Finishing - January-February 2023

January/February 2023 

THE PREMIER UK JOURNAL FOR SURFACE TECHNOLOGY 

Curtiss-Wright Surface 

Technologies, Everlube 

products & Coating Services 

Protection & life extension of your critical components 

COATING SERVICES: 

l Thermal Spray & HVOF Coatings 

l Dry film lubricants - MoS 2 

, PTFE, 

Graphite, WS 2 

l Coatings for corrosion, chemical & environmental 

protection 

l Titanium anodising 

l Zinc rich coatings for corrosion protection 

l Impingment coating processes for ultra thin solid 

film lubricants 

l Nonstick/release coatings for low coefficients of 

friction 

l Primers for rubber and plastics for sound absorbing 

and dampening materials 

l High temperature resistant coatings 

l Rare earth magnet coatings 

l Coatings for EMI/RFI shielding provide highly 

conductive coatings and platings to control 

electromagnetic interference 

l Ultra thin conformal parylene coating to reduce 

friction and protect against contamination 

l Pre-treatments including Ti Anodising, Phosphate 

Conversion Coating and Chilled Iron Blasting, 

Aluminum Oxide Blasting and Vapour Degreasing 

Coating Services and 

Everlube ® 

Products 

+44 (0)1386 425758 | eurosales@cwst.com | www.emcoatingsuk.co.uk 

www.finishingmagazine.co.uk

THE POWER OF 

MEMBERSHIP 

CELEBRATING THE SEA 

AWARDS AND THE 

CHTA 50TH ANNIVERSARY 

GALA DINNER 2023 

The eagerly anticipated Surface Engineering Association 

Awards and CHTA 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner will 

be held at the The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on 

Friday 20th October 2023. 

From acknowledging high achievements in areas such 

as quality, environmental, marketing and product 

innovation, to recognising those companies who have 

excelled in the industry, both at home and abroad. The 

event aims to bring together major players in the entire 

surface engineering industry, including customers, 

suppliers and members of the SEA. 

This is a must-not-miss event for anyone who has a 

vested interest in this important sector, where we will 

be continuing on our mission of pushing the importance 

of surface engineering to manufacturing. 

This year is particularly special as we also celebrate the 

Contract Heat Treatment Association’s 50th anniversary. 

JOINING THE SEA 

WILL HELP YOU... 

Save money 

Save time 

Keep a step ahead with 

industry updates 

Enhance your reputation 

Gain political clout and expertise 

To register your interest and take full advantage of the 

pre-show publicity, discuss any questions, enquire about 

sponsorship or find out more, contact: 

Michaella Mais 

Business Development & Membership Manager 

0121 237 1123 

or email michaella.mais@sea.org.uk 

www.sea.org.uk 

Visit the members’ directory 

today to find a supplier or 

get help with your surface 

treatment requirements: 

https://www.sea.org.uk/ 

member-directory/

www.finishingmagazine.co.uk CONTENTS 3 

Editor 

John Hatcher 

Tel: 01923 432705 

E.mail: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

Display Advertising 

Stewart Freshwater 

Mobile: 07746 373 545 

Tel: 01923 432705 

E.mail: s.freshwater@turretgroup.com 

Classified Advertising 


Mobile: 07746 373 545 

Tel: 01923 432705 

E.mail: s.freshwater@turretgroup.com 

Production Manager 

Carol Baird 

Tel: 01923 432705 

E.mail: c.baird@turretgroup.com 

Managing Director 

Ian Garmeson 

Circulation 

Tel: 0141 370 3883 

circulation@dimensionsmail.co.uk 

Published by 

Turret Group Ltd 

Cardinal Point 

Park Road 

Rickmansworth, 

WD3 1RE 

Tel: +44 (0) 1923 432705 

Web: www.turretgroup.com 

Annual Subscription Rates 

United Kingdom: £144.00 

Overseas: £168.00 (Airmail) 

Printed by Stephens & George 

All members of the SEA 

automatically receive Finishing Magazine 

© Copyright Turret Group Ltd 2023 

All Rights Reserved 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication 

may be produced in any material form (including 

photocopying it or storing it in any medium by 

electronic means and whether or not transiently 

or incidentally to some other use of this 

publication) without the written permission of 

the copyright owner except in accordance with 

the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and 

Patents Act 1988. Applications for the copyright 

owner's written permission to reproduce any 

part of this publication should be addressed to 

the info@turretgroup.com 

January/February 2023 – Volume 47 Number 1 – ISSN no. 0264 2506 

In this issue... 

2023 has got off to a good start because as of today we haven’t got a new 

Prime Minister. 

It would be great to have some stability, and the word is that the price of 

energy may not hit the heights that many analysts have predicted, but this has to 

be balanced with news that energy help for businesses is to be rolled back in 

the spring. This is mixed news for manufacturers in the UK, but it is still a tough 

market out there and inflation is still high enough to be of concern. It is also vital 

that interest rates do not run out of control as this will affect consumer 

spending, as more than 1.8 million fixed rate deals are 

coming to an end this year. 

However, there are lots of companies still investing in the 

finishing market, so here’s to a successful 2023! 

News 

Newsdesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Features 

Cutting consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

Act to save energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Flow control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

World of fusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Expansion plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Carbon calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 

Rebrand for the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 

An exotic interplay of electrons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 

Sonic solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 

Regulars 

Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Classified listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Finishing (formerly Finishing Industries) was established in 1947 and incorporates Metal 

Finishing journal, Electroplating & Metal Finishing, The Plant Journal, Surface Coatings, and 

Industrial Finishing & Surface Coatings. Finishing is a member of the Metal Finishing 

Association, a sustaining member of the Institute of Metal Finishing and the UK representative 

of the Groupement International des Revues de Traitements de Surfaces. 

Finishing – January/February 2023

4 NEWS www.finishingmagazine.co.uk 

Aluminium industry has chance to thrive 

The UK’s aluminium industry has 

a ‘once in a generation’ 

opportunity to drive 

sustainability, the circular 

economy, and the transition to 

Net Zero according to a leading 

sector expert. 

Tom Jones, CEO of the 

Aluminium Federation (ALFED), 

made the rallying call after the 

release of the organisation’s 

latest report reveals more than 

39,000 people are directly 

employed in this manufacturing 

discipline, with a total GVA of 

nearly £3bn. 

Undertaken in partnership 

with the Fraser of Allander 

Institute, the document goes on 

to use an economic model that 

predicts the sector’s real value is 

closer to £7.4bn and supports 

employment of 104,000 full-time 

jobs when you consider the 

indirect impact of this unique 

material. 

The former toolmaking 

apprentice, who has spent 35 

years working at several highprofile 

global material producers 

before joining ALFED, believes 

aluminium’s lightweight 

properties and the fact it can be 

easily recycled will be crucial in 

helping UK manufacturing lead 

the way when it comes to Net 

Zero. 

However, he also warns that 

both the Government and the 

sector needs to be bolder and 

braver when it looks at 

increasing domestic capacity, so 

that it can support increased 

demand from the automotive, 

aerospace, construction, 

packaging, rail and shipbuilding 

supply chains. 

“We’ve come through Covid- 

19 and Brexit, and I’m pleased to 

say the impact of the Aluminium 

industry in the UK is growing 

once again and we stand on the 

verge of something really 

exciting…if we have the courage 

to lead the way in supporting 

sustainable manufacturing and 

the journey to Net Zero,” 

explained Tom Jones, who joined 

the Aluminium Federation nearly 

five years ago. 

“Demand is definitely out 

there, but, as it stands, we only 

have one primary smelter on our 

domestic shores and that will just 

not be enough going 

forward…we need to build 

supply chain independence at 

both the source and downstream 

in the producers of castings, 

extrusions and profiles.” 

He continued: “Aluminium is 

so light and strong, with its 

green credentials unmatched. 

For example, our Net Zero 

Report highlighted that 8g of 

carbon emissions are saved 

every kilometre for each 100kg 

reduction in a car’s mass, thanks 

to aluminium-driven 

lightweighting. 

“There’s up to a 50% 

reduction in a building’s energy 

consumption with intelligent 

facades using aluminium systems 

and a 40% decrease in foil 

thickness of packaging achieved 

by using this versatile material. 

“These are just three 

examples. There’s countless 

more and this is beginning to 

sway the thinking of automotive 

designers, architects and 

specifiers and those responsible 

for the safe transit of goods.” 

Electroplating 

market set for 

growth 

A report from Research & 

Markets says that the 

electroplating market is poised 

to grow by $6133.61m during 

2023-2027, accelerating at a 

CAGR of 6.97% during the 

forecast period. 

The report offers an up-todate 

analysis regarding the 

current global market scenario, 

latest trends and drivers, and 

the overall market environment. 

The market is driven by the 

rising demand for electroplating 

applications in the automotive 

industry, economic growth in 

China and India, and rising 

demand for electroplating in 

industrial applications. 

Companies mentioned in the 

report include Aalberts NV, 

Allied Finishing Inc., Bajaj 

Electroplaters, Birmingham 

Plating Co. Ltd., Dr.Ing. Max 

Schlotter GmbH and Co. KG, 

Interplex Holdings Pte. Ltd., J 

and N Metal Products LLC, 

Jing Mei Industrial Ltd., Klein 

Plating Works Inc., Kuntz 

Electroplating Inc., L. Possehl 

and Co. mbH, MKS 

Instruments Inc., Peninsula 

Metal Finishing Inc., Pioneer 

Metal Finishing LLC, Sharretts 

Plating Co. Inc., Sheen 

Electroplaters Pvt Ltd., Summit 

Plating, Tanaka Holdings Co. 

Ltd., and Toho Zinc Co. Ltd. 

Agreement reached 

Beckers Group says it has reached an agreement to sell its Railway 

Coatings business to KANSAI HELIOS for an undisclosed sum. The 

asset purchase agreement for the sale of the railway coatings business 

of Beckers company Becker Industrie SAS, Montbrison (France) was 

signed on December 9th, 2022. After completion of closing 

conditions, KANSAI HELIOS will acquire all business assets of Becker 

Industrie SAS in the Railway Coatings segment. 

The transaction is an outcome of Beckers’ strategic review and part 

of the transformation of Beckers into a focused sustainable innovationbased 

leader. It allows Beckers to increase efficiency and reinvest into 

strategic core segments and new products. 

As a part of this transaction, KANSAI HELIOS will establish its first 

subsidiary in France, KANSAI HELIOS France SAS. With this 

acquisition KANSAI HELIOS will further strengthen its competitive 

position in the railway coatings sector in Europe and worldwide. 

Christophe Sabas, CEO Beckers Group says: “This is a strategic deal 

for both parties. The Railway Coatings business will become an 

important part of KANSAI HELIOS’ growth strategy, while Beckers will 

be able to put more energy and resources behind our strategic 

businesses and new developments. We are very pleased to sell the 

Railway business to KANSAI HELIOS. Our committed Railway 

Coatings employees have been a much- appreciated part of Becker 

Industrie S.A.S. and I wish them the best of luck in the future. We 

know KANSAI HELIOS well and I am confident that joining the 

KANSAI HELIOS family will be good for those employees, customers 

and other stakeholders. 


Innovation in Thru-Process 

Automotive Paint Monitoring 

Safe ATEX Certified Temperature Profiling 

Intrinsically Safe 

• 20 measurement 

channels 

• Paint & Powder coating 

• Includes Phoenix Factor 

cure index calculation 

New Optic Video Profiling System 

During Production 

• Detect paint runs, drips 

and defects 

• Spot transport problems 

• Identify oven damage 

Phoenix Temperature Measurement 

T:01353223100 E:sales@phoenixtm.com www.phoenixtm.com


A sustainability report on the global coatings market 

has been released 

Colour clues 

Axalta Coating Systems has released its 70th annual Global 

Automotive Colour Popularity Report, which revealed the top three 

automotive colors of 2022: white, black, and gray. First published in 

1953, Axalta’s annual color popularity report is the automotive 

industry’s longest running and most comprehensive colour account. 

“Today’s vehicles are more vibrant than ever,” said Robert Schnell, 

Vice President, Global Sales & Product Management, Axalta. “For 

example, compared to the white colour variations of the 1950s, these 

whites are brighter and beam with iridescent flakes. Together vehicles 

in white, black, gray, and silver add up to 82% of cars on the road 

today.” 

Globally, white shades held the lead (34% total) with pearlescent 

whites at 14% popularity and solid whites at 20%. Next, deep black 

colors radiate with sparkling effects and total 21% of vehicles on the 

road. And gray colors (19%) had sparkling effects in an assortment of 

colourful hues. Overall, colorful variations of blue (8%), red (5%) and 

green (1%) were found with high colour intensity and complex 

sparkling effects. 

REACH notes 

The Chemical Business 

Association (CBA) has welcomed 

the outcome of a consultation on 

whether to extend the transitional 

registration deadlines for UK 

REACH. 

The CBA has been 

instrumental in leading the 

discussions for the extensions, 

which follows on from a 

statement by Government in 

December 2021 that it would 

explore alternative arrangements 

for UK REACH registrations. At 

the same time, they advised their 

intention to consult separately on 

extending the deadlines, and 

which subsequent consultation by 

the Department of Environment, 

Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), 

concluded on 1st September 

2022. 

Together with stakeholders and 

other Associations, the CBA has 

been working tirelessly to make 

the Government aware of the 

impact of UK REACH, not only 

on the chemical industry supply 

chain and the wider chemical 

sector, but also on downstream 

users who were previously not 

win scope of the regulation. 

As part of its efforts, it has 

been providing expert advice 

and input to various working 

groups, while supporting 

members with online 

consultations and a one-to-one 

advice service through its 

Helpdesk. In addition, the 

association hosted several 

oversubscribed UK REACH 

Online Clinics which, due to the 

importance of the issue for the 

industry, were open to members 

and non-members alike. 

Feedback from the Clinics, 

which outlined the proposed 

timeline options, highlighted an 

overwhelming response in favour 

of Option 1, which would see the 

extension of submission deadlines 

for each tonnage band by three 

years to October 2026, October 

2028, and October 2030, 

respectively. 

The World Coatings Council is pleased to announce the publication 

of its inaugural report, Sustainability in the Global Paint & Coatings 

Industry. The report highlights the global industry’s ongoing 

sustainability efforts to advance technologies in coating science and 

manufacturing, while minimising impacts on human health and the 

environment. 

The report emphasizes the critical role coatings and the global 

industry play in contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable 

Development Goals (SDGs), as framed by nine specific SDGs where 

industry can have the greatest impact: 

Good Health and Well-being (UN SDG #3); 

Quality Education (UN SDG #4); 

Clean Water & Sanitation (UN SDG #6); 

Decent Work and Economic Growth (UN SDG #8); 

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (UN SDG #9); 

Sustainable Cities and Communities (UN SDG #11); 

Responsible Consumption and Production (UN SDG #12); 

Climate Action (UN SDG #13); and 

Life Below Water (UN SDG #14). 

Featuring examples that support the World Coatings Council’s 

Sustainability charter, the global report underscores that coatings are 

essential to making products and our built infrastructure more 

sustainable by providing resistance and durability; providing critical 

performance properties for safe and healthy communities; and 

serving a critical role for applications in the health and food sectors, 

among many others. The report also highlights the industry’s efforts 

to achieve resource efficiency in production processes, consideration 

of raw material consumption, and implementation of health and 

safety measures to ensure decent work and economic growth. 

New site in China 

The Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, 

operating under the Chemetall brand, has celebrated the inauguration 

of its state-of-the-art surface treatment production site in Pinghu City, 

Zhejiang Province, China. Spanning across 60,000 square meters, the 

Pinghu site is BASF’s first production site located in the Dushan Port 

Economic Development Zone and its largest surface treatment site 

globally. 

“In July this year, we expanded our production capacity of 

automotive refinish coatings at our Jiangmen site in Guangdong 

Province. Today, we celebrate the opening of our new surface treatment 

site in Pinghu. We are strategically located closely to our customers to 

meet the local demands for our advanced and time-tested solutions. 

Our goal is to be a growth-oriented surface technology leader, 

providing sustainable solutions, services, expertise and innovations that 

support our customers in various industries and in our key growth 

market – China,” said Uta Holzenkamp, President, Coatings Division, 

BASF. 

“BASF is committed to growing in China, the world’s largest chemical 

market. It is our strategy to produce where our customers are. The 

Pinghu site is another good example to demonstrate our customer 

focus by enhancing our local technological and market positions,” said 

Jeffrey Lou, president and chairman, BASF Greater China. 


RELIABLE RESULTS 

FOR MULTI-COLOR 

COATINGS. 

2K Smart 

Mixing & dosing unit 

• Consistent mixing ratios 

• Homogeneous coating results 

• High process reliability 

wagner-group.com 

Contact 

Wagner Spraytech (UK) Ltd 

a Member of WAGNER GROUP 

Telephone: 01327 368410 

enquiries@wagner-group.com


New chairman at the GA 

With nearly four decades of 

galvanizing industry experience, 

Galvanizers Association has 

decided that David Watkins, the 

current managing director of 

Hereford Galvanizers, has the 

vision to lead their membership 

through the current economic 

environment and help position 

galvanized steel as a core 

material within circular 

construction. The new Chairman 

is also CEO of Zinco 

International, a global leader in 

technical services and products 

to the galvanizing industry. 

Galvanizers Association, the 

representational body of the hot 

dip galvanizing industry in the 

UK and Ireland, announced 

recently that David Watkins will 

replace Ed Byrne, MD Galco 

Steel, as Chairman of the Board. 

Mr Watkins began working for 

Hereford Galvanizers in 1986 

and after a variety of roles in 

galvanizing Sales, Marketing and 

Operations, he became 

Managing Director in 2005. He 

takes up his position with GA as 

the industry faces difficult 

decisions around energy, 

inflation, and rising costs. 

Speaking recently Mr. Watkins 

said: “I am honoured to become 

chairman of our trade body and 

would like to give credit to the 

former chair for six years of hard 

work, helping the industry 

through Brexit and multiple 

Hi-line growth 

Covid lockdowns. The challenges 

facing me today are somewhat 

different but by no means less, 

as we continue operating at a 

time of high inflation and amid 

unprecedented concerns around 

rising energy costs. I see my role 

very much being to support the 

membership through this period 

and promote the valuable role of 

hot dip galvanizing wherever 

possible.” 

William Smith, (Executive) 

Director of Galvanizers 

Association adds: “We are very 

pleased to be working with 

David to highlight the significant 

contribution that hot dip 

galvanized steel makes to the 

built environment throughout 

UK and Irish infrastructure. He 

has a wealth of knowledge 

about the role galvanizing can 

play in helping the construction 

sector transition to net zero, and 

is excellently placed to help our 

members navigate the 

challenges presented by the 

current and emerging operating 

environment.” 

Hi-line Industries is reporting continued growth in year-on-year sales, 

with results for the last quarter well ahead of forecast. This positive 

news is a reflection of the added value provided by the company’s 

products and services, which help UK users of compressed air to 

achieve genuine competitive gain. 

To support its growing sales, Hi-line has completed a management 

reshuffle that will ensure its expanding customer base can take 

advantage of even higher service levels. Following on from the 

appointment of Steve Smith as managing director in May 2022, Brad 

Beesley is now general manager, heading up the sales department. In 

addition, Darren Sims now sits at the helm of the technical department 

as the company’s new technical director, while craig watson takes up 

the role of business administration manager to lead Hi-line’s 

administration department. All report directly to Steve Smith. 

In another notable investment, Hi-line’s technical department is 

looking to implement new software that will further enhance the 

company’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) activities. The 

new software suite, which will be of great benefit to Hi-line’s service 

contract customers, will integrate with the company’s cloud-based Xero 

accounting software. 

’QUALICOAT Trains the Lab Technicians’ 

By Angus Mackie - QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chair 

As you would expect from the name of the QUALICOAT 

specification for powder coating architectural aluminium profiles, 

consistent quality is paramount for applicator licence holders of the 

Association. This is only achieved by regular monitoring of the 

powder coating process through the members test laboratory and 

this is where the Laboratory Technicians step in. 

It is now mandatory that the applicator licence holders Laboratory 

Technicians attend a refresher training course at least once every two 

years. This ensures that the latest developments in the QUALICOAT 

Specification for production monitoring and testing is implemented 

and maintained. This, in turn, will ensure compliance with the 

Specification when unannounced applicator plant inspections are 

undertaken every six months. Passing these quality audits ensures 

that an applicator maintains their licence to offer the QUALICOAT 

Specification. For specifiers this is a key reason why they specify 

QUALICOAT for all their architectural powder coating. The yearly 

training meetings, a QUALICOAT specification requirement, are 

organised by IFO who are QUALICOAT UK & Irelands independent 

test house located in Germany. 

This years training day was for the first time in three years held in 

person hosted in Milton Keynes by pretreatment member 

Chemetall, who made available testing equipment for chrome-free 

analysis including photometers and a hand held x-ray machine. 

Twenty five participants from all over the UK attended to discuss 

specification updates and listen to technical presentations. 

Industrial Physics, a global test and inspection equipment supplier, 

offered additional measurement equipment, specifically introducing 

and explaining equipment that monitors the cure index. Akzo 

Nobel offered a presentation explaining how powder formulations 

are produced, specifically which materials were used to offer the 

various classes of coatings for extended gloss and colour retention. 

Oliver Boegler, Head of Inspections at IFO, gave an overview of 

coating various aluminium alloys, coating testing methods and an 

update on the latest QUALICOAT specifications. 

With four new powder coating applicators receiving their licences 

recently and further applicators currently undergoing training and 

review by IFO, the majority of architectural powder coaters in the 

UK & Ireland are licensed to supply to the QUALICOAT 

specification and carry the QUALICOAT label. 

The QUALICOAT Specification is continually and incrementally 

revised in real time with regular update sheets, the specification is 

completely rewritten at year end to include all updates. The global 

Specification, its appendices and any update sheets are always freely 

available for download at www.qualicoat.net. For details on the 

availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT 

UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated 

information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the 

UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at 

www.qualicoatuki.org. 

In the next issue 

Powder coating 

Ovens &Curing 


Bathing in 

non-reflective glory 

When you are looking to push the boundaries of light, color and design, 

especially with an ultra matt surface, our Précis Ultra Matt range has 

the answers. With a finer mica effect that enables an ultra matt surface to 

change appearance depending on the way the light reflects on it, you can 

create a finish that not only looks amazing, but also offers stunning levels 

of superdurability. 

With innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible, 

a vast range of sustainable products backed by industry leading 

certifications, and the best performing powder coatings on the market 

used and respected by architects around the world, your imagination 

starts with our finish. 

architectural.interpon.com

10 ENERGY 

Cutting consumption 

FPS Air Compressors can provide a 

number of tips and initiatives to reduce 

the energy consumed by compressed air 

systems. In particular, the company offers the 

new NOBEL PM series of oil-injected rotary 

screw compressors, which feature IE4 

permanent magnet motors, variable speed 

drives and an extended airflow range for the 

highest level of energy efficiency and quiet 

operation. This industry-leading performance 

helps to counter the current trend of spiralling 

energy costs, which look likely to remain high 

for the foreseeable future. Compared with the 

operating costs of a standard compressor. As 

an example, a user operating a 37 kW Nobel 

DVPM air compressor can enjoy savings of up 

to £25,000 a year or more. 

Compressed air usage represents a 

significant proportion of electricity costs at 

manufacturing plants, food production 

facilities, machine shops, packaging plants, 

garages, body shops and woodyards – 

essentially any facility using compressed air. A 

big part of the solution is to get savvy about 

specifying the optimal technology, notably the 

compressor. The energy costs linked to an air 

compressor’s operation during its service life 

represent more than 80% of total lifecycle 

costs. 

There are three principal compressor 

metrics to consider: specific energy; greater 

FAD (free air delivery) performance; and a 

wider operating range to suit varying 

demand. 

The specific energy value reveals how 

much power (kW) is used to generate a 

specific volume of compressed air (1m³). 

Users unfortunately often overlook this highly 

accurate measure of an air compressor’s 

energy efficiency. However, NOBEL PM series 

models from Power System deliver a 3-8% 

better specific energy performance in 

comparison with competitor alternatives. 

Regarding the second metric, the maximum 

available capacity is important because a 

compressor with better FAD performance is 

able to cope with peaks in demand that would 

otherwise require an additional or even larger, 

higher energy consuming compressor. NOBEL 

PM models provide extremely high maximum 

capacity figures compared with competitors. 

For example, the 22kW NOBEL 24 DVPM 

has an FAD performance delivering over 4500 

l/min, which is almost 10% better than 

industry peers. 

The third metric considers the operating 

range of a variable-speed compressor. This 

factor is important in satisfying the fluctuating 

demands of production and in preventing the 

air compressor from entering an ‘idle’ state, 

which is extremely wasteful in energy. To 

avoid this situation, NOBEL DVPM models 

operate with a wide range of between 15% 

and 100% of available capacity. 

There are many reasons for the highefficiency 

performance levels of NOBEL 

DVPM air compressors, not least the 

introduction of permanent magnet motors 

and high-performance inverters. These 

technologies help compressed air users to 

take advantage of IE4 ‘Super Premium’ class 

efficiency, the highest available according to 

IEC 60034-30-1. Further innovations include 

an efficient intake regulator and a minimumpressure 

valve that minimises pressure loss to 

reduce energy consumption. 

Notably, the volume of compressed air 

generated by the cutting-edge NOBEL PM 

series aligns exactly to system requirements, 

achieved by regulating the speed of the 

electric motor. In other words, the system 

provides a continuously adjusted air output to 

match actual usage, meaning that users only 

expend power, for the volume of air required. 

Such impressive performance offers 

incredibly fast ROI (return on investment), 

with NOBEL PM series compressors typically 

paying for themselves in circa 12-18 months, 

sometimes less, when replacing an equivalent 

fixed-speed compressor. 

The high efficiency levels combine with a 

direct transmission system featuring a flexible 

coupling that minimises component wear and 

reduces noise, and optimised controls in the 

form of the new and intuitive LOGIN 

multicolour touchscreen controller. Featuring 

an internal memory card for data recovery, 

LOGIN is ideal for remote control and multicompressor 

management for up to eight 

compressor and as part of IoT 

digitalisation/connectivity projects. 

These advanced technologies, alongside the 

use of latest-generation air-end units, has 

facilitated the creation of the most innovative 

and reliable compressor available. The result: 

maximum energy savings and a subsequent 

reduction in CO2 emissions. The extremely 

compact, Italian manufactured NOBEL PM 

series compressors are not only an ecological 

choice, but they also offer among the lowest 

noise values in their category – as low as 58 

dB(A). 

A full NOBEL PM range is available from 

18.5 to 90 kW, with the 24, 39 and 45 

DVPM models typically offering the best 

performance in their market segment. 

Finishing - January/February 2023

PosiTector ® Inspection 

Unrivaled probe interchangeability 

for all of your inspection needs. 

Coating Thickness Probes 

n Ferrous n Non-Ferrous n Combination n Ultrasonic 

Surface Profile Probes 

n Depth Micrometer n Replica Tape Reader 

Environmental Conditions Probes 

n Integral n Cabled Magnetic Probe n Anemometer Probe 

n 1/2” NPT n Infrared 

Hardness Probes 

n Shore n Barcol 

Salt Contamination Probe 

n Bresle Method 

Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Probes 

n Corrosion n Multiple Echo Thru-Paint n Precision 

n Low Frequency n Xtreme 

NEW 

Design and Features 

Design and Features 

NEW 

Customized Inspection Kits... 

Build your own kit from a selection of gauge 

bodies and probes to suit your needs. 

Coating 

Thickness 

Surface 

Profile 

Environmental 

Conditions 

Hardness 

Salt 

Contamination 

Ultrasonic 

Wall Thickness 

Backwards Compatibility! The redesigned PosiTector gauge body accepts ALL coating thickness 

(6000/200), environmental (DPM), surface profile (SPG/RTR), salt contamination (SST), hardness 

(SHD/BHI), and ultrasonic wall thickness (UTG) probes manufactured since 2012. 

DFT DFT Instruments UK UK LTD LTD 

16A 16A Long Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 HP4 2PN 2PN 

t: t: 01442 879494 f: f: 01442 879595 

www.dftinstruments.co.uk e: e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk 

Proud supplier of of DeFelsko Inspection Instruments

12 ENERGY 

Act to save energy 

Everyone, whether in private households 

or in industry and crafts, has now 

unmistakably experienced the enormous 

price increases for fossil fuels for heat and 

electricity. 

Countering these enormous additional 

costs, even in the short term, certainly involves 

saving and thus reducing consumption. 

However, a distinction must be made here as 

to whether less of the same is used or 

whether alternative options are used for the 

respective heat or energy consuming process. 

In both cases, innovative, efficient technologies 

are of outstanding importance and the use in 

the short-term of verified and climate-friendly 

replacements is essential. We need solutions 

now for the significant reduction in energy 

expenditure and its resulting cost –production 

and industrial processes cannot run without 

energy. 

In addition, fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, coal 

and wood pellets are now undisputedly 

recognized as drivers of CO2-induced climate 

damage - thus certainly not desirable options 

for alternative solutions - if at all only to 

compensate for 

ad hoc supply bottlenecks. 

Replacement solutions already exist - even 

now - so-called complete electro-thermal 

based heating and thermal process solutions. 

These are usually also available more 

intelligently than the electrical heating of 

gas/air volumes and allow, instead of burning 

fossil carriers i.e. Natural gas, as well as 

provide a significantly more energy-efficient 

target processes. 

Particularly outstanding here are the 

aNIR/aLITE platform technologies, some of 

which have already been used commercially 

for years in a wide variety of printing, coating 

and other surface processes. Nevertheless, in 

the past, due to the extreme cost advantages 

of purchasing gas compared to electricity 

Price/kWh by a factor of up to > 4 (!), the 

demonstrably enormous energy savings of 

aNIR/aLITE of > 3, often even more than this, 

were able to overcompensate for the resulting 

energy costs. This no longer applies since the 

beginning of this year or when the effects of 

new or renegotiated energy contracts! 

With the aNIR/aLITE technologies, gas price 

increases of ≥ 4 can be neutralized and 

electricity price increases can be extremely 

mitigated because of the reduced and efficient 

use of energy. In addition, approx. 2 – 3 kg (!) 

of CO2 emissions are avoided for each 

replaced kWh of gas heat. 

The aNIR/aLITE technologies enable other 

thermal or thermo-chemical process solutions 

in addition to the diverse applications as 

drying or oven solutions. 

adphos offers quantified, i.e Gas saver 

analysis and aNIR/aLITE fallback solution 

assessments. Many of these analyses result in 

a short-term payback of less than 18 months, 

often even less. The aLITE 

replacement/conversion solutions can usually 

be implemented within 6 – 9 months. 

The first users of the conversion/upgrade 

option offered by adphos with the innovative 

adphos technology (aNIR/aLITE) are already 

independent of gas purchases and were 

therefore able to make a positive contribution 

to combating the climate crisis. 


14 ENERGY 

Flow control 

Since 2018 the Accuride Wheels GmbH 

in Solingen belongs to the US American 

Accuride Corporation. The headquarters 

of Accuride Wheels Europe & Asia are in 

Solingen. The company produces wheels for 

the automotive, utility vehicle, agricultural and 

construction machinery industries at several 

national and international plants. The location 

in North-Rhine-Westphalia with approximately 

350 employees has been specializing in the 

production of steel wheels for the utility 

vehicle industry since 2020, prior to this they 

also produced wheels for passenger cars. 

Practically all truck manufacturers are among 

their customers, to whom the wheels are 

delivered in the paint they desire. All 

production sites have their own inhouse 

painting lines for pre-treatment, cathodic dip 

priming and application of top coat. 

In order to produce CO2 neutrally by 2038 

at the latest, the company is implementing 

measures step by step to save electricity and 

gas. Accordingly, the aim was to make the 

paint shop's pre-treatment system dating back 

to 1971 more energy-efficient. It comprises 

eight spray zones for the degreasing, 

activating, phosphatizing, passivating and 

rinsing process steps. The respective process 

fluids are delivered by pumps with motor 

ratings between 15 and 42 kW, and the 

operating pressures had been indicated by 

analog pressure gauges so far. 'Since none of 

the pumps were operated with closed-loop 

control, they ran full-time at 100% power in a 

three-shift schedule. Excess fluid was returned 

unused via bypass lines, leading to a 

significantly higher energy demand than 

necessary' says Peter Fuchs, expert for surface 

technologies at Acccuride Wheels. 'An article 

in a specialized magazine drew my attention 

to the Ecoclean DFC dynamic volume flow 

control system. After having established 

contact by phone, an employee from Ecoclean 

inspected our equipment on site and noted 

the technical data and the energy 

consumption we have had so far.' The DFC 

control system is a hardware and software 

solution developed by Ecoclean. It facilitates 

automatic, precise and fast control of the 

pumps in line with actual demand based on 

the measured quantities pressure and volume 

flow. 

Based on the process, production and 

equipment data and the previous energy 

consumption, Ecoclean performed a potential 

analysis. It considered the fact that the 

transport racks do no longer have two car 

wheels and one truck steel wheel as before, 

but only two wheels for trucks. The analysis 

forecast an energy reduction of approximately 

40 per cent. 

Controlled in line with demand 

based on operating pressure and 

volume flow 

Control is based on the operating pressure 

defined for the respective media circuit, and 

the corresponding volume flow. In order to be 

able to measure both, electronic pressure and 

volume flow sensors were installed in the 

existing supply lines of the zones and each 

feed pump was fitted with a variable 

frequency drive (VFD). As the VFDs could not 

be integrated into the existing switchgear 

cabinets for lack of space, they were installed 

on special mounting panels. 

The pressure and volume flow values 

determined by the sensors are continually 

transferred to the DFC control software that 

has been custom-adapted to Accuride 

Wheels' needs. The respective pump is 

controlled as a function of current demand, 

delivering the actually needed quantity at the 

actually required pressure. 

Installation without production 

shutdown 

The pre-treatment line at Accuride Wheels 

operates five days a week in three shifts. For 

an integration without interrupting production, 

numerous work items such as installation of 

the VFDs, preparations for installation of the 

sensors and cables were carried out offline. 

The actual integration of the DFC controllers 

could thus be made on three weekends 

without interrupting production. 'From 

consulting via project planning to 

implementation, Ecoclean optimally supported 

us. The company's expertise and their 

technical support are definitely beneficial for 

us,' comments Peter Fuchs. 

High savings already in the 

adaptation phase 

We have been working with the DFC 

controllers since February 2022. Right from 

the beginning the pumps were set to 80 

percent of the previous power. To ensure the 

quality of the paintwork on the one hand and 

to fully exploit the existing savings potential 

on the other, the settings continue to be 

adjusted further step by step.” 


Gloss Meter 

Portable gloss measurement for all surface finishes 

n 

n 

n 

n 

n 

Select from 3 probe models; 

60°, 20°/60°, 20°/60°/85° 

2 Powerful Scan modes for quantifying 

large surfaces (Advanced models only) 

Automatic Diagnosis and Auto Calibration performed 

upon power-on using the protective base plate 

with integrated calibration standard (tile) 

Compatible with PosiSoft Software Solutions for 

managing measurement data and creating 

professional custom reports 

Conforms to national and international standards 

including ISO and ASTM 

Award Winning Compatibility! 

PosiTector gauge accepts ALL coating thickness (6000/200), environmental (DPM), surface 

profile (SPG/RTR), salt contamination (SST), hardness (SHD/BHI), gloss (GLS), 

and ultrasonic wall thickness (UTG) probes manufactured since 2012. 

t: 01442 879494 

n www.dftinstruments.co.uk 

n e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk

16 POWDER 

World of fusion 

Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the form 

of powder bed fusion (PBF) is known 

for its flexibility and design freedom as 

well as more efficient material processing, 

compared to conventional manufacturing 

methods. However, the technology is not yet 

economically viable at an industrial scale due 

to a number of reasons. The possible part size 

is limited and the final component quality is 

highly dependent on the quality of the 

powder used. To bring AM for metal and 

alloy processing to an industrial level, ALD 

Vacuum Technologies combines three proven 

technologies for large components while 

maintaining high productivity: high 

temperature vacuum environments, efficient 

electron beam technology, and powder 

distribution under vacuum. The company 

succeeded in building the world’s largest E- 

PBF system, thus enabling the production of 

components significantly larger than 

established PBF-concepts allow. Components 

like turbine parts or implants are built by 

selective melting of metal powder layers made 

of titanium alloys such as Ti64 or titanium 

aluminide, nickel-based superalloys, copper or 

refractory metals. 

Additive manufacturing processes like 

powder bed fusion are becoming increasingly 

popular in metal processing due to their low 

material consumption and flexibility. “Instead 

of subtracting material through conventional 

operations such as milling, the desired parts 

are formed in layers by melting and fusing 

metal powder using a strong heat source like 

a laser or electron beam,” Dr. Fuad Osmanlic, 

Vice President Additive Manufacturing at ALD 

explains. “In general, this allows better control 

of resources and results in less material waste 

and lower energy consumption.” However, 

Finishing - January/February 2023 

continues on page 18

Unit 10, Southlink Business Park, 

Hamilton Street, 

Oldham, OL4 1DE

18 POWDER 

processes such as PBF are often still limited to 

industrial scale manufacturing, particularly in 

terms of component size which reduces the 

range of possible parts. In addition, the quality 

of the production depends on the powder 

used and can, for example, deteriorate the 

mechanical properties of the component and 

thus reduce the yield. Depending on the 

system design, the process can also be very 

energy-intensive and time-consuming, making 

conventional manufacturing processes more 

viable in certain situations. 

In order to eliminate these disadvantages, 

ALD uses its many years of expertise to 

convert various techniques into plant designs 

that are geared towards serial production with 

high flexibility, in-depth process control and 

optimized resource management. This has 

resulted in the so called EBuild: a completely 

new plant design for the Electron beam 

Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF) process. It is the 

first system on the market suitable for both 

large-scale parts and high-volume production. 

Among other features, a special powder 

application system, highly efficient electron 

beam technology and heat-repellent materials 

enable an increase in efficiency in end 

products, such as turbines, while significantly 

reducing material consumption compared to 

conventional manufacturing processes. 

Furthermore, the system is designed to be 

completely vacuum-tight, enabling the additive 

manufacturing of metal parts in vacuum or a 

controlled inert gas atmosphere. The synergy 

between the individual system components 

and a smart control system leads to cost 

reduction and lower carbon footprint of 

production and product life cycle. 

26-fold build volume compared 

to market leader in E-PBF 

In its basic configuration the EBuild® 850 

system is designed to produce metal parts 

with dimensions up to 850*850*1,000 mm³ 

out of metal powder by layer-wise selective 

electron beam melting and subsequent 

solidification. The main system components 

include an electron beam gun, a retractable 

build chamber, a process chamber connected 

to an advanced powder application system, as 

well as mobile withdrawal and extraction units. 

A second build chamber may complement this 

setup in order to perform the melt and cool 

down processes in one chamber while 

extracting the parts and powder from the 

second one and prepare it for the next built. 

“In order to overcome the limitations in 

component size, we have deliberately worked 

to expand the chamber design to many times 

the usual dimensions without sacrificing 

process quality,” Dr. Osmanlic explains. 

Therefore the high-precision withdrawal unit 

can position a powder bed weighing up to 15 

t with an accuracy of approx. 0.01 mm and a 

total build height of approx. 1,000 mm. 

In order to apply the base material, the 

powder application system, which can even 

handle powders with low flowability, is filling 

the build area through a uniform powder 

distribution. Therefore, the feeder platform is 

raised exactly by the height defined by the 

operator. This ensures that the powder fed to 

the rake always remains constant. To prevent 

the high process temperatures during melting 

from affecting the powder distribution, the 

application system is water-cooled. “It was 

important to us that our powder application 

system can also handle powders with low 

flowability to increase the powder yield, which 

both saves resources and lowers the price per 

kilogram,” Dr. Osmanlic adds. While the rake 

is feeding new material layer by layer, the 

electron beam selectively melts the powder in 

alignment with the defined component 

contours until the part is finished and ready to 

be handed over to the extraction unit for 

cooldown. All chamber walls and components 

exposed to high temperatures are equipped 

with heat shields to keep energy consumption 

moderate during melting and avoid heat loss. 

Moreover, all valves exposed to powder and 

metal dust have been equipped with specific 

protection devices to ensure reliable 

functionality under this severe operating 

environment. “These types of valves have 

been field-proven in similar applications under 

production-scale conditions for many years,” 

Dr. Osmanlic adds. 

Digital twin with back-scattered 

electron imaging 

In order to meet the demands of industrial 

series production, the system has a high level 

of automation. This is accompanied by state of 

the art process monitoring, closed loop 

control, data logging, status indication, fault 

and alarm annunciation, as well as safety 

interlocks to warrant a safe and efficient 

operation. A feature to be emphasized is the 

back-scattered electron imaging: it offers the 

possibility to enable automatic fault detection 

through high contrast layer imaging as well 

constructing a digital twin as a 3D model. The 

entire process preparation, control and 

monitoring can be carried out via a PC or the 

built-in interface. Thereby, all relevant 

functions are being visualized and the whole 

operating design is self-explaining and easy to 

operate. In addition, several local control 

panels installed in the operating area allow 

specific system functions to be executed 

locally. “Even with a high amount of 

automation we value operational flexibility and 

control where needed,” Dr. Osmanlic explains. 

Since implementing AM in metal processing 

can be a risky decision due to missing 

experience with the technologies involved, 

ALD comprehends the EBuild® 850 concept 

as a joint venture. In close coordination with 

the buyer, the plant design is projected and 

tailored to the demands on site, thus 

equipping the user with a turn-key system 

including process and production support. 

“Switching to new technologies in one’s 

production can be daunting and 

overwhelming without exploiting the full 

potential. Therefore, the EBuild® 850 is not 

an off-the-shelf plant, but specifically tailored 

to fully access the greater design freedom as 

well as enabling to produce what is needed, 

when it is needed – without having to fear 

exploding energy costs and high material 

waste,” Dr. Osmanlic sums up. 


SMART SOLUTION FOR 

POWDER COATING. 

NOW EVEN MORE POWERFUL. 

E-Line Plus 

• Economical entry into automatic coating 

• Optimised powder recovery with Energy Efficiency Package (EEP) 

• Easy and fast colour change 

• Combination with PXM powder centre: Automatic fresh powder 

supply and integrated system control via 15.6 inch touchscreen 

wagner-group.com 

Contact 

Wagner Spraytech (UK) Ltd 

a Member of WAGNER GROUP 

Telephone: 01327 368410 

enquiries@wagner-group.com

20 POWDER COATING 

Powder coating & seaside class 

The quality of any architectural powder 

coating relies on its ability to adhere to 

the aluminium substrate. If there is no 

‘key’ to adhere to, the powder coating is 

prone to chipping or flaking off in use. As 

powder coating is porous at the molecular 

level, an untreated aluminium substrate, 

subject to weathering, will oxidise under the 

coating if it is not completely sealed. So, no 

matter the quality of the powder coating that 

is applied, it will not offer the anticipated life 

expectancy should the thin ‘conversion 

coating’, part of the pretreatment process 

which offers the seal and key to the surface of 

the aluminium, be poor, or indeed not 

present. 

The surface of the extruded aluminium also 

carries contaminants from the extrusion 

process which, if left on the surface of the 

aluminium, will reduce the performance of the 

‘conversation coating’ so this needs to be 

removed. Removing the contaminants from 

the extrusion is part of the pretreatment 

process undertaken by either dipping or 

spraying an acid or alkaline solution which 

etches the surface removing a minimum of 

1g/sm of aluminium. Without this surface etch 

potential corrosion could form around the 

contaminants on the aluminium substrate 

once coating has been completed. Given that 

the pretreatment process is undertaken 

correctly, architectural powder coated products 

will offer an extensive life expectancy in most 

locations. The pretreatment process is actively 

monitored by members of the Association and 

third party inspected by IFO, QUALICOAT 

UK & Ireland’s independent test house. 

Introduced in 2008, QUALICOAT also offer 

a ‘Seaside’ class of powder coating where the 

minimum removal of aluminium surface is 

increased to 2g/sm using a dip or spray 

process of either an acid or a combination 

acid/alkaline etch. This deeper etch removes 

more contaminants and therefore offers a 

more robust pretreatment for areas where 

atmospheres carry corrosive salts (chlorides) 

and other aggressive pollutants. 

QUALICOAT licensed applicators who wish 

to offer ‘Seaside’ class coatings need to apply 

for an additional licence. The applicator needs 

to demonstrate that they can remove the 

2g/sm by process and monitoring, plus the 

applicator must offer a coated ‘Seaside’ 

sample for an additional filiform corrosion test 

carried out in the IFO laboratory. 

Filiform corrosion, is a spider like corrosion 

that creeps under the powder coating and 

runs along the aluminium grain boundaries. A 

deeper acid or alkaline etching removes more 

trace elements from these areas making the 

grain boundaries more resistant to corrosion. 

The pretreatment conversion coating can then 

be applied using any of the QUALICOAT 

approved systems. Statistically, with this 

greater etch of 2g/sm, filiform resistance is 

increased significantly. 

Another method of increasing resistance to 

filiform corrosion is by using a ‘preanodisation’ 

process, sometimes referred to as 

PREOX or Flash Anodising. A more expensive 

pretreatment, this thin anodising film of just 4- 

8 µm (microns) totally removes all the grain 

boundaries, so there are no places where 

filiform corrosion may take hold, consequently 

the protection rate is statistically increased to 

100%. Licensed applicators may now source 

pre-anodised profiles from other licensed 

plants so that they may take advantage of the 

increased level of protection that this process 

can offer. 

Technically, the QUALICOAT standard is 

the most robust specification readily available 

in the UK & Ireland as it specifies minimum 

etch requirements within the pretreatment 

process for enhanced ‘Seaside’ applications 

and includes regular finished powder coated 

surface laboratory tests for filiform corrosion 

resistance, something which BS EN 12206-1 

does not require. 


Coating Thickness Gauge for Non-Metal Substrates 

NEW Design and Features 

Non-destructively measures paint thickness 

over wood, concrete, plastic and more using 

proven ultrasound technology. Advanced 

models measure up to 3 individual layers 

with graphics. 

n Ready to measure—no adjustment required for most applications 

n Responsive transducers provide fast, accurate readings 

n Max Thick Mode displays the deepest ultrasonic echo 

eliminating the need to adjust the Lo Range—ideal for 

ignoring unwanted surface echos. 

n Conforms to ISO 2808 and ASTM D6132 

Ideal for measuring 

polyurea and other 

thick protective 

coatings on 

concrete 

DFT Instruments (UK) Limited 

Long Drive, 16A Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN 

t: 01442 879494 f: 01442 879595 

www.dftinstruments.co.uk e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk 

Proud supplier of DeFelsko Inspection Instruments

22 COATINGS 

Expansion plan 

Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, 

Everlube Coating Products have 

partnered with BioCote to expand their 

fluoropolymer coating product range to create 

Fluregiene 200: an antimicrobial coating that 

is ideally suited for many surfaces and 

environments. 

Based on existing Everlube coating 

technology, the new Fluregiene 200 is a 

unique fluoropolymer coating that offers low 

friction, easy-clean properties combined with 

superb 

chemical and abrasion resistance. With a 

view to improving hygiene standards, 

Everlube Coatings have integrated BioCote 

antimicrobial technology to protect the coating 

from microbes such as bacteria, mould and 

fungi. Benefits of applying antimicrobial 

technology into the Fluregiene 200 include: 

Anti-fouling 

• Low COF Surface coating (0.08 – 0.2 

static) 

• Corrosion resistance and excellent 

chemical resistance 

• Excellent chip and abrasion resistance 

• Reduces and prevents build-up of 

contaminates 

• Excellent flexibility 

• Dirt and debris less likely to attach to the 

surface 

Microbial & bacteria growth 

inhibitor 

• Using patented BioCote® antimicrobial 

technology against microbial growth 

• Inhibits and reduces microbial growth on 

protected coating 

• Protects treated surfaces against bad 

odours, staining and material degradation 

Easy clean and reduced cleaning 

intervals 

• Provides continual microbial reduction on 

coating 

• High PTFE content allows easy wipe down 

and cleaning 

• Provides more hygienic and cleanable 

surface than brushed or finished steels 

Applicable to a wide range of parts and 

components such as door handles, elevator 

buttons, airport seating and gym equipment, 

the Fluregiene 200 will be highly beneficial 

for these surfaces. 

BioCote also has real-life data to support the 

application of this antimicrobial technology in 

environments such as health care, transport, 

education, public areas and much more. 

For more information on Fluregiene 200 

and Everlube Coating Products, please contact 

our coatings team on: T +44 (0)1386 421444 

info@cwst.co.uk www.cwst.co.uk 


gemapowdercoating.com 

High-quality solutions 

for powder coating 

Gema Europe Srl | Via Goldoni, 29 

20090 Trezzano s/N | Italy 

T +39 02 48 400 486 

Gema Europe Srl – UK Branch 

Tel: 0044 1202 763 942 

Email: uk.sales@gema.eu.com

24 MEASUREMENT 

Flexible way 

Industrial coatings applied to substrates like 

metal, plastic, glass, and composite protect 

various products from corrosion and 

damage to extend lifespan. Commercial 

coatings are also routinely applied to wood, 

metal and concrete structures to protect 

against mechanical, chemical, and 

environmental degradation while improving 

aesthetics. To ensure quality, manufacturers 

that utilize or formulate coatings rely on 

various methods of testing to determine 

resistance to friction, peel, wear, and 

scratches. 

Without the necessary adhesive strength or 

durability, it is possible for a coating to 

bubble, flake, peel, or otherwise fail 

prematurely. Depending on the application, 

this can cause costly warranty issues as well as 

safety issues that can compromise the 

manufacturer’s reputation and market share. 

As an example, for several years a popular 

minivan struggled with paint blistering and 

bubbling in the heat, direct sun, and exposure 

to road salt in northern regions. 

“Paint and primer would start to flake off 

some vehicles in a matter of just a few 

months, leading to rust spots and an 

undesirable finish. The auto manufacturer 

could have avoided damage to their 

reputation and financial loss from warranty 

claims with more thorough coating testing 

using the proper measurement equipment,” 

says John Bogart, Managing Director of Kett 

US, a manufacturer of a full range of testing 

instruments for adhesion, peel, and wear 

measurement. 

To create reliable coatings or products that 

utilize them, engineers and quality assurance 

teams require reliable test instruments to 

verify that the necessary properties and 



SERFILCO INTERNATIONAL 

Global Products, Local Service & Advice You Can Rely On 

SerDuctor Airless Agitation for Improved Process 

Control & Emissions Compliance 

SerDuctor Airless Agitation 

systems provide controllable, 

turbulent movement where you 

need it most whilst driving down 

chemical emissions to help meet 

legislative targets 

• Reduce airborne emissions by ≥90%. 

• Save tank heating costs up to 25%. 

• Save metal as a result of more uniform brightness 

and thickness distribution. 

• Improves Throw deposit thickness in blind, 

through holes and recesses. 

• Permits use of increased current density, 

especially compared to air or cathode rod 

agitation, for faster plating rate. 

• Reduces carbonates in alkaline processes. 

• Reduces or eliminates gas-pitting. 

• Provides constant agitation because SERDUCTOR 

systems don’t clog. 

For more information on our complete range of equipment & our competitive service 

rates, or to talk to an engineer about your application contact Serfilco International: 

+44 (0) 161 775 1910 global@serfilco.com www.serfilco.co.uk

26 MEASUREMENT 

industry standards are met, particularly for 

high-value or high-volume applications. 

Although desktop and inline process 

analyzers are available, the challenge is that 

conventional coating test equipment typically 

offers a limited range of functions. 

Consequently, multiple instruments are often 

required. There are also other issues with 

traditional testing methods that make them 

inconsistent, laborious, and time-consuming. 

As a result, some industry suppliers now 

provide a wide range of coating measurement 

equipment that performs like a “Swiss army 

knife” with multi-functional testing capabilities 

that allow greater flexibility and productivity. 

These desktop, online, and inline testing 

solutions are cost-effective analytical tools that 

can quickly determine a wide range of critical 

coating properties. 

All-in-One Desktop Units 

When various coating properties need to be 

tested, a desktop all-in-one unit like Kett’s 

14FW offers a significant amount of flexibility 

in a single machine with assorted jig 

attachments for specific tests. The device tests 

and measures multiple coating properties 

including friction, wear, peel, and scratch 

resistance. 

The all-in-one unit provides exceptional 

flexibility to test coatings. By changing the jig 

attachment, the contact mode in friction and 

wear testing can be modified, and scratch 

intensity and peeling resistance tests can be 

performed. By presetting the speed of table 

movement, stroke length, and stroke count, 

the tester can provide testing under various 

conditions. 

The unit can also measure scratch 

resistance. This is expressed based on the size 

of the scratch made by a conical scratch test 

pin while a predetermined vertical load is 

applied. A pencil scratch intensity test can also 

be performed. 

According to Bogart, conventional testing 

equipment utilizes substantial “force” that can 

damage the substrate material so ten tests or 

more may need to be conducted and 

averaged. 

Since the H14FW unit utilizes much less 

force, it is more subtle and can be used to 

compare coatings on various substrates or 

items that are challenging to coat. 

“The unit can detect very slight nuances in 

coating formulation batches. This allows 

manufacturers to confidently make critical 

coating decisions involving considerable 

capital, knowing they are making the best 

choice and proceeding correctly,” says Bogart. 

Continuous Coating Testing 

The industry has developed benchtop 

instruments that enable the real-time testing of 

changes in frictional resistance due to wear 

when this is required. As an example, Kett’s 

H40 Friction and Wear Tester uses a balance 

arm that crosses the feed table at right angles 

in forward and backward motions to measure 

frictional forces with very high accuracy. 

The unit, which is equipped with a load 

converter containing a probe integrated into a 

holder, continuously measures changes in 

frictional resistance due to wear. The stroke 

count at which a coating peels, or its surface 

condition changes, is determined from an 

increase or decrease in the frictional resistance 

of the balance arm as it moves back and forth. 

For greater precision, manufacturers can set 

the stroke length of the reciprocating balance 

arm from 1 to 100mm and automatically stop 

it when the desired travel distance is reached. 

The frictional resistance between the coating 

and the balance arm can be measured very 

precisely, from 0 to 9.8N. 

Quality assurance technicians can use a 

variety of measurement jigs including those 

for point contact measurement (i.e.-scratch test 

pin and ball indenter), plane contact (i.e.-flat 

indenter), and line contact (i.e.-blade holder). 

With optional software, various 

measurements from static friction coefficient 

measurement to wear measurement can also 

be performed. 

Although coatings are generally measured 

dry, testing a wet coating is possible with an 

addition that enables heating a sample to 

maintain the coating in liquid form. 

Measuring Coating Thickness 

To ensure consistent quality, OEMs also 

need to determine that a coating is evenly 

applied at the appropriate thickness. 

“Applying too little of a coating risks poor 

product protection and aesthetics, and 

applying too much wastes money,” says 

Bogart. 

To simplify quality control, instant gauges 

like Kett’s model LZ990 allow users to 

measure coating thickness with a simple, nondestructive 

test. As a quality check that can 

improve product consistency with great 

precision, the device displays thickness in 

either mils (.001 inch) or microns (.001mm) to 

the thousandth decimal place. 

Inline Composition Analyzers 

In high-value applications, manufacturers 

may also want to analyze the composition of 

specialized coatings. Advanced composition 

analyzers utilize Near-infrared Reflectance 

(NIR) to provide accurate measurement of 

coatings without sampling, physical contact, or 

degradation. These units are available in 

desktop, online and inline models. 

“With NIR, the surface of the coating, 

whether solid or liquid, is measured and light 

is absorbed by the chemical components. The 

detected absorbance is converted into 

component values,” explains Bogart. 

NIR devices can also be used to analyze 

moisture, film thickness, and coat weight, 

which can simplify the process for users by 

allowing them to measure multiple properties 

with just one instrument and software. 

Since measurement is instant, the 

instrument eliminates the need to take 

samples to a laboratory and put production on 

hold. With pinpoint accuracy, any employee 

can achieve consistent test results with minimal 

risk of error, allowing specialized technical staff 

to focus on other areas of the manufacturing 

process. 

Ensuring essential coating properties are 

achieved is vital to performance in a wide 

range applications and products, so effective 

measurement is crucial to maintain quality. 

Manufacturers that take advantage of the 

most accurate instruments to measure all 

necessary coating characteristics can assure 

product quality, as well as protect the 

company’s brand and reputation. 


PYROLYSIS & 

BURN OFF OVENS 

UK’S LEADING MANUFACTURER 

Our Pyrolysis ovens provide you with a quick and highly effective 

process for the removal of plastic, paints and resins 

Longworth’s pyrolysis & burn off ovens are second to none in design and build quality, built to last and have the latest 

in technological features. Our ovens provide a quick and highly effective process for the removal of plastics, paints 

and resins from jigs, filters, shelving, food trays, motors, automotive parts and a multitude of other components. 

Accreditations 

BS EN ISO 9001:2008 

Call Longworth today for a no obligation meeting on how we can help you and your business 

call 

01254 680501 

email 

enquiries@bmlongworth.com 

visit 

www.bmlongworth.com

28 INSTALLATIONS 

New line opens 

Fire protection solution 

WAGNER Rail has developed a fire protection solution that 

extinguishes fires in open, highly ventilated technical areas in moving 

trains. The effective extinguishing of fires in these train areas, even 

while the train is moving at high speed and without having to slow 

down or interrupt the journey, is unique worldwide to date. The 

innovative extinguishing process was developed on the basis of 

extensive test series carried out in cooperation with TÜV Süd Rail. 

An essential part of holistic fire protection solutions for rail vehicles is 

extinguishing fires in technical areas such as transformers, converters or 

diesel engines. These areas are usually equipped with several nonclosable 

openings through which ventilation takes place. As a result, air 

currents are created inside these technical areas while the vehicle is in 

motion. For effective fire extinguishing, these air currents pose a major 

challenge. Until now, trains had to reduce speed or stop the journey 

completely to extinguish fires safely. 

“In cooperation with TÜV Süd Rail and in compliance with the 

railroad guideline ARGE Part 2 'Fire fighting in railway vehicles', we 

conducted an extensive series of tests from August 15th to 31st, 2022, 

in which fire scenarios were tested under various ventilation situations,” 

said Dr. Peter Stahl, managing director of WAGNER Rail GmbH, 

explaining the research and development work for the novel process. 

“The aim of the tests was to completely extinguish fires in technical 

areas of the train while it was in motion. With the help of the test series, 

it was successfully demonstrated that simulated fires, which were 

fanned by driving winds and air speeds of over 100 km/h acting 

laterally on the train, were completely extinguished using aerosol 

extinguishing agents,” continued Dr. Peter Stahl. 

Powder production 

A new production capability that will enable AkzoNobel Powder 

Coatings to locally produce and deliver bonded metallic powder 

coatings to customers in North Africa is now available in its 

manufacturing facility in Egypt. 

The increased demand for bonded products is being driven by the 

huge development in construction and growth in domestic appliance 

manufacturing in the region. AkzoNobel’s advanced bonding 

techniques can significantly improve the luster and finish of its 

premium special effect metallic powder coatings to deliver a uniform 

metallic finish with even greater colour consistency and performance. 

Sanal Limoncuo lu, commercial director South and East Europe of 

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings says: “Customers can now order from a 

range of stunning colours and textures that are always on trend.” 

On November 7 the opening ceremony of Perlen Packaging's new 

PVdC coating line took place in Anápolis. This is another milestone in 

the development of the Perlen Packaging Group. 

Back in August 2020, the CPH Group's Packaging division 

announced its investment in a new PVdC coating line. Due to the 

effects of the Corona pandemic, the worldwide restrictions in logistics 

and in the availability of electronic components, there were also delays 

in the construction and delivery of the new coating line. 

In order to achieve the targeted schedule in the best possible way, 

the processes were adapted and accelerated. For example, it was 

decided not to set up and accept the coating system at the 

manufacturer's premises, as is usually the case, but to carry out the 

acceptance and function tests directly at the factory in Anápolis. 

Likewise, shipping and transport were carried out under Perlen 

Packaging's own responsibility and direction. 

Colours of the year 

Mankiewicz has announced their Colours of the Year which have a 

noticeable “feel good” flavour. The choice fell on colours that are strong 

and yet gentle and quiet with an openness for design and creativity. It 

is not about loud colour accents and making bold statements this year. 

La Fée-Dragée is French for the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker 

by Tchaikovsky. The colour shade is similar to the fairy’s pink ballet 

tutu. The colour acts mild, soft and in certain contexts is rather escapist. 

We associate it with flower petals, soap bubbles and the sky at dawn. In 

surface design, this colour effects a sleek contrast or offset for any 

surface, interior or product. Not being overly sweet, context and design 

language can also bring out its serious side, so that it also functions as 

a ritzy, fresh team player. 

Mushrooms remind us of the earthiness of the forest, at the same 

time they are a mysterious form of life that follows its own rules. 

“Oyster Mushroom” is a neutral, slightly grayish shade of brown that is 

found in the shells of snails, tree bark and animal furs. Undyed wool 

and rough textiles were the inspiration. With their slightly irregular hue 

and surface, created by the multicolor effect, they exude softness and 

closeness to nature, yet retain a subtle elegance. As a neutral colour it 

is suited in many contexts. 

Green is a hue immediately associated with nature, growth and 

health. Equally “Under Leaves” immerses us in a colourful oasis of 

escape: When surrounded by plant life and with only diffused light 

falling through the foliage, the light can appear slightly bluish. In 

addition to a feeling of depth and tranquility, it also inspires 

enchantment – whether we are above or below water. 

Finishing –January/February 2023

COMPLETE RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL COATINGS 

• Waterborne • Solventborne • High Solid 

• Powder • E-Coat 

SERVING A RANGE OF MARKETS 

• General Finishes • Heavy Equipment • Design 

• Architectural • Transportation • Energy • Rail 

• Furniture • Electronics • Military 

Inver® and Syntha Pulvin® 

are brands of 

The Sherwin-Williams Company 

CONTACT 

The Sherwin-Williams Company, Goodlass Road, Speke, 

Liverpool, L24 9HJ, United Kingdom 

T: +44 (0)151 486 0486 | liverpool.sales@sherwin.com 

oem.sherwin-williams.com | www.synthapulvin.co.uk

30 PLATING 

Selective brush plating: a flexible, 

automated solution to plating 

challenges 

In-service failure of equipment and 

components simply cannot be tolerated and 

intervals between required maintenance 

should ideally be extended as far as possible. 

Depending on the environment in which 

components will operate, a particular type and 

thickness of electroplated metal deposit can 

be applied to protect against corrosion from 

chemicals, vibration and wear, moisture 

ingress and extremes of temperature. 

When a component reaches the final 

surface treatment stage, significant time and 

money will already have been invested in 

processing it, to say nothing of the cost of the 

material, which can be significant depending 

on the application involved. Meanwhile, 

components being repaired or refurbished 

may have significant life left in them and it is 

vital that their full value be extracted. Ensuring 

optimum performance in plating, especially 

the repair and refurbishment of components, 

can be a significant challenge for 

manufacturers and one which they 

understandably may feel is best left to an 

external specialist handling the work on a subcontract 

basis. 

This approach makes sense in many ways 

but can pose challenges in terms of 

turnaround times and in ensuring overall 

control of the process – especially as the 



• 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 

Powder Checker 

Non-contact Uncured Powder Thickness Gauge 

Affordably measures uncured powder coatings using 

non-contact ultrasonic technology to predict 

a cured thickness 

• 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 

£1950.00 

16A Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN 

t: 01442 879494 • www.dftinstruments.co.uk • e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk

32 PLATING 

demand from customers for traceability in the 

form of detailed data and reporting continues 

to grow. However, handling plating in-house 

also poses its own challenges, especially when 

undertaken manually. 

The challenges of in-house 

plating 

Most traditional plating processes 

necessitate the use of immersion tanks, which 

can contain large quantities of hazardous 

chemicals. At some point, these tanks will 

need to be refilled and the old contents 

disposed of. 

Individuals may be understandably reticent 

about taking on this type of work while 

companies facing ever tighter local and 

international health & safety regulations will 

inevitably be seeking ways to minimize 

manual handling of, and exposure to, harmful 

chemicals – not only to protect employees but 

to reduce outlay and management around 

protective equipment. 

Manual plating has an inherent risk of 

inconsistencies between the treatments applied 

to individual components – whether it is the 

time to which the component is exposed to 

the chemical, the current drawn during the 

plating process, operating temperature and so 

on. And these inconstancies are only likely to 

be heightened when several platers are 

involved in plating the same components, 

whether they are working simultaneously or 

on different shifts. This again represents a 

significant issue when it comes to providing 

the level of detailed reporting and traceability 

clients are now demanding. 

A further challenge surrounds throughput. 

Traditional tank plating can be a slow process, 

delayed as much by the delivery of parts to 

the individual workstations as by the plating 

process time itself. But companies are facing 

ever more stringent customer deadlines and 

inevitably need to consider options for 

speeding up the plating process. 

The case for selective brush 

plating 

A solution which is proven in tackling many 

of these issues is the implementation of 

selective brush plating. 

In this process, a direct current from a 

rectifier is applied via an anode which is 

placed into direct contact with the component 

to be plated. The anode is covered in cotton, 

polyester or other materials that hold solutions 

to enable it to act as a brush. Once the anode 

is thoroughly saturated in the solution, the 

deposit is applied to the negatively charged 

part. Brush plating requires movement 

between the anode and the part, which can 

be accomplished by moving the anode over 

the part, moving the part while keeping the 

anode stationary, or moving both. 

This process increases precision as operators 

can focus only on the specific parts of a 

component that need to be plated. It also 

means time and materials are not wasted on 

plating or masking off areas that may not 

require the deposit. In addition, the selective 

plating process eliminates the need for large 

tanks, and working close to large volumes of 

chemicals. 

The benefits of automation 

It is clear that adopting selective brush 

plating as an alternative to traditional tank 

plating can have significant benefits. But these 

benefits can become even more pronounced 

when the selective brush plating is partially or 

fully automated. While plating is an area which 

traditionally has been slower than others to 

automate, it is very much gathering pace in 

recent years because of the achievable 

benefits and reduced costs to implement. 

The level of automation required will 

inevitably depend on available budgets and 

the size, type, importance, and value of the 

parts being treated. At the simplest level, the 

introduction of automated rectifier controls will 

help to ensure consistency of current and 

voltage applied to individual components. 

The next stage of automation would see the 

introduction of semi or fully-automated tool 

handling. Handling larger, heavier tools 

inevitably impact operator fatigue and is an 

area of work which many companies will wish 

to seek to minimize. Automating the tool 

handling contributes to consistency within the 

process from one part to the next. 

Going one step further is the complete 

automation of the process, using robots to 

maneuver the parts to the process, or bring 

the process to the parts through tool handling, 

or both. This reduces the need for manual 

handling within the process altogether while 

making for a more even and consistent 

deposit meaning reduced failures down the 

line. 

Human error is effectively eliminated, as the 

entire process is automatically controlled 

through a user-friendly human-machine 

interface (HMI). Meanwhile, given the fully 

automated nature of the system, detailed 

reports can be immediately accessed on all 

aspects of the process from batches down to 

individual castings. This provides complete 

control and traceability – and therefore peace 

of mind regarding consistency and quality to 

owners and, in turn, to customers. 

The equipment available to fully automate 

the selective brush plating process is so 

flexible that almost any application can be 

catered to, to meet a customer’s exacting 

plating requirements. 

Continued innovation 

Innovation continues at a great pace in the 

area of plating automation. The latest 

development comes in the form of a fully 

portable automated electroplating system, able 

to be moved directly to a specific component 

for in situ plating. The system features cuttingedge 

dripless functionality, with all chemicals 

going back into the machine with no need for 

drip trays, making for a cleaner, more 

environmentally friendly, and safer working 

area. 

While suitable for use by a skilled operator, 

this system also allows for the introduction of a 

robot to handle the part and/or undertake the 

plating task, making the process fully 

automated. Contributing significantly to both 

throughput and productivity, this innovation 

further reduces manual handling and is ideal 

for tasks where rapid turnaround is needed 

with no time for a part to be disassembled, 

removed and taken away for treatment 

elsewhere. 


Gas Process Burners 

Lanemark gas burner systems offer users reliable, high efficiency, 

process heating solutions. 

FD-C high turndown oven/ 

dryer air heating burners. 

Midco HMA high efficiency, 

high turndown, air replacement 

or “make-up” air heating burners. 

FD-GA modulating gas + air 

process air heating burners. 

FD-E low cost high turndown 

oven/dryer air heating burners. 

TX high efficiency small diameter 

immersion tube tank heating 

systems. 

FD Series Packaged Oven/Dryer Burners 

• Specifi cally designed for process air heating applications in convection 

ovens and dryers 

• High turndown/short flame lengths providing accurate process 

temperature control 

• High effi ciency gas + air modulation, gas only modulation and simple 

high/low control options 

• Heat Input Range: 9 kW – 1550 kW 

TX Series Gas Fired Process Tank Heating Systems 

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

• Compact high effi ciency small diameter immersion tube heat exchangers 

occupying minimum tank space 

• Accurate performance modelling using Lanemark TxCalc design software 

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

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

• Direct fired, high effi ciency burner systems, for high volume air heating 

applications such as paint spray booths, ovens and dryers. 

• Supplied either as Midco burner heads for OEM system integration or 

as Lanemark DB or FDB complete packaged systems including modulating 

gas valve trains and controls 

• Wide range of firing rates to suit alternative temperature rise and air 

velocity system requirements 

• DbCalc system design software 

Lanemark Combustion Engineering Limited 

Lanemark House, Whitacre Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 6BW United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 (0) 24 7635 2000 Fax: +44 (0) 24 7634 1166 E-mail: info@lanemark.com 

www.lanemark.com 

COMBUSTION ENGINEERING 

X4620 Lanemark Ad SDAW.indd 1 31/08/2016 09:04

34 POLISHING 

Carbon calculator 

A 

new carbon footprint calculator for metal 

polishing has been created thanks to an 

exciting tie-up between industry and 

academia. 

Professional Polishing Services (PPS), which 

has created three new jobs in the last twelve 

months, has tapped into funding and advice 

from the University of Birmingham’s ATETA 

programme to develop a digital process that 

will help it identify thousands of pounds of 

savings on energy costs. 

The project has involved mapping out the 

manufacturing flow and installing high-end 

data logging sensors in key places to monitor 

real-time power consumption of industrial 

equipment. 

Several variables, including type of material 

and speed of job, are factored into the 

equation to provide robust calculations that 

work out PPS’ carbon footprint and identify 

where savings can be made. 

The West Bromwich-based company is not 

looking to keep this IP to itself, instead it is 

planning to roll-out the calculator to the rest 

of the finishing sector in a bid to help industry 

move towards Net-Zero. 

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, managing director 

of Professional Polishing Services, commented: 

“Our bespoke stainless steel and nonferrous 

polishing services are energy intensive, 

so it made perfect sense for us to look at how 

we could monitor costs – especially with 

prices going through the roof. 

“As a SME, it’s sometimes difficult to make 

the time or spare the money for non-core 

activities. That’s why tapping into the ATETA 

programme and all the academic expertise 

that came with it was a no-brainer and has 

resulted in such impressive progress.” 

She continued: “We now have a carbon 

calculator that can instantly work out the 

footprint of each of the jobs we put on our 

lines, and this is fantastic information to have. 

It gives our production team the opportunity 

to look at how we save energy, making us 

more competitive in the process. 

“The next step will be to roll this out to the 

rest of our sector and we’re already talking to 

the University and our competitors to see 

exactly how we do this.” 

Professional Polishing Services works with a 

client base that spans the world, with its efforts 

seen as far afield as Hong Kong and Australia. 

The company’s reputation for quality - all 

processes are governed by ISO 9001:2015 - 

and its commitment to fast lead times has 

seen it grow sales by £500,000 since Covid- 

19, taking it to £2m by the financial year-end. 

Its strategy focuses on combining 

investment in the best equipment and the 

best people with a desire to tap into the 

knowledge of local Universities, already taking 

on two interns from WMG to improve 

manufacturing efficiencies and process flow. 

“Although there are many companies 

conducting carbon accounting projects, the 

service provided is usually high-level 

information and delivers an understanding of 

what the firm’s legal requirements are…the 

ATETA project is much more than that,” 

added Sureena Sohal, Project Manager at the 

University of Birmingham. 

“The carbon footprint calculator is for 

specific industries/processes and takes a much 

deeper dive into the data and, importantly, 

how manufacturers can offset some of the 

findings. It’s a very powerful weapon in the 

fight against emissions.” 

Kirsty concluded: “It has been a very strong 

twelve months for PPS and we’re really 

benefitting from the investment in the 

additional polishing line. If we can manage 

our energy costs going forward, whilst moving 

towards Net Zero, then we’ll be in a good 

position to attract new opportunities.” 


NEW 

Oven Temperature Logger 

Measures and records oven 

temperature profiles 

• 6 K-type thermocouple ports 

• High temperature stainless steel barrier box for 

long run times 

• Download, view, and analyze data using PosiSoft Desktop Software 

or export to .CSV 

Prices starting at: 

Oven Temperature 

Logger..........£1895 

Temperature 

Probes............£100 

Wide variety of spring clamp and 

magnetic temperature probes available 

Customizable PDF Reports 

16A Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN 

t: 01442 879494 • www.dftinstruments.co.uk • e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk 

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 specific to fit your requirements. 

A wide range of our control instrumentation, dosing pumps and chemical process 

equipment is available on short delivery. 

CALL 

TODAY ON 

01785 254 597 

• Custom Designed & Built Control Panels 

• pH & Redox Controllers & Electrodes 

• Conductivity Controllers 

• Liquid Level Controllers 

• Open Chanel & Magnetic Flow Meters 

• Data Loggers 

• Dosing Pumps & Tanks 

Automated Water 

& Effluent Ltd 

Get in touch for a quote today! 

AWE House, Antom Court, Tollgate 

Industrial Estate, Stafford, ST16 3AF 

awe-ltd.co.uk 01785 254 597

36 PROFILE 

Rebrand for the future 

Aspecialist supplier to the aerospace 

sector will rebrand in January 2023 to 

reflect the future direction and capability 

of the business. 

Hycrome Aerospace, a brand which 

currently operates alongside its sister company 

Hycrome Europe, will officially become 

HycAero on January 1st. 

The rebrand marks an exciting new chapter 

for the Burnley business, its employees, 

customers, partners and suppliers. 

Managing Director Andrew Bailey, who 

started out at an apprentice with Hycrome 

over 40 years ago, explained the reasons 

behind the move: 

“For many years Hycrome has been 

recognised as a key supplier of protective 

coatings, precision machining and other 

special processes to the aerospace and oil and 

gas industries under the Hycrome Europe and 

Hycrome Aerospace banners. 

“As the name ‘Hycrome’ suggests, our 

company has a long legacy of specialising in 

Chrome Plating and Chromic Acid Anodising, 

two processes which we will discontinue by 

the end of 2023 in favour of more 

environmentally friendly protective coatings. 

“We recognise that, for some time now, the 

company name hasn’t truly represented the 

scope or direction of our organisation, 

particularly within the aerospace sector, which 

is why we have decided that, on January 1st, 

2023, Hycrome Aerospace will evolve to 

become HycAero.” 

Andrew assured us that HycAero is a 

change in name only and the new brand will 

slowly begin to evolve within the business in 

the coming months. 

As part of the Score Group, the business 

will continue to thrive and maintain its place 

as one of Europe’s leading suppliers of special 

processes and precision machining to the 

aerospace industry. 

Since the early 2000s the strategy has been 

to stay in front of environmental demands and 

to move away from the use of chemicals 

containing chrome in the company’s hard 

coating, anodising and painting processes. 

In support of this strategy, the business has 

invested heavily in alternative coating 

methods. These include HVOF, Plasma and 

Wire Arc thermal coatings along with Tartaric 

Sulphuric Anodising (TSA) and thin film 

Sulphuric Anodising (SAA), all applied by 

robotic and automated systems. 

As well as finding innovative solutions to 

complex problems, the business has a strong 

track record of collaboration making it the 

special process provider of choice for 

aerospace’s Prime and Tier 1 companies. 

Each of Hycrome’s processes have achieved 

NADCAP, AS9100 accreditations and multiple 

customer approvals including Airbus, Rolls 

Royce, Safran and GE Aviation. 

Andrew added: 

“Key to the success of Hycrome Aerospace 

to date has been its ability to evolve, adapt 

and diversify to meet the requirements of an 

industry that is at the forefront of 

technological innovation. 

“Our move to HycAero marks an exciting 

new era for the business and further 

demonstrates our long-term commitment to 

the aerospace sector.” 


PROTECT 

YOUR VALUABLE 

SURFACES. 

Automated protection tape application for all kind 

of profiles or flats in different materials. Single-sided, 

double-sided, four-sided, flat or round surfaces 

– our machines match all your requirements. 

DALIC SELECTIVE 

ELECTROPLATING 

ADDEV MATERIALS IS THE UK OUTLET 

FOR ALL DALIC ELECTROPLATING 

MATERIALS AND SERVICES 

All the required consumables including 

anodes and bonnets plus training courses and 

technical services. Dalic’s unrivalled application 

systems including rectifiers and the patented 

“closed loop” Dalistick Station for full control 

of the application and no exposure to 

hazardous metals. 

BRUSH PLATING SOLUTIONS 

Anodising 

Cadmium, Cobalt,Zinc, Nickel 

Copper, Tin, Gold, Silver 

SWISS MADE 

T +41 44 926 44 88 

sales@muller.ch 

www.muller.ch 

ADDEV MATERIALS AEROSPACE 

2 Bordon Trading Estate Old Station Way, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 9HH 

T. +44 (0) 1428 651246 F. +44 (0)1428 661471 

sales.emea@addevmaterials.com 

www.addevmaterials-aerospace.com 

pexa_quarter page.indd 1 05/11/2020 11:23

38 MATERIALS 

An exotic interplay of electrons 

Water that simply will not freeze, no 

matter how cold it gets – a research 

group involving the Helmholtz- 

Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has 

discovered a quantum state that could be 

described in this way. Experts from the 

Institute of Solid State Physics at the University 

of Tokyo in Japan, Johns Hopkins University in 

the United States, and the Max Planck 

Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems 

(MPI-PKS) in Dresden, Germany, managed to 

cool a special material to near absolute zero 

temperature. They found that a central 

property of atoms – their alignment – did not 

“freeze”, as usual, but remained in a “liquid” 

state. The new quantum material could serve 

as a model system to develop novel, highly 

sensitive quantum sensors. The team has 

presented its findings in the journal Nature 

Physics (DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01816-4). 

On first sight, quantum materials do not 

look different from normal substances – but 

they sure do their own thing: Inside, the 

electrons interact with unusual intensity, both 

with each other and with the atoms of the 

crystal lattice. This intimate interaction results 

in powerful quantum effects that not only act 

on the microscopic, but also on the 

macroscopic scale. Thanks to these effects, 

quantum materials exhibit remarkable 

properties. For example, they can conduct 

electricity completely loss-free at low 

temperatures. Often, even slight changes in 

temperature, pressure, or electrical voltage are 

enough to drastically change the behaviour of 

the material. 

In principle, magnets can also be regarded 

as quantum materials; after all, magnetism is 

based on the intrinsic spin of the electrons in 

the material. “In some ways, these spins can 

behave like a liquid,” explains Prof. Jochen 

Wosnitza from the Dresden High Field 

Magnetic Laboratory (HLD) at HZDR. “As 

temperatures drop, these disordered spins can 

then freeze, much like water freezes into ice.” 

For example, certain kind of magnets, socalled 

ferromagnets, are non-magnetic above 

their “freezing”, or more precisely ordering 

point. Only when they drop below it can they 

become permanent magnets. 

High-purity material 

The international team intended to create a 

quantum state in which the atomic alignment 

that is associated with the spins did not order, 

even at ultracold temperatures – similar to a 

liquid that will not solidify, even in extreme 

cold. To achieve this state, the research group 

used a special material – a compound of the 

elements, praseodymium, zirconium, and 

oxygen. They assumed that in this material, 

the properties of the crystal lattice would 

enable the electron spins to interact with their 

orbitals around the atoms in a special way. 

“The prerequisite, however, was to have 

crystals of extreme purity and quality,” Prof. 

Satoru Nakatsuji of the University of Tokyo 

explains. It took several attempts, but 

eventually the team was able to produce 

crystals pure enough for their experiment: In 

a cryostat, a kind of super thermos flask, the 

experts gradually cooled their sample down to 

20 millikelvin – just one fiftieth of a degree 

above absolute zero. To see how the sample 

responded to this cooling process and inside 

the magnetic field, they measured how much 

it changed in length. In another experiment, 

the group recorded how the crystal reacted to 

ultrasound waves being directly sent through 

it. 

An intimate interplay 

The result: “Had the spins ordered, it should 

have caused an abrupt change in the 

behaviour of the crystal, such as a sudden 

change in length,” Dr. Sergei Zherlitsyn, 

HLD's expert in ultrasound investigations, 

describes. “Yet, as we observed, nothing 

happened! There were no sudden changes in 

either length or in its response to ultrasound 

waves.” The conclusion: The pronounced 

interplay of spins and orbitals had prevented 

ordering, which is why the atoms remained in 

their liquid quantum state – the first time such 

a quantum state had been observed. Further 

investigations in magnetic fields confirmed this 

assumption. 

This basic research result could also have 

practical implications one day: “At some point 

we might be able to use the new quantum 

state to develop highly sensitive quantum 

sensors,” Jochen Wosnitza speculates. “To do 

this, however, we still have to figure out how 

to generate excitations in this state 

systematically.” Quantum sensing is 

considered a promising technology of the 

future. Because their quantum nature makes 

them extremely sensitive to external stimuli, 

quantum sensors can register magnetic fields 

or temperatures with far greater precision than 

conventional sensors. 


AQUEOUS REMOVAL OF SUB 100 MICRON PARTICLES. 

ULTIMATE CLEANLINESS, SOLVENT-FREE, 

WITH MECWASH. 

Machined castings. Turned parts. Complex pressings and extrusions. 

Customers expect parts to be pristine. 

PRECISION AQUEOUS CLEANING demands MecWash. 

MecWash’s expertise in laboratory analysis of cleaning challenges, tailored chemical 

formulation, wash process design and wash system development can enable you to 

deliver the highest cleanliness standards. 

• IMMERSION & ROTATION 

• ULTRASONIC AGITATION 

• TARGETED JETTING 

• VACUUM DRYING 

TRUSTED BY NAMES LIKE… 

• Renishaw • Rolls Royce • Goodrich • Perkins • JCB 

• Delphi • SKF • Parker Hannifin • Meggitt • Husco 

Cost-effective. Sustainable. Reliable. For the best wash 

machine solution for your production line, talk to MecWash. 

Contact us today on 01684 271600 or visit www.mecwash.co.uk 

Designed and manufactured in Britain 

YOUR EXPERTS IN COMPONENT CLEANING 

Hi-Tek 

PRODUCTS LIMITED 

2a Dawkins Road Industrial Estate, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset BH15 4JP 

Telephone : 01202 661300 

www.hitekproducts.com 

jane@hitekproducts.com or kirsty@hitekproducts.com 

We are suppliers of masking products across a multitude of industries working closely with metal finishing 

and powder coating companies. Established over 50 years ago, we bring a wealth of experience from our 

family run firm. No order is too small and samples are available on request. All stocked sizes of tapes, 

caps, plugs, bungs and pull throughs can be seen on www.hitekproducts.com. If you have a bespoke size 

request, please e-mail kirsty@hitekproducts.com or jane@hitekproducts.com or ring our professional 

team on 01202 661300. 

We are the sole UK distributor for the Tolber range of masking 

lacquers. We also stock PTFE lubricant. 

Samples of all lacquers are available on request.

40 CLEANING 

Sonic solution 

Ultrasonics are widely used for cleaning 

anything from jewellery to electronics 

and are used for a very wide range of 

engineering components. But what are 

ultrasonics and when should they be used as 

part of your cleaning regime? 

Ultrasonic cleaning works by the 

transmission of high-frequency sound waves 

through the wash solution. The sound 

compression waves cause cavitation, 

microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution, 

which implode on the component surface 

generating an intense scrubbing action. being 

cleaned. 

For most industrial applications, ultrasonics 

are not the first choice, as they can require a 

relatively long wash cycle time compared to 

spray or immersion systems and they can be 

expensive. 

However, there are several applications 

where ultrasonics can be very valuable, 

typically: 

• Tenacious contamination 

• Intricate shapes with small apertures 

• Removing fine contamination, to achieve 

high cleanliness specifications. 

Some tenacious contamination can be 

blasted off with sprays or harsh chemistry (e.g. 

many greases), but others tend to cling on 

and need a more subtle approach, e.g. some 

polishing compounds and NDT solutions. 

Complex shapes can also benefit from 

ultrasonics, when the geometry reduces 

solution flow over the surface – e.g. fine blind 

holes, plates close together, fine matrix 

structures. The geometries mask themselves 

such the energy from flowing solution is 

reduced and the ultrasonics compensates. 

Finally, particles tend to be more strongly 

attracted to a substrate, the smaller they are. 

So, for very small particles, large, localised 

cleaning energy is very helpful. Ultrasonics 

can provide this energy which is why 

ultrasonics are so popular for applications with 

stringent cleanliness specifications. 

Having identified ultrasonics as a useful part 

of your cleaning process, you then need to 

decide what frequency. 25 khz is the most 

common frequency used in industrial 

applications, and the most powerful 

commonly available (the lower frequencies 

create bigger bubbles with a bigger bang on 

implosion). However, if you are targeting 

smaller particles, you need to adopt higher 

frequencies. 40 kHz is also quite popular for 

engineering applications needing high 

cleanliness standards. More exacting 

applications, such as cleaning silicon wafers, 

may opt for very high megasonic frequencies. 

Although ultrasonics are very useful for 

these applications, in general they form only 

part of the process. In most engineering 

applications you will have a mix of 

contamination, oils or coolants, metal swarf 

and dust, packing materials etc. As such the 

most efficient cleaning process can comprise a 

mix of techniques, spray, immersion and 

ultrasonics with careful chemical selection. 

Combining all these potential process 

elements into one cleaning system that 

delivers consistently high standards while 

processing industrial volumes and keeping 

process fluids in condition is a real challenge. 

John Pattison, managing director at 

MecWash Systems Ltd, who specialise in 

building high performance industrial aqueous 

cleaning systems, comments: 

“Many people think of a line of dunk tanks 

when they think of ultrasonics. Although this 

may work for some low volume or scientific 

applications, it is rarely ideal for an 

engineering operation. Such static systems 

only really work when parts are pretty clean to 

start with, as there is very little solution 

movement over the parts and the systems 

often have limited ability to maintain 

themselves (e.g. removing swarf or oil from 

the process chamber) so you can’t run them 

24/7 without repeated maintenance. 

“Our MWX systems hold four ultrasonic 

rod transducers, which can be single or 

mixed frequency (so you can run both 

25kHz and 40kHz), depending on the 

contamination targeted. With the MWX 

series, the basket rotation or oscillation 

eliminate dead spots and this gentle 

movement allows solution to continuously 

pass over the surface and contamination falls 

away. Our systems can provide up to 20 

watts/litre in the MWX400 and 30 watts/litre 

in the MWX300 at 25kHz. 

“Basically, we take the ultrasonic concept 

and make it work for the production 

environment. Building ultrasonics into one of 

our trusted, robust systems, that are used by 

blue chip engineering businesses around the 

globe. MecWash customers from automotive, 

aerospace, fluid power, precision engineering 

and medical industries are becoming 

increasingly insistent on the addition of 

ultrasonics to their bespoke machines, and for 

good reason,” said John. 


EFFICIENT - ROBUST - RELIABLE 

• SMALL BATCH WASHING TO CONVEYORISED SYSTEMS 

• SPRAY, SOAK , ULTRASONIC OR COMBINATION MACHINES. 

• FULL AFTER SALES SUPPORT 

• IN HOUSE TEST FACILITY 

• EUROPEAN WIDE CUSTOMER BASE 

• STANDARD AND BESPOKE SYSTEMS AVAILABLE 

• COMPLIMENTARY CHEMICAL RANGE AVAILABLE 

INNOVATION FOR ALL YOUR WASHING NEEDS 

Call 01543 675800 or visit our website www.unitechwashers.uk.com

42 OVENS 

Unwrapping oven operations 

When it comes to coating quality, you 

need the ability to monitor product 

temperature, through the cure oven, 

to ensure you get the cure schedule 

recommended by your coating supplier. 

Although the basic principle of thru-process 

temperature monitoring has remained 

unchanged over the years, unlike others, the 

PhoenixTM technology offering has evolved 

bringing unique innovations to the market. 

Compact System 

The PhoenixTM Compact system is 

designed for the demands of the busy coating 

operation. A rugged and reliable work horse 

that is easy to use and cost effective. The data 

logger accuracy of ±0.3 °C guarantees data 

quality. Powered with user replaceable AA 

batteries the data logger can run for 1000 

hours. No charging or battery replacement 

delays so ready when you need it! The 

silicone free 113 mm high aluminium thermal 

barrier provides over 2 hours protection at 

200 °C and weighs only 3.7 kg making 

transfer to and lifting on the line trouble free. 

Phoenix Factor 

To make cure analysis easier and more 

accurate the Phoenix Factor cure analysis 

calculation has been added to the Thermal 

View Software. The single Cure Index value is 

accurate yet easy to set-up and interpret. All 

necessary parameters for the application of 

Phoenix Factor analysis are stored in an 

analysis settings file, removing the need for 

tedious parameter entry each run. The 

Phoenix Factor allows not only instant QA but 

allows accurate optimisation of the process 

settings and direct comparison of different 

processes. 

Intrinsically safe ATEX certified 

technology 

PhoenixTM has complemented its data 

logger range with the new PTM1500 Epsilonx 

temperature data logger offering a unique 

intrinsically safe 10/20 channel profiling 

system. The PTM1500 data logger is certified 

against the ATEX European standards as 

Group II category for safe operation in 

gaseous and dust environments (ATEX Zone 2 

and 22 respectively) allowing safe operation in 

automotive paint and powder coating 

applications. 

Thermocouple Innovation 

New to the PhoenixTM thermocouple 

range, complementing clamp and magnetic 

sensors, is the MiniMag thermocouple 

designed to fit in the tightest of spaces. The 

sensor head is only 30 mm diameter and 15 

mm high so the MiniMag will fit in places 

previously impossible using traditional 

magnetic thermocouple designs. The 

encapsulated strong samarium cobalt magnet 

guarantees fixing is secure, even at 200 °C. 

Supplied as other thermocouples with user 

replaceable cables to minimize consumable 

costs. 

New Optical Profiling 

The newly developed TS64 thermal barrier 

permits in a single barrier the facility to both 

protect the PhoenixTM data logger and the 

PhoenixTM Optic system (video camera with 

independent illumination) with a thermal 

performance of 3 hours at 200 °C. For the 

first time ever, you can potentially not only 

identify oven temperature uniformity 

problems from the temperature profile graph 

but complement this data with video evidence 

from inside the oven as to the possible root 

cause of the temperature problem. 

Find out more at www.phoenixtm.com. 


Plastratum Ltd 

100 Armoury Road 

Birmingham B11 2RH 

Finishing Industries Yearbook • 2023 Edition 

www.finishingmagazine.co.uk 

Finishing Industries Yearbook is an essential guide providing a comprehensive listing of 

suppliers, manufacturers, associations and trade bodies active in the UK surface treatment 

and metal finishing industry. 

Published annually, this complete reference source contains: 

• A comprehensive A-Z section complete with full company contact details 

• An up-to-date Classified Guide listing finishing products by supplier 

• An up-to-date Regional Guide listing sub-contract finishers by their area of operation. 

• Up-to-date information relating to the ownership and description of key Trade Names. 

• Directory of key Associations representing the surface finishing industry. 

The 2023 edition is priced at just £54 UK / £64 ROW 

Contact Barbara Williams to order your copy at b.williams@turretgroup.com 

Reach the UK’s metal finishing market and subscribe to receive 

Finishing magazine 

Finishing magazine is a specialist bi-monthly for the UK’s metal finishing community. 

Read by decision makers in features technical papers, news, views and debate on 

all aspects of metal finishing and surface coating. 

To subscribe call the Circulation Department on T. +44(0) 141 370 3883

44 HOISTS 

Given a lift 

Hoist & Winch Ltd has recently completed 

a challenging project for one of the UK’s 

biggest construction companies involved 

in large-scale new home development projects. 

Faced with a demanding and highly technical 

brief, Hoist & Winch rose to the task, providing 

a turnkey lifting system solution to ensure 

complete success for its client. 

The requirement was to install a concrete 

ceiling mounted 7.5t swl (safe working load) 

lifting beam and manual chain hoist into the 

basement energy room of a large new tower 

block. This development is part of a large-scale 

prestigious regeneration project providing 

5500 sustainable new homes in North 

London. 

At the design stage, following formal tender 

and contract award, Hoist & Winch set about 

identifying the optimal solution. Due to 

restricted access into the basement area, the 

company decided to utilise a two-piece lifting 

beam design with an overall length of 7m. To 

join the two lifting beam sections, Hoist & 

Winch designed a central splice joint of bolted 

construction with a reinforced bottom beam 

flange. 

In order to spread the lifting loads over a 

greater area of the concrete ceiling slab it was 

decided to mount the lifting beam via four 

intermediate cross members, each having a 

four-bolt/anchor fix into the concrete ceiling at 

both ends. Featuring a robust bolted 

construction design it was possible to deliver 

the lifting beam to site in fully dismantled form 

for ease of transportation and access. 

M24 resin anchors with an embedment of 

255 mm into the 400 mm deep reinforced 

concrete slab fixed the intermediate cross 

members directly to the ceiling for maximum 

security. 

For approval by engineers at the main 

contractor, Hoist & Winch submitted design 

drawings and calculations for the structural 

design of the lifting beam and loading of the 

resin-type ceiling anchors. 

With the design approved, Hoist & Winch 

could progress to manufacturing, followed by 

delivery to site. Using building column 

positions as datum points, the installation line 

of the lifting beam was marked out while 

working from scissor lifts and an aluminium 

scaffold tower located on the upper mezzanine 

floor. A surveyor’s laser line initially identified 

the correct lifting beam position, prior to 

overlaying with red chalk to ensure accuracy 

for the duration of the installation work. 

Raising the two lifting beam sections into 

position required the installation of eight 1t 

swl hand chain blocks, with each one 

suspended from M16 swivel eye bolts 

supported from flush-mounted anchored resin 

inserts drilled into the concrete ceiling slab. 

Following sample pull load testing, Hoist & 

Winch raised each lifting beam section into 

position using four 1t swl hand chain blocks. 

To raise the lifting beams to the full height 

and clamp them hard against the concrete 

ceiling slab ready for drilling, the company 

used two special lifting rigs per beam section. 

The first lifting beam section manoeuvred 

into position also included the 7.5t swl hand 

chain block, which was rolled on to the lifting 

beam at low level using a 1t swl hand chain 

block temporarily suspended from local 

steelwork. Once both lifting beams were in 

position, Hoist & Winch joined the two lifting 

beam sections using the aforementioned 

bolted splice plate. 

Next, the company undertook ceiling slab 

drilling operations and resin anchor installation 

for all 32 ceiling anchor points after very 

carefully cleaning each hole with a special 

heavy-duty internal brush and suction pump. 

Following the specified resin curing time, Hoist 

& Winch could tighten each anchor bolt to the 

required torque levels. 

The final installation and test operation was 

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting 

Equipment Regulations) inspection of the 

lifting beam and manual chain hoist unit. This 

activity included dynamic load testing of the 

entire runway beam length with a 7.5t skidmounted 

test load followed by 125% static 

proof load test in accordance with BS 2853 

2011. 


EXHINITIONS 45 

New show in town 

Surface Design Show, the leading event 

for architects and designers to explore 

the best in surface material innovation, is 

getting ready to welcome over 180 exhibitors 

to its 2023 edition including over 30 New 

Talents. 

Supporting new talent is a key focus for 

Surface Design Show, with the best in new 

innovations and design represented from 

across the world with new talent not only 

from Great Britain but also Sweden, The 

Netherlands, Argentina, Malaysia, Denmark 

and Thailand amongst others. 

Curated by Chief Creative Director at 

Trendease International, Jennifer Castoldi, and 

in Partnership with Tessellate.co, the New 

Talent section will again inspire and excite 

visitors whilst supporting those starting their 

career in the design world. 

The ‘class of 23’ New Talents will feature 

amongst others biomaterials, natural materials, 

digital print, textiles, furniture, wallcovering, 

weaving and biopolymers. 

Jennifer Castoldi CEO and Chief Creative 

Director, Trendease International comments 

“Trendease International is delighted to be 

scouting the New Talent at Surface Design 

Show. Due to the success of this feature, we 

have expanded the scope of talents to 

include: architecture/interior design and 

professional services, material innovation, 

biomaterials, surface design, textiles, 

upholstery, wallcoverings, window treatments, 

floor coverings, furniture/case goods and 

lighting - categories we know will interest the 

design professionals attending the exhibition.” 

Amongst the New Talents represented are: 

Lydia Hill Designs 

Lydia Hill Designs creates luxurious 

wallcoverings and textiles that transform 

spaces into a dynamic oasis of colour, pattern 

and texture. Often inspired by nature, archival 

design, or even endangered wildlife, these 

unique digitally printed patterns add a 

contemporary twist to traditional design. Her 

approach to designing is very fluid and can 

adapt to suit a variety of styles, colour palettes 

and outcomes. Whether it be for home 

furnishings, home décor, art prints, 

accessories, or even giftware, her passion for 

creating unique and captivating print designs 

always inspires. 

Mehreen Ali 

Through incorporating elements of nature 

in their design and work, Mehreen Ali Studio 

is inspired by new organic shapes and 

textures to create unique pattern styles. The 

style of work is embodied by a hand painted 

and illustrative aesthetic, pursuing rich tonal 

quality and saturated colour. This is then 

combined with a digital design processes to 

achieve seamless repeat patten and refined 

prints. 

Volume Created & Spared 

Volume Created & Spared is a start-up by 

design agency Volume Creative. Born from a 

desire to support brands in re-using their own 

waste by turning waste into beautiful objects, 

furniture, art and surfaces. They use their 

design expertise to provide innovative 

solutions for waste, so it’s spared from landfill 

and re-purposed into something beautiful, 

giving it another life. 

Antonia Claudie 

Antonia Claudie is committed to changing 

the textile industry, devoted to craftsmanship, 

prioritising quality over quantity. Through 

sustainable practices and ethically sourced 

materials, the effect is always beautiful and 

long-lasting designs. Antonia Claudie focuses 

on a circular design process, using natural 

materials and dyes, lessening the negative 

impact on the planet. The brand stands for a 

no waste policy with only made to order 

pieces, avoiding overproduction. Any material 

offcuts are turned into accessories or art 

pieces. 

Design enthusiasts are invited to discover 

the brilliant New Talent, as well as seeing the 

new and innovative materials of the already 

established surface specialists exhibiting from 

the 7-9 February 2023 at the Business Design 

Centre, London. 

Finishing –January/February 2023

46 WORKSHOP 

Primary care 

Water displacing lubricant 

SuperCORR A was originally developed for the U.S. Air Force to 

comply with Mil-DTL-87177B (formerly Mil-L-87177A) specifications. A 

water displacing lubricant and corrosion protection compound that 

prevents avionic as well as electrical and electronic components from 

systems failures caused by corrosion. It is now the industry standard for 

electrical corrosion protection, for in service maintenance by both 

military and commercial aircraft major repair and overhaul (MRO) 

facilities worldwide. 

SuperCORR A is a unique and proprietary formulation with longlasting, 

anti-corrosion inhibitors and components providing a superior 

lubrication coefficient and protection against moisture, wear, general 

and fretting corrosion, static electricity, corona, and other electro 

migration problems. 

The non-flammable film is only 7 microns (0.007mm) in thick and is 

formulated without sulphates, chlorides, petroleum-based material, or 

halogens, to meet the EU RoHS directive. 

SuperCORR A is packaged in aerosol cans make access to 

component parts easy for the engineering crew in difficult locations 

and conditions. Unpainted mild steel will not rust on exterior surfaces 

directly exposed to sea water environments for at least 6 months, 

protecting electrical connectors, switches, chains, drive shafts from 

corrosion while maintaining lubrication on moving surfaces. 

New valve launched 

GEMÜ is introducing the new GEMÜ J70 electrically operated 2/2- 

way solenoid valve, optimising its existing solenoid valve product 

group. 

The GEMÜ J70 electrically operated solenoid valve is suitable for 

applications with low flow rates in analysis, vacuum and dosing 

technology and enables precise dosing. The resistant plug diaphragm 

made of PTFE (TFM) has a unique sealing concept. PD technology 

provides for a high degree of accuracy for customer-specific 

applications. 

With the PD (plug diaphragm) technology, the media wetted area is 

separated from the actuator by a plug diaphragm made from modified 

PTFE. PTFE is composed of linear carbon chains which are surrounded 

by fluorine atoms. They spatially shield the carbon atoms and protect 

the molecule from chemical attack – even at higher temperatures. 

The compact GEMÜ J70 solenoid valve features a space-saving 

design and impressive features such as low wear and simple wear part 

replacement alongside good cleanability. The coil can be replaced 

without removing the valve body from the piping. 

With CONEXO and an RFID chip, the GEMÜ J70 solenoid valve 

can be clearly identified, enabling efficient documentation of 

maintenance. 

Solvay has launched Reactsurf 2490, a new APE-free polymerizable 

surfactant designed as a primary emulsifier for acrylic, vinyl-acrylic and 

styrene-acrylic latex systems. Reactsurf 2490 improves emulsion 

performance to deliver superior functional and aesthetic benefits in 

exterior coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), compared to 

conventional surfactants, even at high temperatures. 

In addition to exterior coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives, 

other common uses of Reactsurf2490 include paint binders, adhesives 

& sealants, textile & nonwoven binders, paper coatings, and building & 

construction applications. 

“Exterior coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives are both prone to 

surfactant leaching,” explains Janice Ng, Coatings Asia Pacific business 

development manager. “In exterior coatings exposed to harsh 

environmental conditions, leaching leads to dirt pick-up and water 

marks, while it leads to water whitening in PSAs. Reactsurf 2490 

prevents surfactant migration, which improves water-whitening 

resistance for PSAs and dirt pick-up resistance for exterior coatings.” 

Biomass balance 

BASF’s ColorBrite Airspace Blue ReSource basecoat, certified by 

REDcert² according to a biomass balance approach, has made its debut 

in China. This is the first time BASF’s biomass balance automotive 

OEM coatings were introduced to Asia since the official launch in 

Europe in May of this year. 

The first batch of ColorBrite Airspace Blue ReSource basecoat has 

been delivered to a customer in China. This basecoat product enables 

around 20% reduction in product carbon footprint. The saving number 

is reviewed by a third-party external sustainability consultant. Being part 

of the biomass balance version of BASF’s ColorBrite waterborne 

basecoat portfolio, ColorBrite® ReSource adds a reduced carbon 

footprint without the need to alter the product’s formulation and 

performance. 

BASF has also received the biomass certification for its resins plant in 

Caojing, as well as its paint manufacturing sites in Minhang and 

Caojing operated by BASF Shanghai Coatings Co., Ltd. With this 

certification, BASF has the capability to provide its customers in China a 

comprehensive range of biomass balance certified automotive coatings 

solutions using materials derived from renewable raw materials. 

“Replacing fossil-based feedstock with renewable raw materials 

through BASF’s biomass balance approach symbolizes our pledge to 

helping our customers achieve their carbon emission targets while 

retaining the same high quality and performance of the product. The 

biomass balance approach certification for our sites in China reinforces 

our commitment of being an industry leader in driving sustainability 

and innovation. We look forward to cooperating with more OEMs in 

China by contributing to a resource-efficient and carbon-neutral future 

together,” said Jack Zou, Vice President, Automotive OEM Coatings 

Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF. 


Products & Services 


mobile: 07746 373 545 

email: s.freshwater@turretgroup.com • web: www.turretgroup.com 

Leading manufacturers of 

Jigs, Racking systems, Baskets, Heaters, Coils and many other 

products for the Anodising & Electroplating industry 

T: 01283 529314 • E: Sales@Supreme-Eng.com • W: www.supreme-eng.com 

abrasive blast cleaning equipment 

coating applications 

computer systems 

HODGE CLEMCO LTD 

Abrasives 

Blast Rooms 

Blast Cabinets 

Portable Blast Machines 

Paint Spray Equipment 

Abrasive Recovery 

Safety Equipment 

Dust Collection 

Spray Booths 

Servicing 

Training 

Tel: 0114 254 8811 

36 Orgreave Drive, Sheffield, S13 9NR 

www.hodgeclemco.co.uk 

Supplier and manufacturer of 

abrasive blast cleaning and surface 

treatment equipment since 1959 

abrasive blast cleaning equipment 

HEAVY DUTY 

SHOTBLAST MACHINES 

LARGEST UK STOCKS 

NEW MACHINES 

PLATE & SECTION CLEANERS 

TABLE & SPECIFIC MACHINES 

HOOK / HANGER MACHINES 

BARREL & TUMBLER MACHINES 

AIR BLAST ROOMS & CABINETS 

EXTRACTION / DUCTWORK SYSTEMS 

OVER 60 MACHINES IN STOCK 

DOUG BOOTH UK LTD 

(Est 1971) 

SPECIALIST ENGINEERS 

Tel: 01924 274887 

Fax: 01924 262219 

M/C Sales 07850 744377 Txt/WhatsApp 24hr 

Email: paul@dougbooth.co.uk (machines) 

jonny@dougbooth.co.uk (parts & service) 

Website: www.dougbooth.co.uk 

SURPLUS & TRADE IN MACHINES WANTED 

AGENTS/FINDERS REQUIRED 

abrasives 

coatings 

Delivering highly 

engineered, critical 

function products 

and services to 

the commercial, 

industrial, defense 

and energy markets 

n Shot Peening 

n Laser Peening 

n Coating Services 

n Analytical Services 

Please contact us on: 

01635 279621 

www.cwst.co.uk 

Engineered coating solutions: 

● High lubricity/low friction 

● 

● 

● 

Anti-corrosion 

E/M Coating Services 

Resistance to erosion/galling 

Chemical/environmental 

protection 

Do you know what your production 

line is doing? ORPHEUS DOES! 

ORPHEUS... Proven Production 

control software 

Barcode technology provides 

TOTAL ORDER TRACKING and 

TRACEABILITY 

Interested? 

Why not give us a call for a 

demonstration. 

Mark Dimmock 

Acton Gate Systems Ltd, 

Wolverhampton, WV9 5HF 

01902 249299 actongate 

www.actongate.co.uk • enquiries@actongate.co.uk 

To advertise please call 


on 07746 373 545 or email 

s.freshwater@turretgroup.com 

conveyor systems 

Overhead Conveyors 

& Lifting 

Equipment 

● 

EM/RF shielding 

A business unit of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies 

Please contact us on: 

01386 421444 

www.emcoatingsuk.co.uk 

T. 01926 813111 

sales@niko.co.uk 

www.niko.co.uk 

rdm_4x1_FNGCLASS 15/7/14 14:06 Page 1 

complete finishing plant 

(paint or powder coatings) 

abrasives 

boilers 

R.D.M. Engineering Ltd, Est. 1951 

Stakehill Lane, Stakehill, 

Middleton, 

Manchester M24 2RW 

Tel: 0161 643 9333 

Fax: 0161 655 3467 

Web: www.rdmengineering.co.uk 

E-mail: sales@rdmengineering.co.uk 

Contact: Mr R. Horwich 

spraybooths • rooms • ovens • 

conveyors • pretreatment • powder 

plant • air replacement units 

CALDAN Conveyor Ltd. 

Kirkleatham Business Park 

Redcar • TS10 5SH 

Tel. +44 1642 271118 

salesuk@caldan.dk 

www.caldan.dk 

Caldan Conveyor Solutions - 

simply perfect. 

High Carbon Steel Shot and Grit. 

Medium Carbon Steel Shot and Metal 

Bead. Stainless Steel Cr and Cr/Ni. 

High Chrome Grit. 

Aluminium Oxide. 

Full Technical Support. 

Tel: 01952 299777 Fax: 01952 299008 

Email: sales@pometon.co.uk 

Modern Coil Type Steam 

Generators & Fire Tube Boilers 

• 100Kg/h – 25,000Kg/h 

• High efficiency – up to 96% 

• Low overall emissions 

• Improved safety 

• Simplicity of control 

• Quiet, clean & cool in operation 

Tel: 020 8953 7111 

info@babcock-wanson.com 

www.babcock-wanson.com 

To advertise 

please call 


on 07746 373 545 or email 


FM_PSA_2016.indd 1 14/04/16 12.43 

January/February 2023 - Finishing

48 for all your classified needs call Stewart Freshwater on: 07746 373 545 

drying racks & spray tables 

effluent treatment plants 

infra red emitters 

DRYING RACKS 

FILTERS 

To advertise 

please call 


on 

07746 373545 

or email 


hooks & jigs 

SPRAY TABLES 

SPRAY-SHOP-SUPPLIES.CO.UK 

01920 822 404 

INFO@GIBBSFINISHING.COM 

www.neutralac.co.uk 

TENNANTS 

TENNANTS DISTRIBUTION LIMITED 

electrophoretic coatings supplier and applicator 

Polypropylene Tanks 

PVC Tanks 

PVC/GRP Tanks 

Bund Tanks 

Tank Linings 

Rubber Linings 

HDPE Tanks 

Established 1976 

Fume Scrubbers 

Fume extraction 

Pipework 

Ducting 

Repairs & Refurbishment 

Flexible PVC Linings 

Guards in all materials 

One off Fabrications and installation 

Tel: 01543 462 802 

Email: plasbrun.plastics@outlook.com 

Web: www.plasbrunplastics.co.uk 

MANUFACTURERS AND 

APPLICATORS OF SPECIALIST 

ELECTROPHORETIC COATINGS 

• A TRULY UNIQUE FINISHING SERVICE 

• SIMULATED BRUSHED NICKEL, CHROME AND STAINLESS STEEL 

EFFECTS APPLIED DIRECTLY ONTO BASE METAL SUBSTRATES. 

• BESPOKE COLOURS AND EFFECTS TO CUSTOMER SPECIFICATIONS 

• ALL FINISHES AVAILABLE WITH ANTI-BACTERIAL CAPABILITY 

Hawking Electrotechnology Ltd 

T: +44 (0) 1384 483019 

E: sales@hawking.co.uk • W: www.hawking.co.uk 

electroplaters 

COPPER n CHROME n POLISHING n IRIDITE NCP n GOLD and SILVER 

BRIGHT ACID TIN n MANGANESE PHOSPHATE 

n CHEMI BLACK COLD and HOT n ZINC and CLEAR/COLOUR/BLACK 

NICKEL BRIGHT/DULL n ANODISING CLEAR/COLOUR/BLACK/HARD 

Units 1 & 2, Dawkins Road Industrial Estate, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset BH15 4JP 

Tel: 01202 677939 

jane@dorsetware.com 

t Bruest ATEX-certified 

Flameless Gas 

Catalytic Infrared Heaters 

t Gas-saving industrial ovens 

t “CATBOX” box ovens for 

wood-finishing 

t Servicing, spares & repairs for 

most brands of catalytic heaters 

Unit 1b Brown Lees Road Ind. Est. Forge 

Way, Knypersley, Staffordshire ST8 7DN 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 511880 

www.thermocatalytic.com 

thermocatsys@aol.com 

To advertise please email 

Stewart Freshwater at 


laquers 

T: 01202 661300 jane@hitekproducts.com 

www.hitekproducts.com 

Hi-Tek stocks not only an extensive range of 

masking products including plugs, tapes, caps and 

discs, but also has the distinction of being the 

European distributor for the US based TOLBER 

range of lacquers and 

associated products. Hi-Tek 

imports bulk supplies from 

Tolber and converts or 

decants into commercially 

usable volumes for the UK, 

and European trade. The 

association with Tolber has 

evolved over many years. 

finishing systems 

jigs & baskets 

Masking • Hooks • Jigs 

HangOn Ltd 

Leintwardine, Craven Arms, 

Shropshire, SY7 0NB, UK 

Tel. +44 (0) 1547 540 573 

Fax. +44 (0 1547 540 412 

Email. sales@hangon.co.uk 

Web. www.hangon.co.uk 

• Water wash spraybooths 

• Water treatment chemical additives 

• Paint separation solids removal systems 

• Dry filter spraybooths 

• Fixed or portable spraybooths 

• Sprayroom enclosures 

• Air replacement systems 

• Full installation and commissioning 

• After-sales service and maintenance 

• Spray process engineering 

Product complies fully with current environmental 

protection and health and safety legislation 

Unit 4 Brook Road Industrial Estate, 

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2BH 

T: 01202 840900 • F: 01202 889477 

www.dynaclean.co.uk • sales@dynaclean.co.uk 

• Automotive • Aerospace 

• Oil & Gas 

• Petrochemical 

• Defence • Medical 

• Precision Engineering 

Specialist manufacturers in: 

Jigs • Baskets 

Coils • Heaters 

Fasteners • Tanks 

0121 622 3887 

info@saltandsadler.co.uk 

www.saltandsadler.co.uk 

Leading manufacturer of Jigs, 

Racking systems, Baskets, Heaters, 

Coils and many other products for the 

Anodising & Electroplating industry 

www.Supreme-Eng.com 

Tel: 01283 529314 

Fax: 01283 529316 

Sales@Supreme-Eng.com 


for all your classified needs call Stewart Freshwater on: 07746 373 545 

49 

nylon colours_3x2_FNGCLASS 17/5/11 16:29 Page 1 serfilco_5x1_FNGCLASS 18/11/13 

masking 

nylon coating powders 

pump & filtration specialists 

Hi-Tek Products Ltd 

2A Dawkins Road Industrial Estate 

Hamworthy, Poole, 

Dorset BH15 4JP 

Tel: 01202 661300 

E-mail: jane@hitekproducts.com 

Web Site: www.hitekproducts.com 

Contact: Jane McMullen 

Masking Caps • Tapes/Discs • Tapered 

Plugs • Tubing • Pull-Through Plugs 

• Custom Design • Stopping-Off 

Lacquers • PTFE Lubricant 

To advertise email 



metal plating and polishing 

Tel: +44 12 96 43 37 54 

Fax: +44 12 96 39 22 85 

Email: sales@nyloncolours.co.uk 

powder coating 

gemapowdercoating.com 

High-quality solutions 

for powder coating 

NYLON 

A TOUGHER COATING 

Nylon Colours Ltd manufactures 

Nylon Coating Powders for 

Electrostatic or Fluid Bed. 

A wide range of colours including 

metallics is available. 

Nylon Colours is also the UK distributor 

for RILSAN range of Nylon Powders. 

The latest and 

greatest from 

the leading 

powder 

coating 

equipment 

provider 

Gema Europe Srl 

– UK Branch 

T: 0044 1202 763 942 

E: uk.sales@gema.eu.com 

● 

● 

● 

● 

SERFILCO 

Pumps, Filters 

and Agitation 

Systems 

TITAN Auto Backwash Filter 

Carbon Purification & Cartridges 

Premier Washed & Pleated Reusable 

Drum and Air Diaphragm Pumps 

● Electric Immersion Heaters 

Tel: 0161 775 1910 

Fax: 0161 775 3696 

SERFILCO delivers 

clear solutions 

E: sales@serfilco-international.com 

www.serfilco.co.uk 

rectifier equipment 

Switchmode and SCR DC Power Supplies 

for any metal finishing process. 

Options include: 

Local / Remote control. 

Constant Current / Constant Voltage. 

PLC controllable. Touchscreen control. 

Process timer. Ampere hour / minute meter. 

Digital meters. Outputs fully recordable. 

Outputs from 10 Amp x 6 V to 6000 Amp x 200 V. 

Prices available on request 

rdm_4x1_FNGCLASS 15/7/14 14:06 Page 1 

oven stoving & curing 

R.D.M. Engineering Ltd, Est. 1951 

Stakehill Lane, Stakehill, 

Middleton, 

Manchester M24 2RW 

Tel: 0161 643 9333 

Fax: 0161 655 3467 

Web: www.rdmengineering.co.uk 

E-mail: sales@rdmengineering.co.uk 

Contact: Mr R. Horwich 

spraybooths • rooms • ovens • 

conveyors • pretreatment • powder 

plant • air replacement units 

powder coating manufacturers 

precision cleaning & degreasing 

pumps & filters 

ptr treatment 

Aqueous Cleaners/Degreasers 

Metal Brightening Solutions 

Alkaline and Acid Etches 

Desmuts/Deoxidisers 

Chrome passivates and treatments 

Qualicoat Approved Non-Chrome 

treatments 

Phosphates and Non-phosphate 

treatments 

Pickling Solutions 

Paint Strippers 

Special Formulations 

and Approved Systems 

Supplied with technical support 

and advice 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1978 660 297 

Fax: + 44 (0) 1978 661 104 

E-mail: info@almetron.com 

Web: www.almetron.co.uk 

To advertise 

To meet the requirements of: 

ASTM B117 • ISO 9227 • DIN 50 021 

almetron ltd-5x1_FIN_CLAS please (v2).i1 call 1 16/3/12 13:09:20 

and all other standards. 


on 07746 373545 

or email 


spray nozzles 

For more information please contact us on: 

Tel: +44 (0) 121 526 6847 

Fax: +44 (0) 121 568 8161 

e-mail: sales@britishelectrical.co.uk 

Website: www.britishelectrical.co.uk 

salt spray environmental 

cabinets 

UKAS/NADCAP CERTIFIED SALT 

FOR SALT SPRAY TESTING 

Supplied in 5Kg and 25Kg Packs 

Full traceability guaranteed. 

SPECIALIST LAB SALT LTD 

Paytoe Lane . Leintwardine . Craven Arms. 

Shropshire . SY7 0NB 

Telephone: 01547 540573 

Email: sales@specialistlabsalt.com 

Website: www.specialistlabsalt.com 

The Sherwin-Williams Company 

January/February 2023 - Finishing

50 for all your classified needs call Stewart Freshwater on: 07746 373 545 

spray booths 

spray nozzles 

thermal fluid 

web design 

The shoemaker’s son 

always goes barefoot. 

Excellent surfaces 

WAGNER offers a wide range 

of systems and products for 

perfect coating solutions in 

liquid and powder. 

surface finishing & effluent 

technologies 

Thermal Fluid 

Heating 

Technology now 

for the future 

• Up to 50% energy savings 

• Compact size 

• Easy & safe to use 

• Works up to 350°C 

• Low exhaust emissions 

• High efficiency 

• Requires no specialist 

knowledge 

Tel: 020 8953 7111 

info@babcock-wanson.com 

www.babcock-wanson.com 

It’s the same in many industries, we 

never get the time to look after 

ourselves. 

We’ve been far too busy creating 

beautiful websites and building 

successful email campaigns for clients 

that our site relaunch has been pushed 

back again. 

This is not a complaint though, it’s what 

we at Reva call a nice problem, plus it 

shows that with us the customer indeed 

does come first. 

If you would like to push our website 

further down our to do list contact us 

for a chat. 

R 

V 

E 

Web Design 

A & Development 

T. 01932 567505 

chat@reva.co.uk 

Applying 

Feeding 

Mixing 

Controlling 

Booths & Systems 

Wagner Spraytech (UK) Ltd. 

Tel. 01327 368410 

enquiries@wagner-group.com 

www.wagner-group.com 


AUTOMATIC & MANUAL 

METAL FINISHING 

PLANT EQUIPMENT 

Fume Extraction 

Effluent Treatment 

DI Water Generation 

TEL: +44 (0) 121 314 1191 

enquiries@plastratum.com 

www.plastratum.com 

Plastratum Ltd 

100 Armoury Road 

Birmingham B11 2RH 

tanks & protective linings 

Polypropylene Tanks 

PVC Tanks 

PVC/GRP Tanks 

Bund Tanks 

Tank Linings 

Rubber Linings 

HDPE Tanks 

Established 1976 

Fume Scrubbers 

Fume extraction 

Pipework 

Ducting 

Repairs & Refurbishment 

Flexible PVC Linings 

Guards in all materials 

One off Fabrications and installation 

Tel: 01543 462 802 

Email: plasbrun.plastics@outlook.com 

Web: www.plasbrunplastics.co.uk 

To advertise 

please call 


on 07746 373545 

or email 

s.freshwater 

@turretgroup.com 

Editorial Calendar 

Each issue of Finishing Magazine includes the 

following regular columns: 

4 News and views 

4 Products 

4 Business and technical issues 

4 Personnel changes 

4 Company focuses 

4 Questions & answers 

4 Special reports 

4 Employment legislation 

4 Plus monthly special features 

MARCH/APRIL: 

n Pre-Treatment Chemicals 

n Test and Measurement Equipment 

n Laboratory Equipment 

For Editorial enquiries please contact: 

John Hatcher, 

EDITOR 

E: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

T: +44 (0) 1923 437 618

Poison under control. 

SLOTOLOY ZN „Generation VX“ 

The alkaline zinc-nickel processes SLOTOLOY ZN „Generation VX“ are operated with an anode (special anode VX 1) 

specially adapted to the process and respective additives. Because of this, the formation of breakdown products and cyanide 

on the anode is inhibited. The practical application at customers showed in converted electrolytes that even the cyanide 

content is reduced actively. 

Advantages of the zinc-nickel 

processes „Generation VX” 

· No cost-intensive membrane technology necessary. 

· Improvement of current efficiency and appearance. 

· Simple conversion of existing electrolytes. 

· Low additive consumption. 

· The formation of cyanide is significantly reduced and 

may falls below the detection limit. 

· Since there’s less non-active tetracyanonickelate there’s 

a lower demand of nickel. 

Decrease of the cyanide content after the conversion to 

SLOTOLOY ZN „Generation VX“ 

cyanide content [mg/L] 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

0 500 1000 1500 2000 

bath throughput [Ah/L] 

Schloetter Co. Ltd. 

Abbey Works 

New Road, Pershore 

Worcestershire WR10 1BY 

United Kingdom 

T +44 (0)1386 552 331 

info@schloetter.co.uk 

www.schloetter.co.uk

Finishing - January-February 2023

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?