Materials Finishing, then contact the IMF today.
Speak with our training manager Karen Yates on +44 (0)121 622 7287 or email karen@materialsfinishing.org.
Move your career to the next level and join the finishing community and all the benefits that gives through the IMF.
QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND WELCOMES OVER 50 DELEGATES TO LABORATORY TRAINING EVENT
QUALICOAT UK & Ireland recently hosted over 50 laboratory technicians at its annual member training event; reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to architectural aluminium coating excellence.
Held over two days in early June at Bragborough Hall Business Centre in Daventry, the event directly supports the global QUALICOAT Specification which mandates that laboratory technicians at all licensed coating facilities must attend a training session at least every two years.
The hands-on event targeted both new and experienced technicians responsible for vital coating and pre-treatment quality control processes.
To facilitate practical learning, a temporary laboratory was constructed at the venue, fully equipped with specialist equipment and technical expertise supplied by industry partners Q-Lab, Industrial Physics, Wagner and Almetron.
Day one focused on basic technician training, offering individuals who had not previously attended a training day essential experience with product testing using recommended equipment and record keeping. The second day shifted focus to experienced laboratory technicians, concentrating on more advanced testing techniques and complex management issues.
Alongside practical sessions, delegates gained insights from a series of technical seminars led by industry experts, including Lee Hathaway (AkzoNobel Powder Coating), Oliver Bögler and Dieter Meinhard (IFO Institute for Surface Technology) and Jan Lukaszweski (ALFED).
Chris MansfieldQUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair
Feedback from delegates has been very positive, with Tristan Pope, Technical and Quality Manager for Vertik-Al, noting that the event “…was a valuable opportunity to network with a group of people who face similar challenges and to learn from industry experts.”
Chair of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland, Chris Mansfield, comments: “Maintaining the globally recognised QUALICOAT
certification requires dedication and accuracy. By training technicians to correctly perform rigorous tests, such as adhesion, gloss, colour uniformity and resistance to corrosion or weathering, ensures deviations or any potential issues are caught early. This continuous professional development minimises human error, guarantees consistent, reproducible results and prevents substandard products ever reaching
the market. The role of well-trained lab personnel is fundamental to upholding the QUALICOAT standard.”
Contact Jan Lukaszewski to learn how your business may benefit from QUALICOAT membership and to access the latest specifications. To source a QUALICOAT approved supply chain partner, see our current members listed at qualicoatuki.org.
Scan & Spray
Dynamic Contour Detection
Programming-free coating of any shape! Gema
The second generation of Dynamic Contour Detection detects the object contour fully automatic and positions the guns individually even for thin objects and at high conveyor speeds. Due to the programming-free adaption of all relevant line settings the application range is significantly extended.
Email: uk.sales@gema.eu.com
BRIAN NORTON HONOURED WITH BCF SILVER MEDAL FOR LONGSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COATINGS INDUSTRY
Brian’s connection with what is now the BCF stretches back decades. Indestructible Paints was founded by his father, Doug Norton, in 1978, and the company became involved with the Paintmakers Association, one of the
organisations that formed today’s British Coatings Federation. Brian joined Indestructible Paints in 1990 and continued that close association as the business grew. Over the years, he has contributed to a wide range of BCF groups and committees, particularly the Aerospace and Defence Committee Group, where Indestructible Paints remains actively involved. Brian also served as a non-executive director of the Federation in the early 2000s and has supported the BCF’s work across key member forums covering issues such as health and safety, operations, transport and general industrial coatings.
Throughout his career, Brian has championed both the role of SMEs and the importance of the coatings sector more broadly. His involvement in industry advocacy included visits to Downing Street in 2013 and the Houses of Parliament in 2019 to help promote the value of paint and coatings to the wider economy. He has also highlighted the importance of skills and training, including making use of BCF support on apprenticeships, and has remained a strong supporter of the Federation’s growing role in representing and promoting the industry.
Brian said of the award: “I was genuinely shocked and very honoured to receive the BCF Silver Medal. Indestructible Paints has had a long association with the Federation, going back to my father’s involvement when the company was founded, and it has been a pleasure to maintain that connection over so many years. The BCF has grown enormously in stature and capability and continues to do vital work promoting the value of paint and coatings, which are essential to almost every part of industry and business. I am grateful for the support, friendship and collaboration I have experienced through the Federation over the years.”
BCF CEO Tom Bowtell commented: “Brian has given many years of dedicated service to both the Federation and the wider coatings industry. His longstanding involvement, practical support for BCF activities and commitment to championing the industry make him a very worthy recipient of the Silver Medal. On behalf of the BCF and the wider sector, I am delighted to congratulate Brian on this well-deserved recognition.”
Email: info@bcf.co.uk Visit: www.coatings.org.uk
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has presented Brian Norton of Indestructible Paints with the Silver Medal Award in recognition of his longstanding service to the coatings industry and his many years of support for the Federation. The award was presented at the BCF Annual Conference on 4th June 2026.
Brian Norton (centre) receiving the Silver Medal from BCF CEO Tom Bowtell (left) and BCF President Jane Ryder (right) at the 2026 BCF Annual Conference
Brian Norton visiting 10 Downing Street in 2013 to raise awareness with Government on key issues impacting UK SMEs
BYK STRENGTHENS ITS PORTFOLIO OF MEASUREMENT AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS THROUGH A STRATEGIC ACQUISITION IN THE AUTONOMOUS DRIVING MARKET
Acquisition of perisens, the leading specialist in radar and communications technology
Expansion of the measurement and testing instrument business through patented technology for radar measurement of painted automotive components
BYK-Gardner GmbH, a subsidiary of the specialty chemicals group ALTANA, is acquiring perisens GmbH. Based in Feldkirchen near Munich, the company develops and manufactures measurement and testing equipment for automotive radar sensors and radar covers, known as radomes. These measurement and testing systems are used in quality assurance for painted plastic automotive components in vehicles equipped with radar sensors for autonomous driving. This ensures that the paint systems used do not attenuate the radar signals too much and do not impair the radar’s function.
Through this acquisition, ALTANA’s BYK division is strategically expanding its business in measurement and testing instruments and broadening its product portfolio to include innovative technologies in the field of radar
measurement. perisens, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, will be integrated into BYK-Gardner, headquartered in Geretsried, Bavaria.
Patented Technology for Laboratory Measurement Devices
With the Radom Measurement Systems of the RMS-C and RMS-D product series, perisens offers solutions for radar radomes ranging from development through quality control in series production. These RMS systems have been in use worldwide since 2014 by leading automakers, radar sensor suppliers, and suppliers of plastic components, as well as paint and pigment manufacturers.
perisens’ patented technology can be used in both laboratory measuring instruments and measuring cells on robot-controlled production lines. perisens’ products enable precise process control of coated plastic automotive components made from plastics.
Integration of the Measurement Technology at BYK
As part of the acquisition, the employees working for perisens will be transferred to BYK.
“perisens’ radar measurement instruments are a perfect complement to BYK-Gardner’s innovative color and gloss measurement instruments,” explains Dr. Jörg Hinnerwisch, Division President of BYK. “This is state-ofthe-art technology with excellent prospects for the future.” Dr. Jörg Krames, Managing Director of BYKGardner, adds: “True to our motto, ‘Measure the visible and beyond,’ the integration of this new measurement technology allows us to offer our existing customers in the automotive and coatings industries another milestone in our product portfolio, as radar measurement will be indispensable for autonomous driving in the future.”
Dr. Florian Pfeiffer, Managing Partner of perisens, says: “The integration of perisens into BYK-Gardner will enable us to further develop our existing testing and measurement instruments even faster, increase brand awareness, and consistently drive innovation forward.”
Telephone: +49 8171 3493-0
Email: info.byk.gardner@byk.com
Visit: www.byk-instruments.com
Abrasive Blast Equipment
We are delighted to be celebrating 25 years in the business of selling and supporting component cleaning systems and processes.
Back in 2001, directors Steve Jones and Derek Thomas, both of whom had extensive experience in the field of component cleaning, decided to pool their resources to establish a company focused on delivering high-quality, technical support. From our base in Runcorn, Cheshire, we quickly established an excellent reputation for the standards of advice and assistance we provided but we were keen to do more.
Within a short time, the company started to grow, expanding our activities to include the sale of new cleaning systems. From the outset, it was important that the equipment and processes should be safe for the user, have minimal impact on the environment and offer value for money. Today, we have strong relationships with our manufacturing partners: Everest Ultrasonics, MEG, SRI and Union. With their help, we have established an extensive range of high-quality, reliable equipment utilising both solvent and aqueous cleaning technologies. More recently, we became the UK distributor for Microcare precision cleaning fluids, which are ideally suited for use with our Cleanseal cleaning machines as well as being suitable for use with most types of modern equipment.
In the last 25 years, component cleaning has faced many challenges We have seen a growing focus on the nature of surface contamination and meeting evertightening cleanliness standards. There has also been increasing regulatory pressure to minimize process emissions and environmental impact. Throughout this time, we have aimed to be at the forefront of technological advances, reducing power consumption, transitioning to the use of less hazardous cleaning fluids and minimising harmful releases to the environment.
We are proud of our achievements over the past 25 years and have worked hard to maintain our focus on providing the highest standards of customer service. During 2025, we achieved accreditation to ISO9001/ISO14001, which we believe amply illustrates our commitment to quality management and environmental performance and will greatly assist us in moving the company forward in the future.
The company has come a long way since 2001 and we look forward to the next 25 years!
CALDAN GROUP APPOINTS HANS GUSTAV RASMUSSEN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Former CFO takes over with immediate effect to lead the group’s next phase
CALDAN Group, part of Axel Johnson International, has announced a change in its leadership. Claus Nørgaard steps down as Managing Director of CALDAN Group following a mutual agreement with Axel Johnson International. Hans Gustav Rasmussen, previously CFO of CALDAN Group, takes over as Managing Director (MD) with immediate effect.
“I am very glad that Hans Gustav is stepping in as CALDAN Group’s new MD. With his deep understanding of the business and strong leadership, he is well positioned to lead the company forward,
and we look forward to continuing CALDAN’s growth journey under his leadership. I also want to thank Claus for his valuable contributions over the past five years as MD,” says Anton Kullh, Managing Director, Industrial Automation, Axel Johnson International.
Hans Gustav Rasmussen in front of the headquarters at CALDAN in Denmark
Hans Gustav joined CALDAN as Group CFO in 2022, following 14 years in finance leadership roles at Vestas Wind Systems. Since joining, he has been an integral member of the management team and has played a key role in driving several strategically important initiatives,
consistently approaching the business from a value chain perspective and with a focus on the people and processes behind the numbers. He enjoys spending time on the production floor to engage, understand and learn.
“CALDAN’s strength is the way we work as one united international team, with deep conveyor knowledge and a shared commitment to finding the right solution for every customer, and to always deliver on our promise. I am privileged to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues across our locations. My priority will be to support and develop the organisation in the best way,
to keep relentless customer focus at the centre of everything we do, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what our technology can deliver,” says Hans Gustav Rasmussen, Managing Director, CALDAN Group.
To ensure continuity, Claus and Hans Gustav will work together on an orderly transition, after which Claus will leave CALDAN. The search for a new CFO has begun. Under Nørgaard’s leadership over the past five years, the group expanded globally, grew by more than 30%, completing its first acquisition with the French engineering company SEMA in the process.
Visit: www.caldan.dk
CHEMETALL RECEIVES AIRBUS
SQIP AWARD FOR THE ELEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Chemetall awarded
“Accredited Supplier” status in Airbus’ Supply Chain & Quality Improvement Program (SQIP)
Additional special award recognizes de-risking initiatives supporting supply security
The Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF Coatings, operating under the Chemetall brand, has once again received the highest recognition in Airbus’ Supply Chain & Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) and was awarded “Accredited Supplier” status for its performance.
This marks the eleventh consecutive year that Chemetall has achieved this distinction. The status reflects sustained excellence in product quality, on-time delivery and the ability to manage increasing production volumes.
The award was presented at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, where Airbus Procurement and Supply Chain & Quality Management (SCQM) teams recognized the sustained efforts and performance of Chemetall employees across Production, Laboratory, Quality, Supply Chain and Customer Service functions.
“Achieving Airbus SQIP accreditation for the eleventh consecutive year is a strong recognition of the consistent performance and commitment of our teams worldwide. Aerospace is a strategically important market for Chemetall, and being recognized by Airbus again carries particular weight given the demanding requirements in quality, delivery and reliability,” says Frank Naber, Senior Vice President Global Surface Treatment at BASF Coatings.
In addition to the SQIP accreditation, Chemetall received a special award recognizing its de-risking initiatives.
“This recognition of our de-risking initiatives reflects our proactive approach
to securing supply and supporting Airbus’ production needs,” says Guillaume Larrieu, Global Key Account Manager Airbus at Chemetall.
The Airbus SQIP program aims to drive industrial excellence among its strategic suppliers, with a focus on product quality and delivery reliability. Suppliers are evaluated on an annual basis, with their performance either confirmed or adjusted depending on compliance with Airbus’ stringent standards.
About BASF’s Coatings division
BASF Coatings is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ eeds all over the world. We share skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, South America, Middle East, Africa, North America and Asia Pacific. In 2025, our businesses achieved global sales of about €3.7 billion.
BASF Coatings – Driven by passion and science, we always go beyond the surface. For more information, visit www.basf-coatings.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
Measure the adhesion of coatings to metal, wood, concrete and more
n Impact and scratch resistant color Touch Screen display with keypad
n Wirelessly connect the PosiTest AT-A to your smart device using our free app
n Record the results as pass/fail and the nature of fracture cohesive, adhesive and glue failures
State-of-the-art
paint technology and intelligent software solutions for Volkswagen Autoeuropa
DÜRR IMPLEMENTING A CO2EFFICIENT PAINT SHOP WITH CROSSPLANT SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Dürr is building a turnkey paint shop for Volkswagen Autoeuropa while simultaneously implementing a comprehensive software solution. The project combines state-of-the-art application and drying technologies designed to maximise CO2 reduction, along with an innovative SCADA integration that unifies three separate paint shops in a single system.
In 2024, a total of 236,100 vehicles – an average of 955 per day rolled off the production line at Volkswagen Autoeuropa. The factory in the Portuguese town of Palmela is currently preparing for future model launches with the addition of a new paint shop and advanced process optimisation software.
Resource-efficient painting with the EcoBell4 Pro Volskwagen Autoeuropa uses the EcoBell4 Pro Hu with 2x2K technology for its clear coat process. It specifically selected the 2x2K variant to enable the application of both glossy and matte clear coats using a single applicator, while also minimising rinsing agent consumption during product changes. The high-speed rotary atomiser works according to the “High Transfer Efficiency” (HTE) principle developed by Dürr, achieving application efficiencies of up to 90 percent. The HTE-optimised operating parameters along with the specialised bell disc
and shaping air ring system, enable a lower rotational speed, a shorter painting distance, and a 30 percent reduction in shaping air consumption. This results in less clear coat being used per body. At the same time, the reduced overspray lowers the demand for air treatment, resulting in additional energy savings.
Low-energy intelligent drying
Body drying is performed by an electrically heated EcoSmartCure system. The straight-through oven, designed with stop-and-go operating concept, provides targeted heating – particularly for electric vehicles – and reduces energy consumption through demand-based temperature control. The result is shorter drying times and reduced CO2 emissions.
Centralised SCADA system for three paint shops
In parallel with the plant engineering, Dürr is implementing a modern, future-ready software architecture: DXQcontrol connects the new paint shop as well as two existing buildings
With the EcoBell4 Pro and the HTE process, clear coat consumption per body is reduced.
– the main paint system and the separate two-tone system for roof painting – within a single, unified SCADA environment. The integration is challenging, because it involves both migrating third-party software and upgrading an outdated system to the latest generation of DXQcontrol. “With the cross-plant software solution, we are bringing together three separate paint shops with different technological baselines – an extremely complex task,” says Felix Losch, Senior Manager Digital Products at Dürr. “But it is precisely this integration that adds the greatest value for the customer: One system instead of three, one user interface instead of multiple platforms, and full transparency across all processes. This not only cuts costs but also makes production significantly more flexible and efficient.”
The EcoSmartCure straight-through oven reduces energy consumption through demand-based temperature control.
Precise planning for the model launch
The turnkey project also includes an offline measurement cell, a paint mixing room, as well as work platforms and internal conveyor systems. In its role as general contractor, Dürr is coordinating all trades and project activities. “The launch of the paint shop project coincides with the market introduction
of a new model, requiring precise planning and close coordination across all construction phases,” explains Marcus Treppschuh, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at Dürr. “Drawing on our experience from numerous turnkey projects, we will reliably deliver on this commitment and provide Volkswagen Autoeuropa with a paint shop that sets new benchmarks both technologically and environmentally.” The project will run in three phases and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027.
Visit: www.durr.com
PROT E C T YOUR VALUABLE SUR FACE S.
EFFICIENT & SUSTAINABLE CLEANING SYSTEMS FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL PARTS AND COMPONENTS
SOLVENT CLEANING, VAPOUR DEGREASING, CORROSION PROTECTION AND
METAL
SURFACE CLEANING
EnviroTech Europe supplies precision cleaning solvents and corrosion protection products, for the preparation and protection of metal and plastic substrates, and composite surfaces. We offer a range of approved formulations tailored to your industry, which are cost effective, energy efficient, safe for operators and the environment.
Core products are manufactured in the United Kingdom and all products are available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of qualified distributors worldwide.
EnviroTech Europe products are used in the following industries:
Automotive and Motorsport
Avionics and Aerospace
Electronics and Electrical
Farming and Agricultural
General Cleaning
Industrial and Manufacturing
Marine and Maritime
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Device Manufacturing
Military and Defence
Oxygen Cleaning
Power Generation
Railways and Transport
EnviroTech Europe Ltd has been serving engineering industries for over 30 years, constantly responding to regulatory requirements for environmental and safety laws and the need for improved standards. Staff and distributors are highly trained to work with customers to advise on the use of industrial cleaning solvents, helping them to navigate through legislative changes and ensure their vapour degreasing and cleaning solutions remain within regulatory boundaries.
RAC® 5
ONE GUARDFOR ENO ROFDRAUG
RAC® X Tips
KEY BENEFITS
WIDE APPICATIONS
Use one guard for all your airless spraying needs — production, high-pressure, fine finish, low-pressure, wide-angle, line marking and more.
Insert two tips. On one side RAC® 5, RAC® XHD and SC-6 tips and on the other side RAC® X tips and switch instantly for speed and flexibility.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
+ Pressure rated up to 530 BAR / 7,700 PSI
+ Fits RAC® 5, RAC® XHD, SC-6 and RAC® X tips
Engineered for convenience. TWINFIT® connects seamlessly to almost any professional airless spray gun. Tighten by hand or wrench to any 7/8” or 11/16” connection.
Only two seats and seals required. Our unique SealEx® 6 for RAC® 5, RAC® XHD, and SC-6 tips, and SealEx® 7 for RAC® X tips ensure reliable performance and perfect adaptability.
FIRST PAINTING
Maximize control, and protect the user: TWINFIT® is built to support professionals ‘under pressure’.
+ Perfect match for ExitFlex® Speedy 6 and Speedy 7 airless tips
+ Rugged, durable and ready for all-day use
COMBINE TWINFIT® WITH SPEEDY TIPS TO UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF YOUR AIRLESS SYSTEM.
SPEEDY 6
VERSATILITY AT ITS CORE
+ Universal compatibility with all major airless systems and guards.
+ 715+ tip sizes for production, fine finish, line striping and more.
+ Ergonomic handle with built in seal and tIp positioning tool
+ Ideal for daily use with your existing equipment.
+ Perfect fit with TWINFIT® for seamless operation.
SPEEDY 7 TOP OF THE RANGE
+ Tip locking mechanism for extra safety on high-pressure jobs.
+ Designed for tough conditions - shipbuilding, heavy industry and more.
+ 715+ tip sizes, ergonomic excellence.
+ Perfect fit with TWINFIT® for optimal safety amd performance.
+ The go-to for heavy duty professionals demanding precision, protection and perfection.
PFAS-FREE VAPOUR DEGREASING SOLVENTS
ProSolv®5408e - Nextgeneration, PFAS-free, high performance vapour degreasing solvent
An advanced cleaning solvent designed to meet the highest environmental and performance standards. Completely free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, it features zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 1. Exceptionally low surface tension and high solvency power (KB Value 98) enable it to penetrate deep into tight spaces, complex geometries and blind holes. Non-flammable, with no flash point, and classified as non-hazardous for transport, it is also a direct replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 73DE engineered fluid.
Testing:
Flash Point ASTM D3828 and ASTM D93. Flammable limits ASTM E918. Stock Loss ARP1755B.
IGA Intergranular attack. Stress corrosion of titanium alloys ASTM F945-12. Hydrogen Embrittlement ASTM F519-17a.
ProSolv®AS-1 - PFAS-free, high performance precision cleaning solvent for highly sensitive components
An environmentally friendly, nonflammable vapour degreasing solvent cleaner, the perfect replacement for HFE, HFC and HCFC solvents. Mid-range
solvency (Kb Value 44) is suited to light-to-medium soil loads and delivers consistent removal of contaminants from sensitive and delicate components. With zero ODP and a GWP of less than 1, it is effective without being aggressive on materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass.
DIRECT REPLACEMENTS FOR 3M™ NOVEC™ ENGINEERED FLUIDS
We supply a range of direct replacements for discontinued 3M™ Novec™ products, providing companies with a seamless transition without compromising performance, safety, cost, or compliance.
ProSolv® Direct Replacements offer a chemically exact direct replacement for Novec™ fluids. These are designed to match the cleaning power, nonflammability, and low global warming potential (GWP), ensuring an easy transition with minimal process modifications.
GENERAL VAPOUR DEGREASING SOLVENTS
ProSolv® - High performance vapour degreasing solvent for precision metal cleaning
A vapour degreasing solvent cleaning blend with low GWP and zero ODP, ideal for critical applications such as oxygen service, precision optics, medical devices and electronics. An azeotropic mixture that can be distilled and reused through numerous cycles, and an excellent choice
to replace flammable solvents such as MEK, acetone and isopropyl alcohol. ProSolv® is also a direct replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 73DE engineered fluid.
EnSolv® MC - Methylene chloride-based vapour degreasing solvent cleaner
A highly stabilised solvent formulation for vapour degreasing applications, ideal for removing a variety of common soils and contaminants like heavy greases, mineral oils and synthetic metalworking fluids, and is compatible with a large variety of metals.
CO-SOLVENTS
Co-solvent cleaning is a powerful and versatile vapour degreasing process that uses a combination of two solvents to clean a variety of substrates.
Topklean EL20A - Designed to clean solder paste deposits, fluxes and other residues in the production of PCBs
A co-solvent blend with excellent cleaning capacity and very low environmental impact, recommended for use alongside ProSolv®IPA to remove residues and leave the surface free of organic and inorganic deposits.
ProSolv®IPA - Gentle cleaning and degreasing solvent with a low environmental impact
A blend of isopropyl alcohol and hydrofluoroether, non-flammable and stable in use. It’s great for light surface
cleaning, removing fingerprints, and rinsing away dust and particles from metal, glass, or plastic parts, leaving surfaces clean and dry with no residue. It dries quickly and is compatible with a wide range of metals and plastics. It is well suited to flux removal from circuit boards and PCBs. It can be used as a co-solvent alongside Topklean EL20A for tougher cleaning applications and is also a direct replacement for 3M™ Novec™ 71IPA engineered fluid.
INDUSTRIAL DEGREASING AGENTS
Clarea® HC40, HC62 and HC96
- Non-chlorinated cleaning solvents for the safe removal of dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants
A family of aliphatic hydrocarbon-based degreasers spanning low, medium and high flash points, suitable for hand wipe, spray, immersion and manual cleaning across a wide range of metals, plastics and composites.
SURFACE CLEANERS
EnviroTech Europe is the Official UK Distributor for Richard Geiss GmbH, a leading German specialist in sustainable surface cleaning products.
GEISS® PER CPS - Highly stabilised Perchloroethylene for advanced surface cleaning
A high-purity, stabilised perchloroethylene solvent for demanding industrial parts cleaning. Non-flammable with excellent solvency, it removes oils, greases and waxes from complex metal components, including blind holes and fine features. Produced via advanced recycling and distillation, it cuts CO2 emissions by up to 71% versus virgin PCE, with good drying behaviour and proven performance in closed vapour degreasing systems.
RG® CLEANER 63 - Modified alcohol solvent for industrial parts cleaning
An aerospace-approved modified alcohol for cleaning where both polar and non-polar contaminants are present. It tackles a wider range of contamination - water-based coolants, emulsions, salts, metal particulates, oils and greases -
ideal for metalworking and precision engineering with mixed contamination profiles. High stability and low toxicity support operator safety, with compatibility across standard metals and modern degreasing machines.
TLB Safety Containers
GEISS® PER CPS and RG® CLEANER 63 are supplied in TLB Safety Containersrobust, palletised units with two doublewalled compartments (fresh and used solvent) in a steel casing that guards against spills and damage. They connect directly to closed cleaning equipment for emission-free filling and emptying, supporting secure return of used solvent for recycling - a reliable closed-loop solution.
AQUEOUS CLEANERS
M-AERO - Sustainable aqueous cleaner
A heavy-duty, environmentally friendly, inorganic-based aqueous cleaner for removing all types of oils. Its excellent antifoam properties suit spray, flush and immersion jet processes, while low alkalinity ensures compatibility with aluminium, magnesium, titanium and other ferrous and non-ferrous alloysmeeting rigorous aircraft industry specifications. Supplied concentrated, for dilution with tap or DI water.
CORROSION PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
SuperCORR A - Advanced lubricant and corrosion protection compound
An aerospace approved water-displacing lubricant with extremely long-lasting anticorrosion inhibitors and superior lubrication coefficients. Non-flammable and environmentally friendly, without sulphates, chlorides or other halogens. Widely used in the aerospace industry and conforms to
A full portfolio of cleaning equipment is available for both solvent and aqueous cleaning, including free qualification trials and free on-site technical visits to advise on your specific circumstances.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT
EnviroTech Europe offers exceptional customer service and support delivered by qualified staff.
We can supply Material Safety Data sheets, independent laboratory reports, product samples and technical assistance. All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please visit www.envirotech-europe.com for information about uses and applications for all EnviroTech Europe products. For more advice, please telephone us on +44 (0) 20 8942 9177 or use our website contact form.
WHEN LEGACY CLEANING STARTS COSTING MORE THAN IT SAVES
Legacy cleaning processes deserve a modern review
Instead, “Is it still the most efficient, sustainable and costeffective way to achieve the results?”
For decades, co-solvent cleaning has been the benchmark for precision component cleaning across aerospace, defence, electronics, medical and precision engineering.
It has earned that reputation. The process delivers excellent removal of oils, greases, waxes, flux residues and other complex contaminants while producing clean, dry components ready for the next manufacturing stage.
But today, manufacturers are asking a different question.
Not “Does it still clean?”
The Hidden Cost of Legacy Processes
Many co-solvent systems still in operation were installed twenty or even thirty years ago. While they continue to perform, the cost of keeping them running is steadily increasing.
Common challenges include:
Rising solvent costs.
Increasing maintenance requirements.
Ageing equipment and obsolete components.
Higher solvent consumption.
Greater environmental and compliance pressures.
Individually these issues may seem manageable. Together, they can significantly increase the total cost of ownership.
Don’t Just Replace the Solvent, Review the Process
Forward-thinking manufacturers are taking a broader view.
Replacing a co-solvent process should never be treated as simply changing chemistry. The best solution depends on the contamination being removed, the components being cleaned and the production requirements of the business.
This approach often uncovers opportunities to improve productivity while reducing operating costs.
Modern Cleaning Technologies
Several technologies now provide proven alternatives to traditional cosolvent systems.
Modified alcohol systems combine excellent cleaning performance with efficient solvent recovery through sealed vacuum operation, making them well suited to mixed contaminant applications.
Advanced vapour degreasing retains the speed and precision of solvent cleaning while significantly reducing emissions through modern hermetically sealed equipment and next-generation cleaning fluids.
Aqueous cleaning systems offer an effective solution where water-based chemistry is suitable, particularly for manufacturers seeking to reduce solvent use.
Each technology has its strengths. None is the right answer for every application.
Let Data Drive the Decision
The most successful projects begin with evidence rather than assumptions.
Cleaning trials, process audits and production assessments allow manufacturers to compare technologies using their own components, soils and cleanliness requirements before making investment decisions.
In some cases, existing co-solvent equipment can continue delivering excellent performance through process optimisation or improved solvent management. In others, investing in modern cleaning technology delivers measurable gains in efficiency, sustainability and long-term operating costs.
Time for a Process Health Check?
Every legacy process should periodically justify its place on the production line.
If your cleaning system hasn’t been reviewed in recent years, now is the time to ask whether it is still delivering the best balance of performance, compliance and operating cost.
Sometimes the answer is optimisation. Sometimes it’s replacement.
The best decisions start with a thorough evaluation of the process not assumptions about the technology.
Schedule a Technical Consultation with Fraser Technologies visit www.frasertech.co.uk or call 01506 443 058
GREENTREE - WHAT DECADES OF MASKING AND PROTECTION HAS TAUGHT US
A finish is only as good as the masking behind it
No single design fits every job
After decades in masking and protection, Greentree has seen just about every way a good finish can go wrong and built a range of products to prevent this. Based in Tewkesbury, Greentree provides engineered solutions for masking and protection problems to customers across the UK and worldwide.
Masking is more than pulling one part off a shelf and hoping it copes. That is why Greentree holds over 15,000 standard products in a wide variety of materials, backed by extensive UK stock — caps, plugs, die-cuts, tapes, hooks and many more, so most masking and protection requirements can be solved quickly and removed just as easily once finishing is completed.
The tough jobs are the ones worth solving
Greentree is renowned for custom solutions — whether for powder coating, wet painting, plating, anodising, shot peening, plasma spray or simple component protection. When a standard product will not do, the in-house design team takes projects from concept and design through to the finished article, with a strict drawing-approval service, rapid prototyping, first article validation process behind every bespoke part.
Performance you can trust
Industries from aerospace to automotive, heavy machinery, off-shore to electronics all draw on that experience. Greentree provides cost-effective solutions that increase productivity, reduce waste, deliver a consistent component finish and protect products during manufacture, transportation and storage.
Telephone: 01684 533 800
Email: sales@greentree-eng.co.uk
Visit: www.greentree-eng.co.uk
Comprehensive Lifecycle Management
KOCH manages finishing systems from concept to long-term support, ensuring seamless integration and reduced project risks.
Wide Range of Coating Technologies
KOCH offers turnkey solutions for liquid paint, powder coating, electrocoating, anodizing, plating, and porcelain enamel.
Focus on Sustainability and Ef ciency
Systems are built with energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly features like wastewater and emissions control.
Global Reach with Local Expertise
KOCH operates globally with local presence in the US, Mexico, and Europe for close customer collaboration.
HMG PAINTS WIN PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD FOR NORTH OF ENGLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND AT FAMILY BUSINESS UNITED AWARD 2026
HMG Paints, a leading manufacturer in the paint and coatings industry, has recently been recognised at The Family Business United Awards 2026, as the Manchester-based business have been crowned as The People’s Choice Award Winner for The North of England & Northern Ireland.
Hosted by Family Business United, the Family Business of the Year Awards celebrates the very best of family firms across the UK. Now celebrating their thirteenth year, the Family Business Awards recognise the excellence of family-led businesses across regional, sector and national categories, with HMG Paints proudly representing almost a century of family ownership and British manufacturing heritage as a fourthgeneration family business.
The People’s Choice Award has extra
meaning as the winner is determined entirely through the votes of the wider public. The award invites family businesses from each region to gather support from their customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Competing alongside nine other outstanding family businesses from across the North of England and Northern Ireland, HMG were crowned People’s Choice Champions after securing the highest number of votes.
As such, winning the People’s Choice
Award for the North of England & Northern Ireland is a testament to the strong relationships that have been built within the wider community at HMG, as the accolade reflects the both the trust and support that the business has earned throughout their long-standing history as a paint manufacturer.
“We are incredibly proud to have been named the winner of the North of England & Northern Ireland’s People’s Choice Award.” Said Steve Crossman, Chief Operating Officer of HMG Paints
“To receive an award that has been decided by those closest to HMG makes it especially meaningful, as it reflects the trust and support of the people we serve very day and the values that sit at the heart of everything we do.”
The recognition for The North of England & Northern Ireland People’s Choice Award follows another successful year for HMG Paints, with the Manchester-based business continuing to strengthen its reputation as a leader in the manufacturing industry.
“To be recognised as a leading paint manufacturer and family business is a great honour that reflects the efforts of
every member of the HMG Paints team.”
Added Paddy Dyson, HMG Paints Marketing Manager. “We’re grateful for the recognition from the Family Business United community and also for the efforts of Paul Andrews who is a great champion of family businesses and the FBU Awards is a great showcase for the businesses who have a huge impact on economies and communities across the country.
Having been family-owned since its foundation in 1930, HMG has always recognised the importance of the relationships it has built with their wider community. The support shown through the Family Business United Awards reinforces the importance of being
a true paint partner to its customers and working closely with the local community, values that have guided the business for almost 100 years and provides further encouragement as the company continues to invest in its people, products and manufacturing capabilities to support the expansion of its product portfolio and ongoing support for customers across a wide range of industries.
As the company looks ahead to its centenary in 2030, recognition such as this reflects not only its heritage as a family business, but also its continued commitment to delivering quality, innovation and service for generations to come.
Family Business United, the host of the Family Business of the Year Awards, is a leading resource centre and advocacy group dedicated to supporting and promoting family businesses throughout the United Kingdom. The awards ceremony provides a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of family enterprises and their significant contribution to the nation’s economy; you can find out more about BU and the awards by visiting www.familybusinessunited.com.
For more information on HMG Paints and their range of products visit www.hmgpaint.com.
SIEBEC UK Ltd, Stafford +44 (0) 1785 227700 sales@siebec.co.uk www.siebec.co.uk
PUMPS & FILTERS
L SERIES | Medium flow rate filter
P SERIES | Ultra-high flow rate filter
A SERIES | Mechanical seals pump
M SERIES | Magnetic drive pump
T SERIES | Vertical pump [...]
FILTER MEDIA
L-TECH | Pleated cartridge
BAGTECH | Filtration bag
QUALITHERM | Extruded cartridge
QUALIBOB | Wound cartridge
ANODTECH | Anode bag [...]
SPECIAL SYSTEMS
ACIDPURE | Acid recycling
EASYPURE | Fluid recycling
IONPURE | Ionic filtration
ACIDVAC | Acid draining vacuum
EDUCTORS | Bath agitation [...]
Advanced Automation and Color Change
• Superior coverage and process control for significant powder savings
• Fast, reliable, highly automated color change with visual access
• Advanced automation solutions for reduced manual coating
• High finish quality with advanced charge control and ultrasonic sieving
• Industry 4.0 ready IO links
• User-friendly, connected controls with visual guides and help content
www.nordson.com/powder ics.eu@nordson.com
CLEANING FOR A SECOND LIFE: WHY REMANUFACTURING DEMANDS
A
DIFFERENT APPROACH
Why conventional cleaning systems are holding back one of manufacturing’s fastest-growing sectors
The remanufacturing industry has reached an inflection point. As circular economy principles gain momentum and cost pressures intensify across manufacturing sectors, remanufactured components are no longer a niche alternative; they are becoming mainstream. Yet many facilities are still trying to process these heavily contaminated parts using cleaning technologies designed for pristine new components. It’s time we acknowledged what production managers already know: this approach isn’t working.
The Hidden Bottleneck
Walk into any remanufacturing facility and ask about their biggest headaches. You’ll hear about quality escapes, unexpected downtime, and the constant battle to maintain cleaning bath performance. The root cause? Conventional aqueous cleaning systems were simply never engineered for the extreme soil loads and unpredictable contamination levels that remanufactured parts present.
When a component arrives with layers of baked-on carbon, corrosion buildup, and accumulated oils from years of service, it overwhelms traditional cleaning baths within hours. The result is a cascade of problems: emergency tank changes that halt
production, inconsistent cleaning results that force costly rework, and maintenance teams spending their days managing fluid changes instead of preventing equipment failures.
This isn’t a maintenance problem, it’s a fundamental mismatch between process requirements and equipment capabilities.
A Different Philosophy
The most promising solution we’ve encountered takes a radically different approach by combining vacuum processing with selfregenerating solvent management. Rather than fighting to maintain bath cleanliness through frequent changeovers, these hybrid systems continuously distill contaminated solvent, separating oils and soils while recirculating clean fluid back into the process.
The technical advantages are compelling. Vacuum conditions enhance penetration into piston ring grooves, oil galleries, and blind holes where conventional cleaners struggle. The sequential application of modified alcohol solvents followed by aqueous detergent treatment addresses both organic and inorganic contamination in a single automated cycle. Perhaps most importantly, parts exit completely dry and ready for downstream operations, no waiting, no water spots, no trapped fluids that could compromise assembly or coating processes.
But the real breakthrough is operational. When your cleaning chemistry regenerates continuously, the performance on the last part of your shift matches the first. There are no unplanned stoppages for emergency bath changes. No quality variations between operators or shifts. The process simply runs, consistently and predictably, regardless of how heavily soiled the incoming components may be.
Kemet
Cleaning Fluids
Specialist detergents available in neutral, alkaline and acid types. Kemet are a distributor of NGL cleaning fluids with more than 300 high performance formulations providing a solution to most cleaning challenges.
Vacuum
Solvent Cleaning
Cleans component areas that are hard to reach with modified alcohols, including blind holes and tubes. Distillation, separation, and filtration effectively removes and recovers oils and swarf particles, allowing 99% material waste recovery and minimal loss of solvent.
Passivation, FPI & Component
Cleaning Systems
The Economics Make Sense
Capital equipment decisions always come down to return on investment, and the numbers here are persuasive. Reduced chemical consumption and waste disposal costs provide ongoing savings, while eliminated downtime directly translates to increased throughput. When you factor in reduced scrap rates from consistent cleaning quality and the safety benefits of sealed-chamber operation, the business case builds quickly.
More strategically, this technology removes a constraint that currently limits remanufacturing operations. If you can clean reliably at high contamination levels without process degradation, you can accept more heavily soiled cores and process them economically. That opens market opportunities that conventional cleaning systems force you to decline.
Looking Forward
As remanufacturing continues its transition from speciality operation to mainstream production method, the facilities that thrive will be those that invest in processes specifically engineered for remanufactured component requirements rather than adapting technologies designed for different applications.
The cleaning stage might not be the most glamorous part of your
operation, but it’s often the most critical constraint on quality, throughput, and profitability. For remanufacturing operations still wrestling with conventional cleaning systems, it may be time to question whether you’re solving the right problem or just managing the symptoms of an inadequate solution.
The technology exists to do this better. The question is whether we’re ready to rethink our assumptions about how parts cleaning should work in a remanufacturing environment.
To discover how our advanced component cleaning systems can transform your remanufacturing process, get in touch with our team today.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1622 755287
Email: cleaning@kemet.co.uk
Visit: www.kemet-cleaning.co.uk
Trivalent Decorative Chromium Plating
SurTec 883 XT - Trivalent Decorative Chromium Process
Identical colour values as chromium(VI) surfaces
Integration into existing lines possible
Excellent layer thickness distribution between 0.2 and 0.4 μm
SurTec 851 - Exclusive Satin Nickel Finish
Semigloss & non-reflecting nickel coatings with extreme uniform finish
Long bath lifetime due to using a continous system
Broad range of satin effects to match automotive OEM requirements
SurTec 866 - Bright Acid Copper Process
For extremely bright copper deposits with excellent levelling
Well suited for parts with deep recesses or complicate shapes
Very efficient additive system with low maintenance cost
GET THE PHOENIX FACTOR!
Total Cure Confidence from One Number
Monitoring what is happening inside your cure oven is critical to understand how your paint or powder coating operation is working. PhoenixTM understands the challenges you face running your operation, to not only get the coating cure quality you need but keep your oven technology up and running as economically as physically possible. With energy costs and ever-increasing labour costs you need to make your operation run efficiently and make those costs savings wherever possible. To help you get the best out of your oven PhoenixTM offer a monitoring toolbox to suit your specific needs.
The PhoenixTM Thru-process temperature profiling systems provide you with an accurate record of what temperature your product experienced in the cure oven.
Thermal View Finishing software provided with the system converts the raw temperature profile data into meaningful information. The software is designed with
all the analysis and process documentation tools to fully interpret and communicate paint cure performance.
Historically paint cure confirmation has often been restricted to calculating the time at temperature of the product and comparing the measured data to the recommended cure schedule of the coating supplier. This approach although simple, can give misleading information, as it does not use the entire temperature profile data. The chemical cure reaction rate is temperature dependent so temperatures above and even below the
target cure temperature can contribute significantly to the total cure.
To provide an accurate method to quantify cure PhoenixTM have developed its own mathematical index of cure calculation referred to as the Phoenix Factor. The Phoenix Factor gives the paint technician a perfect numerical tool to easily and accurately confirm that the cure process is working to the coating supplier specification. This guarantees quality of cure and eliminating rejects or need for rework and corresponding cost. Irrespective of the profile shape, as all profile data is utilised. It’s as simple checking for a correct consistent Phoenix Factor.
Based on the time temperature relationship of the coating cure reaction the level of cure (degree of cross linking), so coating cure performance, can be accessed. Inputting the coating suppliers cure schedule information, the software automatically creates a best fit ISO cure line to the target data with a choice of line fitting algorithm. Appling the ISO cure curve time temperature relationship the combined raw temperature profile data is converted into a single equivalent cure time at a single target temperature. The equivalent cure time is then compared to the original coating supplier specification to generate an easy to interpret single cure index value.
Comprehensive Range
• Data Logger and Thermal Barrier choice (6 to 20 Thermocouples)
• Extensive Thermocouple range
• Real Time RF Telemetry options
• ATEX approved options
• Full UK service and calibration support
Software Packages to Suit
• Thermal View or enhanced Thermal View
Finishing software
- Match Analysis Tools to suit.
• CQI-12 Temperature Uniformity Survey solution options
Innovative Video Capture Thru the operating oven
• Detect paint runs, chips and defects
• Spot transport problems
• Identify oven damage
• Locate dust and inclusion risk areas
Temperature Profiling Systems
Oven Profile and TUS software
Optic Video Profiling System
A Phoenix Factor value of 1.00 is a perfect match between profile temperature trace data and target coating supplier specification. Less than 1.00 is under cure and greater than 1.00 over cure. Applying the Phoenix Factor calculation, the success of the oven cure operation can be quantified accurately and instantly allowing reporting both numerically and graphically against predetermined Pass / Fail QA tolerances.
Feature benefits of the Phoenix Factor index of cure calculation.
Cure Fitting Options (x3) – accurately fit constant cure curve to coating supplier specification.
Full graphical display of constant cure line fit to cure data.
Use up to x10 cure schedules to create constant cure curve.
Constant cure curve created with full line fit regression statistics confirming best fit.
Calculation of “Equivalent Time” against target cure schedule.
Phoenix Factor parameters stored in a Coating library for easy access and use with different coatings.
Employing the Coating Library feature, for each coating a library file can be generated. All necessary parameters for the application of Phoenix Factor analysis
Celebrating 40 years in business
This year, marks five decades as an independent powder coating specialist. We are proud to have one of the largest ranges of stock powder coatings in the UK, available for next day delivery. We have thousands of satisfied customers across diverse markets including construction, agriculture, leisure and retail as well as renowned architects and design houses.
are stored in the coating file, removing the need for tedious parameter entry each run. Backed up with efficient local service and technical support, the PhoenixTM Finishing systems are a valuable and important addition to any paint process engineers coating QA tool kit.
Telephone: +44(0)1353223100
Email: Steve.Offley@phoenixtm.com
Visit: www.phoenixtm.com
COOPERATION BETWEEN ORCHID AND RÖSLER CREATES PERFECT SYNERGY FOR PRECISE FINISHING OF ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS
For ten years Orchid Orthopedic Solutions (now part of Tecomet), one of the world’s leading contract manufacturers of orthopedic implants and medical instruments, has been relying on state-of-the-art finishing equipment from Rösler. To replace manual surface finishing operations with automated treatment systems, the company has been using Rösler drag finishers and high energy disc systems at three locations in the United States and Great Britain. With impressive results: Significantly reduced cycle times, consistently high finishing qualities and absolutely repeatable surface finishes – irrespective of location, working shift or equipment operators. Today, the partnership between Orchid and Rösler is a shining example for efficient, scalable and easy-to-validate surface finishing processes in medical engineering. It is living proof that effective technical cooperation can create tons of added value.
Orchid offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio of services –including forging, casting, 3D printing, finishing, machining and applying bone-in-growth coating to deliver ready-to-use implants and instruments to orthopedic OEMs. With more than 1,500 highly qualified employees in the United States, Great Britain and Switzerland, Orchid offers decades of experience in the fields of joint reconstruction, spine, trauma, sports medicine, dental, heart and blood circulation surgery.
Many implant manufacturers still debur and polish delicate components like hip and knee implants by hand. This is a time-consuming and costly operation that depends to a large extent on the skill and experience of individual employees. Even small differences in the work piece treatment can significantly affect the process time, surface quality and consistency of the finishing results. Moreover, it is increasingly becoming more difficult to find and keep qualified personnel for these tedious manual
The Orchid Alabama team in front of a drag finisher (left to right): Chad Tyler, Joseph York (team lead)
Brad Isom and Chris Schwartz
operations. Automated mechanical systems, like drag finishing equipment from Rösler, eliminate this dependency on manual labor. They guarantee consistent, easy-to-validate results, independent from the equipment operator, working shift or manufacturing location. Moreover, they drastically reduce any manual operations, which substantially increases operational efficiency and stability of the production process.
Drag finishing – visible proof of a highly successful cooperation for more than 10 years
For around ten years Orchid has relied on the drag finishing technology from Rösler for deburring, surface smoothing and polishing of complex femur components, initially in the Sheffield plant (UK) and later on in Oregon (USA). Christopher Schwartz, Manager of Manufacturing Engineering at Orchid, explains: “The surface finishing specifications for these components are very demanding. For example, the inside of the femur component must be extremely smooth with roughness readings of Ra = max. 4 to 5 micro inches (around 0.1µm). The slightest surface irregularity will cause unwanted abrasion and result in a faster wear of the artificial joint.”
Clay Clayton, Vice President at Orchid Orthopedic Solutions adds: “The surface finishing operation is the most important
Employees from the Orchid Team Oregon inspect a drag finisher in operation.
step of the entire manufacturing process. Regarding cycle times, consistency of the achieved surface finishes and cost efficiency, with the drag finishing technology we achieved a real breakthrough. It helped us to replace unreliable manual operations with an automated, highly scalable system. Paul Strahm, Senior Manager Manufacturing Engineering in Oregon, concludes: “Our finishing operations require considerably
Next
cooperation close to completion:
Orchid will use this high energy disc system to process hip stems in the future, replacing laborious manual work with Rösler technology.
less time, and the results are absolutely consistent. Above all, they no longer depend on the skill and experience of the operators. All this has fundamentally changed our manufacturing operation.”
In the meantime the drag finishing technology has been firmly established at various company locations. Alternative methods, such as robotic grinding and polishing proved to be unfeasible in the long run. Strahm explains: “The surface finishes created by the drag finisher are more consistent, the entire operation is straightforward and more flexible, and the surface finishes are simply better.”
A common understanding of the finishing processes – the key for success
The success of the partnership between Orchid and Röser is not only based on the equipment but extends to the interplay of equipment technology, process parameters, media, compounds, and know-how. “We recognized early on that machinery alone will not bring about the desired results. Only the successful combination of all process parameters will result in stable, easy-to-validate results,” comments Clay Clayton. Michael Striebe, Global Sales and Process Expert at Rösler has been a key player in our cooperation. Clay Clayton remembers: “Over the years Michael has worked
Affordably measures uncured powder coatings using non-contact ultrasonic technology to predict a cured thickness
Dedicated stand-alone unit is ready to measure right out of the box
Fast measurement speed—ideal for moving lines and swinging parts
Scan Mode continuously takes measurements—ideal for analyzing large areas
Storage of 999 readings with onscreen averaging. Stored readings can be downloaded to PosiSoft Desktop Software
Powder Inspection Kits
Complete solutions for measuring powder coating before and after cure are available
We're excited to introduce a recent addition to our portfolio: our new Cabinet Parts Washer.
Their fully Welded stainless Steel construction and Hygienic Design significantly reduces and minimises the need for extensive and time consuming cleaning operations.
The units are mobile, can be fitted with extraction fan or condensate unit (as shown) and feature a self-contained water storage tank and filter tank, which effectively removes gross debris and particulates before draining.
If you have similar requirements or are interested in exploring our range of equipment for the Food, Pharmaceutical, and Engineering sectors, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
closely with us, gave valuable advice and pushed us to continuously optimize our manufacturing processes.”
Today seven drag finishers are in operation at US locations in Oregon and Alabama and Sheffield in Great Britain. Despite different work piece types, processing times and consumables, the drag finishers consistently produce the best results – repeatable, scalable and independently from the respective operators.
New projects and a joint outlook
The cooperation between Orchid and Rösler is not just limited to drag finishers. In the near future, at the facility in Lansing, forged hip stems will be descaled and cleaned in Rösler high energy disc systems after having been forged. To date, this operation is done manually and, depending on the initial surface conditions, requires one or two minutes per work piece. “Since the hip stems are rather sturdy components, they can be finished in complete batches,” explains Randy Gerding, automation expert from the local site. “With the high energy disc systems we will be able to process up to 150 work pieces in one single batch. This saves not only an enormous amount of time but also produces consistently high finishing qualities.”
Another innovative phase of the partnership is foreseen in the field of dental technologies: For the Orchid location in Santa Ana (USA) the Rösler test center in Battle Creek, Michigan, is testing the deburring of dental instruments with the drag finishing technology. The results so far have been very promising. The new technology will allow Orchid to eliminate two or three manual workplaces. In addition, Orchid is considering the use of the Rösler Surf Finishing technology for high-precision finishing of single components. In this case targeted surface areas on the work pieces must be precisely exposed to the media stream. Michael Striebe, Global Sales and Process Expert at Rösler explains: “For this application the innovative Surf Finishing technology
offers substantial benefits. As a matter of fact, Surf Finishing is the only technology that allows the precise and effective finishing of the highly critical “joint box” on femoral components without requiring any manual post-polishing steps. Initial processing trials have been encouraging, and we are pleased to further pursue this technology with Orchid.”
Trust, close proximity and common goals
The partnership between Orchid and Rösler is based on technical excellence, trust and an intensive exchange of ideas. With a sizable sales and manufacturing operation in the United States, Rösler is in an excellent position to directly support its North American partners without any time-consuming and costly detours, a significant factor for the close and successful cooperation with Orchid.
Paul Strahm concludes: “Over the years we have learned a lot from each other. Rösler made us aware how important process-knowledge and -maintenance are for achieving consistently high-quality surface finishes, for the benefit of our customers.”
The open and constructive cooperation is equally appreciated by Rösler: “For us Orchid is a partner, who deals with us openly and fairly,” concludes Michael
Striebe, Global Sales and Process Expert at Rösler. “We jointly develop surface finishing processes that comply with the continuously increasing demands of the market. And by doing so, we create truly innovative solutions.”
For over 90 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. Under 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, handson seminars to the subjects mass finishing, shot blasting and additive manufacturing. The Rösler group has a global network of 15 locations and approx. 150 sales agents.
For more information, please go to: https://facts.rosler.com/medical
Knee implants before (left) and after high-gloss finishing in a drag finisher from Rösler.
NEW SHERWIN-WILLIAMS ADVANCED ENERGY BARRIER ELIMINATES THREAT OF CORROSION UNDER INSULATION
Heat-Flex AEB rivals thermal retention capabilities of traditional insulation systems for a more sustainable approach to insulating assets.
With Heat-Flex® AEB (Advanced Energy Barrier), the highly costly and dangerous phenomenon of corrosion under insulation (CUI) could be a thing of the past. Because by replacing the bulky mineral-based insulation traditionally used on storage tanks, process vessels, and piping to retain heat, the innovative coating essentially eliminates the conditions needed for CUI to develop in the first place.
CUI occurs when water penetrates traditional insulation systems and becomes trapped against metal surfaces, creating a corrosive environment that is often hidden from view. Heat-Flex AEB replaces such insulation with a thick film of insulative coating material, capable of retaining operating temperatures of up to 177°C (350°F), with excursions to 204°C (400°F).
Neil Wilds, Global Product Director – CUI, at Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine, said: “Corrosion under insulation requires the presence of insulation. By removing this from an asset and applying the thermal insulative coating in its place, there is no longer any physical system under which corrosion under insulation could occur. Therefore, the corrosion under insulation is eliminated by default. We’re kissing both insulation and CUI goodbye.”
The thermal insulative coating offers a variety of enhanced sustainability benefits. By eliminating CUI, it helps extend the lifespan of steel assets, minimising the environmental costs of production and maintenance. In addition, it eliminates the manufacturing, shipping and storage of the materials required for a traditional system, from mineral wool insulation and the wiring, pins and banding that keeps insulation in place, to the metal cladding. Importantly, unlike traditional insulation systems that lose efficiency with the inevitable moisture ingress Heat-Flex AEB has a consistent thermal efficiency. This enables the maintenance of required operating temperatures without increasing process heat and, therefore, energy usage.
Neil Wilds continued: “When developing Heat-Flex AEB, we needed to ensure the coating itself could retain process heat at temperatures high enough to remove traditional insulation and not affect the consistency and flow of materials housed inside
assets. Careful manipulation of the coating molecule and product formulation enabled this surprising capability, which has notable ramifications for reducing costs and improving carbon footprints, while enabling efficiencies in various facility applications.”
Applying Heat-Flex AEB is significantly easier, faster and safer than installing bulky insulation systems, which requires workers to wrap, band, and cover insulation while in close proximity to hot assets. Heat-Flex AEB is an easy-to-use 1K coating – simply open, mix and apply. A single applied coat will instantaneously reduce the surface temperature, removing any burn risk. Unlike with traditional insulation systems, Heat-Flex AEB is applied via spray. This means personnel are not in close proximity to hot assets during coating, meaning assets can operate at up to 148°C (300°F) during application to minimise disruption. New assets can also be coated quickly and efficiently in pre-assembly yards rather than in-situ.
Heat-Flex AEB is typically sprayed over a primer, which is directly applied to prepared steel to protect it from corrosion. Recommended primers include Heat-Flex 750 and Heat-Flex ACE.
For more information: https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/emeai/gb/en/ protective-marine.html
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SURFACEPREP ANNOUNCES
STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF KUHMICHEL ABRASIV GMBH
SurfacePrep, a leading provider of abrasive solutions and surface preparation services, today announced the acquisition of Kuhmichel Abrasiv GmbH, the European market leader in the distribution of high-performance blast media and abrasives. Headquartered in Ratingen, Germany, Kuhmichel operates facilities across Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, and Turkey, providing customers with local access to a comprehensive product portfolio and deep technical expertise.
From its operations in Ballenstedt, Germany, Kuhmichel is also the largest recycler of abrasives in Europe, helping customers achieve sustainability goals while strengthening supply chain security.
“The acquisition of Kuhmichel represents a key strategic step in expanding our position in Europe and establishing SurfacePrep as the leading distributor of abrasive media and valueadded services across the continent,” said Jon Dodge, President of SurfacePrep International.
“Kuhmichel’s brand, technical expertise, and multinational presence are unmatched in Europe and will accelerate our ability to build a scalable, connected platform to better serve our customers. This acquisition is highly complementary, and we are excited to welcome so many
talented Kuhmichel employees to the SurfacePrep team.”
Dirk Grundei, CEO of Kuhmichel Abrasiv GmbH, added: “We look forward to capitalizing on the combined growth opportunities in both Europe and North America, while preserving what has made Kuhmichel special, our people, our brand, and our strong commitment to quality, expertise, and long-term customer relationships.”
Together, the organizations will expand their global reach and enhance their ability to support customers with a broader portfolio of products, services, and technical capabilities.
“This partnership reflects the strong alignment between the SurfacePrep and Kuhmichel teams in how we operate and serve our customers,” said Mike Currie,
CEO of SurfacePrep. “We are thrilled to welcome the Kuhmichel team to the SurfacePrep family.”
SurfacePrep will work closely with the Kuhmichel team to ensure a smooth integration while continuing to deliver the high standards of quality, service, and customer support that Kuhmichel is known for.
Visit: www.surfaceprep.co.uk
TEXTUREJET RELOCATES TO LARGER FACILITY IN RIPLEY, DERBYSHIRE TO SUPPORT NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH
A strategic move to expand capacity, accelerate innovation, and meet rising global demand
TextureJet has relocated from its premises in Nottingham, to a larger facility in Ripley, Derbyshire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth.
TextureJet originated as a PhD project at the University of Nottingham and has developed into a leader in advanced surface processing technology. Its proprietary electrochemical jet machining technology enables highly precise, selective material removal, supporting more efficient and streamlined manufacturing processes.
The innovative, globally patented technology supports a wide range of applications, including deburring, cross-hole deburring, part marking, and surface preparation for most metal surfaces.
The move reflects sustained commercial growth over the past seven years and increasing demand for TextureJet’s technology. The company is continuing to expand its global presence, exhibiting at numerous international events later this year, including IMTS Chicago and AMB Stuttgart.
The new Ripley facility provides significantly increased floorspace across two levels, with dedicated areas for research and development, expanded workshop capacity, and improved facilities for customer engagement. It will support TextureJet’s ongoing innovation, including further development of its STAT® platform, while enabling the
business to scale operations, focus on research and development and grow its engineering team.
Founder and CEO Jonathan MitchellSmith commented: “This move marks an important milestone for the business. Our new premises give us the space and capability to scale our operations, support increasing customer demand,
and continue advancing our technology. It’s an exciting step forward for the whole team that will enable us to bring advanced surface processing to even more companies.”
As TextureJet continues to scale both domestically and internationally, the new facility provides a strong foundation for the next phase of its focused development and strategic expansion, reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of sustainable surface processing innovation.
Find out more about TextureJet: www.texturejet.com
FLUORESCENT PENETRANT INSPECTION: ENGINEERING CONSISTENCY, VALIDATION AND TRACEABILITY
In aerospace, energy and medical device manufacture, fluorescent penetrant inspection is one of the most widely used methods for detecting surface-breaking defects in non-porous components. Yet the reliability of an FPI result is determined less by the chemistry itself than by how precisely the process is controlled and how completely it is recorded. A penetrant line that is not held to consistent parameters will not deliver consistent detection, however capable the materials. The direction of travel across the sector is therefore towards automated, closely monitored and fully traceable penetrant processing.
Penetrant inspection is a sequence of interdependent stages, and each is governed by parameters that must be held within defined limits. The temperature of the part as it enters the penetrant, the penetrant contact or dwell time, the drain time, the pressure and temperature of the wash water, the concentration and contact time of the emulsifier where a post-emulsifiable method is used, the drying temperature and time, and the type and dwell of the developer all influence the final result. The inspection itself depends on viewing conditions. Drift in any single variable can reduce sensitivity or generate false indications. Under ASTM E1417 each stage carries an acceptance window: wash-water pressure is held to a defined limit, the drying stage to a controlled temperature band, and inspection requires a minimum ultraviolet-A irradiance at the viewing distance under low ambient white light. Holding all of these simultaneously, part after part and shift after shift, is beyond what manual processing can reliably achieve.
This is the case for automating the penetrant process. Modern automated FPI lines, such as those built by Unitech Shyre, bring the process stages, from pre-clean through penetrant application, rinse, drying and developer application, into a single automated line, with robotics, conveyors and programmable control governing part transfer, timing, temperature and rinse pressure so that each component is processed to identical parameters. The inspection itself, the viewing and evaluation of indications under ultraviolet light, is normally carried out by a trained operator; the role of automation is to ensure that what the operator examines has been prepared to the same controlled conditions every time. Automated vision systems are beginning to extend this consistency into the evaluation stage as well, though the dependable foundation remains the controlled processing that precedes it.
Customised
Our gas burner systems offer users reliable, high efficiency, process heating solutions.
From
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Heat
Packaged
Consistency is what converts a sensitive method into a dependable one. When every parameter is held to setpoint, the probability of detection not only rises but stabilises, so that diagnostic coverage is uniform across a batch rather than varying with operator, shift or workload. False calls fall, genuine indications are presented consistently, and marginal defects are far less likely to be lost to process variation. For a manufacturer, the value of an inspection lies in that uniformity: every part is prepared and presented to the same standard, and the result can be relied upon.
Automation also makes the process measurable. Each critical variable can be monitored continuously and logged against the part or batch, producing objective evidence of how every component was processed. That record underpins formal process validation, including installation, operational and performance qualification, and it supports the audit regimes that govern the sector, from Nadcap accreditation in aerospace to the quality systems required in medical manufacture. The same data integrates into wider Industry 4.0 environments for trend analysis, statistical process control and continuous improvement. The penetrant process becomes a controlled and fully traceable manufacturing stage rather than a manual operation dependent on individual timing and judgement.
The materials and the method are themselves governed by standard, with penetrant systems qualified to AMS 2644 and the process conducted to ASTM E1417 or ISO 3452. In medical implant and surgical instrument manufacture the requirements are higher still. Components in titanium, cobalt-chrome and stainless steel must be free of surface defects that could affect
biocompatibility or fatigue life, the inspection of metallic surgical implants is addressed by ASTM F601, and validated, traceable processing supports the FDA Quality Management System Regulation, which from February 2026 incorporates ISO 13485 into 21 CFR Part 820. Automated data capture provides precisely the evidence these regimes demand.
Cleanliness remains the precondition on which the whole inspection depends. Contaminants left on a surface can mask defects or create false indications, so the cleaning stage must be held to the same discipline as the penetrant process that follows it. For that reason it is built into the same automated line rather than handled separately, ensuring the surface presented to the penetrant is consistent from one part to the next. Cleaning is not the headline of an FPI system, but it is the stage that allows everything after it to be trusted.
The operational case follows from the same source: higher throughput, lower scrap and rework, reduced operator exposure to chemicals, and more efficient water and effluent management. As inspection requirements tighten across regulated industries, the decisive question is no longer simply whether a method can find a defect, but whether it does so consistently and can demonstrate that it did. Automated and fully monitored processing, bringing cleaning, penetrant and developer application under one controlled sequence, is how that confidence is built: not through any single stage, but by holding, measuring and recording every variable that determines what the inspector finally sees.
Telephone: 00 44 (0) 1543 224531
Visit: unitechindustries.co.uk
Handling Solutions
Product Overview
Manual Monorail Systems
Unit loads up to 3000kg
Monorail Chain Conveyors
Unit loads up to 300kg
Power & Free Conveyors
Unit loads up to 7000kg
Floor Conveyors
Unit loads up to 500kg
Stewart Gill Conveyors Ltd have been supplying overhead conveyors into all sectors of industry for over 70 years.
As a long time member of the Railtechniek van Herwijnen BV Group based in the Netherlands, Stewart Gill Conveyors can offer a comprehensive range of overhead conveyor products which are capable of handling unit loads up to 7000kg.
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
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In-House design of PLC/PC control systems
Industry 4.0
Worldwide installation and commissioning
Remote support, service & inspection Stewart
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A SHOWGROUND HAT-TRICK: WITHAM GROUP CELEBRATES HISTORIC TRIPLE WIN AT REGIONAL COUNTY SHOWS
Leading independent lubricant and paint manufacturer, the Witham Group, is celebrating a remarkable achievement after picking up the top trade stand awards at three county shows in the past few weeks.
The company secured a historic “hat-trick” of victories, winning major accolades at the Suffolk Show, the Lincolnshire Show, and the Royal Norfolk Show. The awards judge exhibitors not only on their visual displays and product innovation, but also on the quality of their customer service and hospitality. The winning streak began at the Suffolk Show, where Witham Group was delighted to be awarded Best Stand Allied to Agriculture, as well as the prestigious title of The Best Stand on the Showground.
This success was quickly followed closer to home at the Lincolnshire Show. Celebrating its 105th year in business, the Lincoln-based company took home
the Hugh Bourne Trophy for Best Overall Stand and the Sir Joseph Nickerson Award for Best Stand Allied to Agriculture. The exceptional run concluded at the Royal Norfolk Show, where the Witham team was presented with the Barclays Bank Challenge Cup for Best Trade Stand.
Managing Director of the Witham Group, Nigel R. Bottom, commented on the achievement:
“We are incredibly proud to win these latest awards in our Lincolnshire and East Anglian heartland, competing alongside so many other fantastic entrants. Witham Group is deeply committed to providing the very best service we can, as well as developing sustainable alternatives to traditional products and helping customers run their businesses as smoothly as possible.
Witham Group at the Suffolk Show, were awarded Best Stand Allied to Agriculture, as well as the prestigious title of The Best Stand on the Showground.
At the Lincolnshire Show, Witham won the Hugh Bourne Trophy for Best Overall Stand and the Sir Joseph Nickerson Award for Best Stand Allied to Agriculture.
Automated Water & Effluent Ltd
Automated Water & Effluent Ltd have been supplying process control equipment to the metal finishing and surface finishing industry.
We have an in-house team of qualified engineers able to design and build control panels and process equipment specifically to fit your requirements.
A wide range of our control instrumentation, dosing pumps and chemical process equipment is available on short delivery.
Built with 65 years of design and engineering excellence.
Designed for precision, engineered for performance, Elcometer spray equipment is built to work harder, last longer and perform better.
We are absolutely delighted that this dedication has been recognised by the different judging panels. Well done to everyone at Team Witham, and congratulations to all the other winners and finalists.”
The spectacular displays across all three shows were made possible through the support of Witham’s customers, who generously loaned their machinery and vehicles to help showcase the company’s range of high-performance lubricants and paints.
The company extended its heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Witham Show Team, who worked tirelessly through the summer heat to plan, design, transport, and set up the award-winning stands. Special praise was also given to the hospitality team for looking after the hundreds of customers, friends, and local businesses who visited the stands across the three events.
At the Royal Norfolk Show the Witham team was presented with the Barclays Bank Challenge Cup for Best Trade Stand.
WAM Silotop
Airmaster Donaldson Camfil Goldcone Air Filtration
New and used vibratory finishing machines and systems from 2 litres to 4000 litres
Finishing media; Ceramic, Plastic, Wood, Steel and Maizorb
Liquid / powdered / paste compounds
Abrasive finishing wheels
Vibratory separators / sieving machines and re-meshing service
Repairs and relines
Effluent water treatment systems
Redundant machines purchased
Consultancy
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SHARMIC FOR FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE
Experienced Engineers After sales technical support Nationwide deliveries
Sharmic Engineering Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1299 822135 / 878123/4/5
Email: info@sharmic.co.uk www.sharmic.co.uk
FROM SOFTWARE SLAVERY TO SHOP FLOOR MASTERY
Why the Treatments Industry Needs a Production Revolution
By Richard Randle – Yeti Forge Technologies Ltd
The Hook:
The “Why Now”
For the last decade, the treatments and surface finishing sector has operated under the assumption that more tools equal more progress. You’ve digitised every corner of your workflow, yet data silos are deeper than ever. The old way of working, patching together fragmented systems and hoping for a cohesive result, is no longer just inefficient; it’s a barrier to innovation.
The “Villain” of this story is the Legacy Tax. Companies are paying a premium for ERP systems designed for a desktop era that no longer exists, forcing modern teams to work around the software rather than with it. We have reached a breaking point where the technology meant to liberate us began to demand more maintenance than the work itself. We have seen a trend of “digital exhaustion,” where shop floors were drowning in screens and printed stacks, yet starving for actual, real-time insight.
The Mission Statement
Yeti Forge Technologies Ltd wasn’t born in a boardroom to capture market share, it was born from phone calls we didn’t expect to take.
My co-founder James and I had already spent years as directors of leading ERP software companies. After this, our career paths diverged; I was enjoying a planned break from the sector while James was busy working alongside global tech giants. We genuinely thought we were done with the industry altogether. However, our historical user base, the people in the trenches running the furnaces and managing the floor, reached out and pulled us right back in.
They didn’t just want a “patch”, they wanted us to re-imagine production control from the ground up. They needed someone who spoke their language to strip away the digital noise. That was our “Eureka” moment: we realised the industry didn’t just need better software; it needed a partner that hadn’t forgotten how the work actually gets done.
The Innovation: Tundra
When we sat down to build Tundra, we didn’t start with a list of features, we started with a philosophy: A tool is only useful if you can actually use it. Tundra acts as the “central nervous system” for the modern shop. Unlike traditional platforms that require weeks of gruelling onboarding, Tundra is a silent partner that streamlines processes while reducing your administration workload.
Physical identifiers are still essential for tracking batches on the shop floor. While you can keep using traditional paper job packs, Tundra also gives you the option to use a single smart job label. A quick scan of the QR code pulls live instructions and real-time data straight to the operator’s screen, replacing bulky paper with a digital alternative whenever you are ready to make the switch.
The Human Impact
Consider the typical Tuesday for a special processes company. Before Tundra, supervisors were human data distributors, wasting hours every day walking the shop floor with mounds of printed paperwork. That is time stolen from strategy, from production and from life outside the office.
With Tundra, that same user ditches the paper piles and uses any browser-based device to capture data and retrieve “work to” lists instantly. We’ve seen teams reclaim significant portions of their week, shifting the energy from being a “slave to the software” to unlock more productive time. There is a profound psychological shift when a team stops fighting their tools and starts mastering them.
The Vision
Our goal isn’t just to be a line item in your budget; it’s to shift the industry standard. Five years from now, we believe that the “Paper-based tracking and spreadsheet” era will be a relic of the past. We envision a world of Integrated Intelligence, where a special processes plant runs with the efficiency of an Formula1 pit crew. Yeti Forge Technologies Ltd is just getting started and we invite you to build this future with us.
Case Study
“A seamless transition from our old legacy system... Adopting Tundra and TundraSF’s clean, intuitive interface and leveraging QR codes has truly transformed our shop floor. We replaced bulky fixed PCs with cost-effective mobile phones for every operator, which immediately slashed travel time. This shift has virtually eliminated production errors and made many of our old ‘standard’ reports completely obsolete.”
Paul Bundy, Managing Director - Metafin Group Holdings Ltd
About the Founders
Richard
Randle & James White
With a combined history as Directors in the ERP software space, Richard and James bring a “battle-tested” perspective to Yeti Forge. After a brief exit from the market, they were called back by their original user base to fix a landscape that had become stagnant and overly complex.
Richard Randle is the evangelist of the “Empowered Shop Floor.” He believes technology should be a tool for mastery, not a master of the team. Richard brings elite-level expertise to the forge, having previously designed complex additive manufacturing traceability software for metal parts at Airbus. He knows that while parts need physical identity, the intelligence behind them shouldn’t be trapped on paper.
James White provides the technical backbone of the company, drawing on his background of delivering software solutions for global icons such as Bentley Motors, Microsoft Xbox and Tommy Hilfiger. He ensures that while Tundra feels modern and light, it offers the enterprise-grade stability, usability and rigorous security standards required for high-stakes production environments.
Together, they have returned to the industry not to follow trends, but to forge a new standard for production control.
Head over to www.yetiforge.tech to explore the product range, check out full pricing details, and book a quick chat with the team. You will find all our standard prices listed directly on the site, making it easy to compare options before we talk through your specific needs.
ZIRCONIA-FACED PROBES: A TOUGHER STANDARD FOR COATING INSPECTION BY DEFELSKO
Accuracy and durability sit at the heart of coating inspection. From offshore assets to structural steel, inspectors depend on reliable thickness measurements to ensure coatings perform as intended. Now, DeFelsko Corporation has introduced a significant advancement with its zirconia-faced probes—engineered to meet the growing demands of modern inspection environments.
Traditionally, probe tips have used materials such as soft core metals to deliver consistent readings. While effective, these can wear over time when used on abrasive surfaces like thermal spray coatings or hot-dip galvanised steel. As coatings become thicker and substrates rougher, probe durability has become increasingly important in maintaining measurement accuracy and consistency.
Zirconia-faced probes with ruby tips address this challenge directly. Manufactured using zirconia-toughened alumina, the probe face offers exceptional hardness and resistance to mechanical wear. This makes it particularly well suited to harsh, real-world conditions where conventional probe materials may degrade more quickly. The result is a longer-lasting probe that maintains performance across extended use.
This technology is now available across a wide range of DeFelsko probe models,
including the PosiTector 6000 FS, FTS, FNS, FNDS, FNTS, FRS, and PosiTector 6000 FNRS. This ensures inspectors can benefit from enhanced durability across ferrous, non-ferrous substrates.
For inspectors, the advantages are clear. Improved wear resistance means probes retain calibration for longer, reducing the need for frequent checks and replacements. This not only improves efficiency but also builds confidence in measurement results over time. On rough or uneven coatings, zirconia-faced probes provide more stable and repeatable readings, helping to minimise variability caused by probe wear.
Alongside durability improvements, DeFelsko continues to push performance in demanding environments. The PosiTector 6000 FXS and PosiTector 6000 FHXS are purpose-built for hightemperature applications, capable of measuring coatings on surfaces up to 250°C. These probes enable inspection without the need for cooling, improving efficiency in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and heavy manufacturing.
Speed is another area where modern inspection demands more. When paired with the Advanced body of the PosiTector 6000, zirconia-faced probes benefit from high-speed scan modes capable of exceeding 200 readings per minute. This allows inspectors to cover large surface areas quickly, identify inconsistencies in real time, and meet industry standards without compromising on accuracy.
Flexibility remains a key strength of the PosiTector platform. Its modular design allows users to switch between probes effortlessly, with each probe storing its own calibration data. Zirconia-faced probes integrate seamlessly into this system, offering a straightforward upgrade in durability and performance without disrupting established workflows.
As coating technologies continue to evolve, inspection equipment must keep pace. By combining advanced ceramic materials with high-speed measurement capabilities and specialised solutions for extreme conditions, DeFelsko has delivered a practical response to the challenges faced by today’s inspectors.
Zirconia-faced probes represent more than just an incremental improvement— they reflect a broader shift towards tougher, faster, and more reliable inspection tools. For UK professionals working in demanding environments, that means greater efficiency, reduced downtime, and confidence in every measurement.
For more information on the PosiTector 6000 range and the full range of paint test equipment from DeFelsko, please contact Mark Conlon at DFT Instruments, proud authorised UK agent and service centre for DeFelsko. Telephone: 01442 879494
Email: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk
Visit site:www.dftinstruments.co.uk
ELCOMETER INTRODUCE THE 215 OVEN TEMPERATURE PROFILING SYSTEM—PROTECTING YOUR COATINGS, YOUR COMPLIANCE,
AND YOUR REPUTATION
Compliance Confidence
Elcometer, a global leader in inspection equipment, introduce the Elcometer 215 Temperature Profiling System, designed to empower manufacturers in the coatings, automotive, and metal fabrication sectors with unmatched visibility into their oven and product temperature cure profiles.
Accurate temperature monitoring is essential to ensure that coatings cure within their required parameters. The Elcometer 215 streamlines this critical process with cutting-edge thermal analysis that helps users validate performance, guarantee compliance, and reduce costly rework.
The Elcometer 215 effortlessly tracks and documents cure cycles providing traceable reports for audits and QA documentation in compliance with key national, international and customer-specific requirements, including:
QUALICOAT Specifications for architectural powder coatings
ISO 20482 (metallic coatings—oven curing)
ASTM D2485 (high-temperature resistance of coatings)
ISO 9001 traceability requirements for QA documentation
With automated reporting and audit-ready data, users can meet customer and regulatory demands with ease.
PHOS-PREP
Pre-Treatment Solutions Group Ltd supply unique chemistries for an array of metal processes.
Our Phos-Prep® range of chemicals are chrome free, eco-friendly and cost effective all while maintaining quality and performance.
With over 50 years experience within the industry we pride ourselves on finding the right solution for your metal treatment. Whether that be degreasing, etching, phosphating, paint stripping and more!
TESTIMONIALS
“We have been a customer of PTS for over 20 years and during our time we have relocated our business, changed our pretreatment process with the full support and expert advice to implement changes from the PTS team. A great company who always go the extra mile to support their customers.”
P.Allen, West Midlands.
“We have been fortunate to have partnered with PTS for over ten years now. They are consummate professionals and always exceed expectations in terms of delivery of service, knowledge and customer care.”
E.Smith, Hampshire.
, queries whole
“We have had the great pleasure in working with PTS for over 5 years. No matter how big or small our queries are, PTS always come up trumps and in rapid time. The team are always willing to visit our site to help out with any issues we have or just for a general catch up with our staff. We have a very good relationship with the whole team at PTS and long may this continue.”
R.Glasbey, West Yorkshire.
Protect Your Coating Integrity: Undercured coatings risk adhesion failure, while overcuring can degrade finish quality. The Elcometer 215’s multi-channel logger captures nuanced thermal data across substrates to prevent guesswork.
Optimise Process Efficiency: Fine-tune oven settings based on real data, reduce energy consumption, and eliminate trial-anderror calibration. Empower your engineering team with reliable profiling that translates directly into lean production.
Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Compact, rugged, and intuitive— designed for demanding shop floors. The Elcometer 215 eliminates the traditional wait for data logger thermal barriers to cool.
Immediate Feedback: Thanks to its Bluetooth® connectivity, temperature readings can be transferred to the ElcoMaster® Software App as soon as the system is out of the oven and in range, providing immediate access to crucial data.
The Elcometer 215 Temperature Profiling System Operates in Three Simple Steps:
1. Set Up: Profile requirements are configured in the free ElcoMaster® software application using the paint manufacturer's datasheet and then sent to the Elcometer 215 Oven Logger via USB or Bluetooth®
2. Cure: Up to eight air or surface temperature thermocouples are attached to the product to monitor temperatures at key points during the curing process.
3. Analyse: After curing, the gauge provides an instant pass/fail result based on the collected data. All temperature data can then be downloaded to ElcoMaster® for generating professional temperature profile reports at the click of a button.
Key Features of The Elcometer 215 Include:
8-Channel Temperature Logger
Capture thermal gradients across large components or multiple substrates for accurate profiling
Advanced Thermal Barrier Protects instrumentation for extended periods or multiple profiling cycles
Real-Time Data Acquisition
Immediate feedback to support in-process adjustments and troubleshooting
ElcoMaster® Software Analyse, archive, and share profiling results with intuitive reporting tools
Compact & Rugged Design Built for harsh factory environments with durable construction and easy portability
USB Connectivity Efficient data transfer for productivity-focused operations
Bluetooth Connectivity Enables remote data logging and wireless downloads, even without opening the insulation box - minimising heat loss and handling risk
Technical Specifications:
The Elcometer 215 boasts an impressive measurement range of -200°C to 1300°C (-328°F to 2372°F) and can connect up to eight thermocouple probes of various types (K, T, J, N, S, E, B, R).
It has a memory capacity of 1,000,000 readings and can perform up to 40 profile runs before returning to a PC. The Elcometer 215 is also dust and waterproof, equivalent to IP6X.
Availability
The Elcometer 215 Oven Temperature Profiling System is available through Elcometer distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.elcometer.com or contact your local distributor.
About Elcometer
Elcometer is a leading manufacturer of high-quality blast, spray and inspection equipment.
For information on the Elcometer 215 Temperature Profiling System, our full range of products or to request a demonstration, visit www.elcometer.com or contact sales@elcometer.com
If anything is incorrect please notify the editor, Jane Soones, at Hill Media Limited, by June 30th 2027. Any updates will be rectified in the following issue of the Surface World Handbook & Directory that is published after this date.
Please send any corrections via email to: janesoones@hillmedia.com / janesoones@aol.com
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