Finishing - March-April 2023

March/April 2023
THE PREMIER UK JOURNAL FOR SURFACE TECHNOLOGY
How big is your carbon footprint?
World leading carbon neutral products
At Lhoist we are:
• Reducing our CO 2
emissions
• Increasing our process efficiency
• Offsetting the remainder
...and offering customers a range of carbon neutral products today.
Working with you towards carbon neutrality
For further information scan this QR code
Gwyn Watkins
Sales & Logistics Director
T: 01298 768 661
M: 07702 710188
Lhoist UK, Hindlow
Buxton, Derbyshire
gwyn.watkins@lhoist.com
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
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March/April 2023 – Volume 47 Number 2 – ISSN no. 0264 2506
In this issue...
As I write this it seems as if the Government has reached an agreement with
the EU regarding trading arrangements with Northern Ireland. This seems long
overdue and let’s hope it doesn’t led to a two tier system within the UK and it
gets through Parliament.
Also energy prices are still high on the agenda and decisions are being made
as we speak on whether there will still be any financial help from the
Government. Industry does not seem to be talked about as much as
consumers, but if the Government really want to control inflation, energy prices
have to come down for prices not to continue rising. It’s a
tough time for everyone in the UK, I hope it ‘s not going to
get any harder for industry.
News
Newsdesk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features
Commitment to carbon neutrality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Complete solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Reaching your production goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Looking to the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Contract coater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Back to reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
All on display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Pressure point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
A clean slate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Regulars
Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Classified listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
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 – March/April 2023

4 NEWS www.finishingmagazine.co.uk
Car paint trends around the world
As they have for several years,
achromatic colours dominated
the automotive market around
the globe in 2022. But as BASF’s
designers found in the
company’s Colour Report for
Automotive OEM Coatings, the
automotive colour rainbow is
expanding to allow colors like
yellow, orange, green, and violet
to take market share.
Despite the shift in colours, the
achromatic colours – white,
black, silver, and gray – followed
a familiar pattern, coating the
majority of the non-commercial
vehicles produced in 2022. As it
has been for several years, white
is still the most popular car
colour around the world for its
classic, timeless beauty, and high
resale value.
If buyers didn’t choose
achromatic colours, they often
went for blue or red. While those
two colour spaces are still very
popular, other chromatic colours
like yellow, orange, green, and
violet are all gaining market
share in most regions of the
world. This shows that BASF’s
customers – the automakers –
are embracing a wider range of
diversity and breadth of colour
than before.
The data cited throughout the
report also shows that
automakers produced more
vehicles as they bounced back
from the effects of the global
pandemic and regional supply
chain challenges.
EMEA: More colourful, even
though its two biggest colours
(white and black) also increased
Europe, Middle East and Africa
(EMEA) showed gains for its two
most popular colours – white
and black – and losses in market
share for gray and silver. At the
same time, the region got much
more colourful.
Blue still has a commanding
lead among chromatic colours in
EMEA, but both blue and red
lost market share. Orange started
appearing in car buyers’
preferences, and yellow, brown,
and green all picked up a few
percentage points.
“White and black increased
this year, but the bigger story is
diversity in the chromatic
colours,” said Mark Gutjahr,
head of Automotive Colour
Design, EMEA. “When you add
the market share of yellow,
orange, brown, and green, you
can see more hues and diversity,
reflecting a more nuanced colour
palette and a depth and breadth
of colour that has developed in
the last year or two.”
North America: More
chromatic colours like violet show
up
North American car buyers
have fewer choices for chromatic
colours, but that doesn’t mean
they’re choosing fewer chromatic
cars, trucks, or SUVs. Blue and
red are still dominant, but the
region is more colourful than
before as green, yellow, violet,
and beige show up more often.
Blue is still on top, and the gap
between blue and red is
widening as blue continues its
dominance. Achromatic colours
like black, gray, and silver lost
some market share, especially in
larger vehicles. That allowed
earthy tones like beige, brown,
and green to increase, and violet
to gain market share as car
buyers’ tastes change.
“If you look at the heavy
hitters among the chromatic
colours, blue and red are on top.
But with people turning more to
nature, natural colours like green,
yellow, violet, and beige are
making their mark,” said Liz
Hoffman, head of design, The
Americas. “Car buyers are also
looking for a vehicle colour that
conveys their positivity.”
Asia Pacific: Increase of gray
shades boosted the share of
achromatic colours
As BASF’s designers saw in
other regions of the world, white
was also the most popular colour
in Asia Pacific. The real focus this
year is an increase in gray
shades, hinting at a new era in
the automotive industry, and the
changing values and habits of car
buyers.
While the total numbers aren’t
huge, brown, green, and violet
are all consistent in colour
popularity. It will be a long time
before they challenge white for
the most popular, but for now,
they add to the tremendous
diversity of colour in Asia Pacific.
That’s especially true among
small vehicles and NEVs, which
are selling in a wider range of
colours.
Gray gained about six
percentage points in popularity,
taking market share from blue,
red, gold, and brown.
“Gray is more attractive and
popular than ever. Users never
give up pursuing uniqueness and
individuality in achromatic
colours,” said Chiharu
Matsuhara, head of design, Asia
Pacific. “Some gray shades with
blue or violet undertones are
working their way into the
market, with solid-like effects and
also added colour pearl effects
showing great diversity in the
colour space.”
South America: The lightest
region as white, silver, and beige
dominate the market
AkzoNobel
appoint
new MD
AkzoNobel has appointed Jim
Kavanagh as its new managing
director of Industrial Coatings.
Jim will lead the strategic
direction across a diverse
portfolio, including Coil and
Extrusion Coatings, Packaging
Coatings, Wood Finishes and
Wood Adhesives.
He joined AkzoNobel in
1990 as a development chemist
in the protective coatings
business. During his 32 years
with the company, Jim has held
various positions, including roles
within product management and
marketing. From 2000, he
worked internationally as a
general manager and
commercial director based in
China, Africa and the UAE. Most
recently, he was responsible for
leading the metal coatings
business in emea as regional
commercial director.
Commenting on his new role,
Jim says: “I’m very proud to be
leading a business with so many
talented individuals and teams
across such a diverse and
impressive portfolio. I’m looking
forward to further developing
our capabilities and building on
our leading global positions.”
Finishing – March/April 2023

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6 NEWS www.finishingmagazine.co.uk
The BCF are encouraging companies to take on apprentices, as
Finishing found out
Championship support
Newport Galvanizers along with Newport-based Smartyre, have
sponsored the family-run SLN Racing team which was established in
1992 by experienced racer Mike Nippers. He’s since handed over the
drivers’ seat to his 20-year-old son, Tom who is currently competing in
the Formula Ford Series – a type of motorsport that’s hosted young
talent for the past 50 years.
Tom Nippers said: “I massively appreciate the local support I’ve
been shown by those in my home town of Newport. Not only to those
sponsoring me, but to those following my journey and cheering me
on each race. Alongside my studies at Bath University, I worked at
Newport Galvanizing Ltd, and made many friends along the way. I
can’t thank them enough for all their support.”
Tom finished the 2022 Championship season with a firm position
on the podium - taking third place in the Quarter final, and qualifying
in the Final. But, due to poor weather conditions which halted the
Final, the outcome to his true potential is still unknown.
Edward Saville, general manager at Newport Galvanizers Ltd, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to sponsor SLN Racing, and be a part of
Tom’s incredible journey. His hard work and determination were
evident during his time with us – qualities we’ve also seen
demonstrated on the race track. So, when the opportunity arose for us
to get involved, we jumped at the chance. We’re a tight knit workforce
and wanted to show our support in his future.”
The future is now
The Chemical Business
Association (CBA) was
represented by staff and
members of their Future Council
at the ‘Chemistry at Work Week’
held at the Catalyst Science
Discovery Centre, Widnes.
The CBA Future Council,
whose aims include bringing
attention to the diverse chemical
supply chain and its associated
industries; as well as inspiring
and encouraging new talent;
welcomed Y9 pupils from local
schools to the Museum for a
week of workshops, talks and
As part of the UK’s National Apprenticeship Week 2023, the British
Coatings Federation (BCF) are encouraging coatings employers to
take advantage of the wide range of apprenticeships available to
help recruit the next generation of talent into a career in the
coatings industry.
Tying into this year's theme for National Apprenticeship Week of
‘Skills for Life’, apprenticeships are a great way of equipping young
professionals with the skills to set them up for a career in their
chosen industry. BCF's Apprenticeship Service can help paints, inks
and wallcoverings companies find and hire new apprentices across
all disciplines and functions and can also help larger coatings and
printing ink companies spend their UK Apprenticeship Levy funds.
The service has been purpose-built for BCF Members by the
Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA).
There are around 600 available apprenticeship programmes in
England, and with at least 95% of the training costs being funded
by the government, apprenticeships are a cost-effective way of
developing the knowledge and skills of the workforce.
The ATA can work with employers to put individuals through
apprenticeships or whole teams. For any department that they have
within your business, there will be a range of relevant apprenticeship
programmes at appropriate levels to suit all members of staff,
regardless of experience. Some examples of the departments that
businesses may have could include:
• Accounts and Finance
• HR
• Sales, Marketing & Procurement
• Administration and Customer Service
• IT and Cyber Security
• Digital
The services provided by the ATA are available for both small and
large organisations, and the service will be tailored to suit the
business's specific needs. Employers will have direct access to a
designated account manager who will be able to answer any
questions they have and provide support whenever they need it.
Employers can also take advantage of BCF’s agreement with Tiro,
a specialist trainer provider for science and technology
apprenticeships, which will also give funding for the BCF’s Coatings
Training Institute courses. Tiro’s level 3 Laboratory Technician and
Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeships will both utilise
six modules from the Coatings Training Institute as the knowledge
element of the apprenticeship.
experiments.
Each representing a different
CBA member company, the
Future Council was joined
through the week by over 500
pupils from across six local
secondary schools. The pupils
were able to hear and learn firsthand
about the multitude of
career options throughout the
chemical supply chain – from
sales and account management
to logistics and laboratory roles.
Each session concluded with an
experiment, aiming to show the
pupils the chemistry behind
everyday objects, such as antifreeze.
Tim Doggett, CBA’s Chief
Executive joined the pupils for
the final day to reflect and share
his experiences of the chemical
supply chain and to talk about
his role.
Finishing – March/April 2023

Low energy,
high performance
Businesses recognize the impact that product materials and processes
– upstream and downstream – have on energy consumption and the
environment. They know too of the impact of rising energy prices and the
challenges of ongoing availability and supply, which means finding new ways
of working in a world that cares more about its future.
Interpon 610 Low-E (Low Energy) is a range of ‘low bake’ powder coatings
specially engineered for curing at lower temperatures by 30°C (from 180°C to
150°C), and in doing so cuts energy consumption by up to 20%. Alternatively,
it can improve productivity, curing up to 25% faster compared to a ‘standard’
powder coating.
Interpon 610 Low-E supports you in improving coating efficiency and reducing
your carbon footprint, directly supporting a company’s drive towards a net
zero carbon future.
Interpon. Your personal best.
industrial.interpon.com

8 NEWS www.finishingmagazine.co.uk
Third party accreditation is a vital part of
the Qualicoat standard
At the double
The British Coatings Federation (BCF) achieved a double win in both
of their shortlisted categories at the 2023 Trade Association Forum
(TAF) Awards.
BCF picked up the award for Good Governance at the Trade
Association Forum Awards for their work to reduce their pension
deficit, which was the major financial issue facing BCF in the past 10
years. Through the delivery of a clear strategy and long-term prudent
financial management by the BCF Board of Directors – combined with
leadership from BCF to grow membership and commercial income –
the BCF Pension Scheme Trustees were finally able to sell the pension
scheme without any additional investment from the BCF’s reserves in
2022.
BCF senior marketing and design executive, Amy White, was also
named the sector's Rising Star.
“At just 24 years old, Amy has outstanding creativity and design
skills, and has created fantastic in-house marketing outputs for the
Federation, together with her colleague Sophie Dunham – which have
delivered significant growth in BCF’s press coverage and social media
statistics. I am thrilled for Amy for this much deserved recognition so
early in her career.” commented Tom Bowtell, BCF’s CEO.
PMD acquires
Trimite
Following a strong technical and
commercial partnership
spanning some 30 years PMD
Chemicals have acquired the
pre-treatment business of
Trimite.
With Manufacturing, Technical
support and Administration
moving to PMD Chemicals,
Coventry we believe we are best
placed to provide solutions for
all of your Pre-Treatment
requirements
The company’s surface
preparation product capability
covers all areas of materials
finishing including Aerospace,
Military, Electronics, Industrial
and Decorative applications.
PMD Chemicals would like to
thank the management and staff
of Trimite for ensuring a
seamless transition of the
business, we look forward to
continuing their excellent
product pedigree and further
developing its technical
capability.
British Standards are known and often used across the globe to
recognise a ‘standard’ for manufacture or service. By specification of
a standard you are asking for a product or service that will fulfil its
duty in use in any industry. However, as a specifier you rely on the
credibility of the supplier to ensure they maintain the standard by
checking and testing processes. The same can be said for many
other global standards.
If a supplier fails to meet the level of specification within a given
standard, often products can be replaced, but what happens when
this cannot be achieved? Usually lengthy legal challenges take place.
Citing architectural powder coating as an example, it is not possible
simply to remove product and replace. Often the final position for
such installations is somewhat of a compromise. As we all know, it is
better to get it right to start with, which is the holy grail for any
specifier.
QUALICOAT has placed third party accreditation at the heart of
their architectural powder coating specification.
So what is the QUALICOAT specification and how does it differ
from the BS EN 12206 standard for powder coating? First of all it is
fair to say that the much smaller standard is largely covered by the
much larger and more up to date QUALICOAT standard, because it
is the correct way to powder coat architectural profiles. The
difference is that the QUALICOAT standard is far more precise in
giving details of process and process control offering a far better
consistency in quality output.
So, who writes this more detailed specification? surprisingly the
very members themselves acting in working groups consisting of
members across the globe. Why? In order to offer the best possible
quality of architectural powder coating for a long sustainable life
expectancy. All updates to the specifications are a result of detailed
research by dedicated working groups.
We have all said at sometime ‘put your money where your mouth
is’, well this is what QUALICOAT members do on a regular basis.
They not only sign up to a more onerous QUALICOAT specification
when they become members, but also agree to inviting in and
paying for unannounced independent audits from a third party
company. Failing an inspection can mean the loss of QUALICOAT
licence status where the coater must remove all reference to
QUALICOAT in their business dealings. All current QUALICOAT
licence holders can be checked on the main qualicoat.net website
and on the qualicoatuki.org website.
Each QUALICOAT member prides themselves on offering high
quality coating, so any QUALICOAT licence holder coater not only
signs up to offer the enhanced specification but also carries
credibility in one of the worlds most wide reaching specification in
building construction.
But, it doesn’t stop there, to ensure vertical integration with quality
powder producers and aluminium pretreatment systems providers,
both these supply markets have to become QUALICOAT licence
holders to be able to supply licensed powder coaters and follow a
similar third party inspection regime. So quality products supplied to
quality powder coaters who offer possibly the best powder coating
finish specifiable.
Please contact your local QUALICOAT coater or head office in the
West Midlands should you have any specification questions.
Finishing – March/April 2023

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Contact
Wagner Spraytech (UK) Ltd
a Member of WAGNER GROUP
Telephone: 01327 368410
enquiries@wagner-group.com

10 ENVIRONMENT
Commitment to carbon neutrality
Xavier Mear, Lhoist UK
Lhoist recognises that the nature of its
operations has the potential to influence
the ecology and communities around its
facilities. Owning and operating a diverse
range of geological deposits and
manufacturing facilities across the world,
means that the responsible use of these
natural resources, and the protection of the
surrounding environment, has been a natural
part of its operations for a long time.
We understand the responsibility we bear
towards Sustainability and acknowledge the
interests of our customers in understanding
how we plan to contribute, identify
opportunities, and structure ourselves to be
part of the transition to a low-carbon and
sustainable-growth economy.
Participating countries throughout the world
have committed to limit global temperature
rise and regularly increase efforts to meet the
challenges of our time, with further
developments from the recent COP27
Climate Change Conference in Egypt.
There are also aims to establish standards
with a common, robust framework on carbon
accounting rules, and incentivise industry
towards cleaner technologies and reducing
CO2 emissions.
Carbon capture
Sustainability means taking responsibility
with long-term vision but technical hurdles
remain. Abating lime carbon emissions is very
challenging for a process that generates
inherent emissions from the chemical
transformation of limestone to quicklime.
It is recognised that the ultimate goal for
Lhoist needs to include carbon capture and
storage/utilization schemes since even a zerocarbon
fuel source would still associate lime
manufacture with a CO2 release.
Of course, a way of tackling carbon, is to
reduce and avoid CO2 emissions where
possible, whilst any remaining parts can be
offset to generate carbon neutral products.
Here we invest in energy efficiency and
renewable energy projects.
What does LEVEL|BLUE mean for
you, our customers?
LEVEL|BLUE is our answer to deliver for
our customers climate-neutral reagents, and as
of January 2023, all UK products will be
carbon-neutral by reducing CO2 emissions
where it is possible and offsetting the
remainder with carbon reduction projects in
accordance with the Greenhouse Gas
protocol.
These reduction projects are certified by
Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard
and support the UN Sustainability
Development Goals.
Moreover, you, our customer, will be in a
position to report your Scope 3 Emissions
neutralisation when using our reagents, and
we will provide you with internationally
recognised certification that will demonstrate
your support and efforts on carbon neutrality.
Three Scopes of Emissions
The Greenhouse Gas protocol divides the
CO2 emissions into three scopes:
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions that come from sourced
owner or controlled by a company, e.g.
running vehicles.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect emissions from purchased electricity
consumed by a company.
Scope 3 Emissions
Emissions that a company is indirectly
responsible for across its value chain, e.g. from
buying products from its suppliers, and from
its own products when their customers use
them.
For many businesses, Scope 3 emissions
account for a major part of their carbon
footprint, and for companies that need to
source raw materials to generate their own
products, significant carbon emissions arise
from the extraction, manufacture and
processing of these materials.
How does LEVEL|BLUE work?
In line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol,
we have brought together the necessary hard
data over the years to measure all emissions
from our UK facilities. It enables us to offset
the exact amount of still released CO2
emissions from our production by investing in
certified carbon reduction projects with the
help of our external partner.
The specifications, quality and consistency
of Lhoist UK products remain unaltered and
their ordering process also remains
unchanged, as all products from Lhoist UK
will conform to LEVEL|BLUE.
Finishing - March/April 2023

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

12 MEASUREMENT
Complete solution
Over the last 40 years ‘Thru-process’
temperature profiling has been
established as an important and
standard method for proving quality
assurance of the paint cure process by
confirming that the product time at
temperature complies with the paint cure
schedule.
In addition to product profiling many
automotive companies have moved to
enhance their quality systems by complying
with the coating system assessment CQI-12.
This assessment includes comprehensive
control , documentation, and quality
management of the complete coating process
applying to many different coating
applications (Process Tables). A critical part of
CQI-12 is a strong focus on a pyrometry
certification of the oven technology used to
cure coatings. Unlike product temperature
profiling the focus is given to proving the
accuracy and uniformity of the heating
technology to provide the target cure
temperatures for each coating at defined
program settings over the oven working
volume. To achieve such pyrometry
certification a Temperature Uniformity Survey
(TUS) needs to be performed, as applied
routinely in the heat treat world in CQI-9. To
meet TUS requirements as part of CQI-12 the
temperature monitoring system needs to meet
specific requirements from a technology, data
analysis and reporting perspective.
PhoenixTM offer a comprehensive range of
Thru-process monitoring systems designed
specifically to address the challenges of
automotive paint cure monitoring including
TUS to CQI-12.
Comprehensive Product
Temperature Profiling Analysis
Software
Thermal View Finishing software has been
designed specifically for product profiling in
paint applications to convert raw temperature
profile data into meaningful information. The
software is designed with all the analysis and
process documentation tools to fully interpret
and communicate paint cure performance.
Graphical cure tools including Phoenix Factor
“Index of Cure” or CureChart analysis allow
instantaneous accurate cure confirmation
directly against paint supplier specifications
with ease.
PhoenixTM PTM1520 Epsilon-x intrinsically
Safe Thru-process paint cure temperature
monitoring system supplied with custom
designed SW45 finishing Software with all the
necessary analysis and reporting tools to verify
the quality of your paint cure process by
product temperature profiling.
Temperature Uniformity Analysis
Software to meet CQI-12
To perform a TUS to comply with CQI-12,
PhoenixTM have developed a software
package specifically designed to allow efficient
surveying of the oven. At critical TUS
temperature levels data logger recorded data
can be analyzed to check that at all points on
the TUS frame (oven working zone) are
within a specified tolerance (Target TUS
temperature ± Tolerance) and remain in
tolerance for the period of the specified TUS
test. Graphical tools and analysis tables allow
easy clear data interpretation. Accuracy of
data can be maximized through auto
application of both data logger and
thermocouple correction factors. All analysis
and reporting requirements of the CQI-12 are
provided by the software to verify full
compliance.
For continuous processes the data logger
can travel safely, protected by a suitable
thermal barrier, with the TUS frame through
the process. Live data can be transferred if RF
telemetry is used, otherwise, the TUS run can
be simply downloaded post run for full TUS
analysis and reporting.
For batch oven processes the data logger
can be used externally to the oven trailing
TUS thermocouples without need for thermal
protection. Each thermocouple is fixed to the
designated location on the TUS frame
positioned in the oven cavity. Live data
generated during the run can be viewed in
real time in the survey software during the
TUS run. Data transfer from data logger to
PC can be performed by either a hardwired
comms cable, Bluetooth or optional RF
telemetry feature.
External PhoenixTM Data logger connected
to TUS frame and Thermal View Survey
software allowing efficient TUS of an oven
processes with compliance with all aspects of
CQI-12.
Finishing - March/April 2023

14 PROFILE
Reaching your
production goals
When it comes to increasing throughput
through the finishing discipline, few
companies have the space and capital
to invest in a new line that needs to be up
and running before the current one is
withdrawn. Most production lines have their
own unique methods and systems for getting
products to fruition… painting, coating,
drying, and curing of products manufactured
from metal, wood, plastic, glass, and ceramics
have perhaps more than their fair share of
idiosyncrasies. Generally, these are the results
of adaptations made by the people who
produce the product in conjunction with
management, engineering and purchasing…
often leading to compromises, but important
to the product.
Total Coating Systems approach has
developed over many years working within
engineering (onshore and offshore, aero,
marine, 2K / 3K mixing and metering, internal
and external building and construction
including plaster, intumescent PFP, adhesives,
and joinery) by firstly understanding the
product / customer objectives and how
manufacturing is currently undertaken; then
evolving our recommendations to how the
goal can be reached. Additions and alterations
to existing production lines can often be what
it takes to achieve the required goal.
Alteration to conveyors (which incorporates
improved times through curing ovens,) quick
colour change (in as little as 30 seconds) and
installation of automatic painting (either
through robotics or automatic guns on
reciprocators) are all considered in our
approach - along with product and personnel
requirements.
To achieve our goals, we work with a large
network of industry specialist providers and
manufacturers, as experience has proved to us
that no “one size fits all” plant really exists.
They are all bespoke. This network also keeps
us at the forefront of technology as new
materials and machinery come into the
market. Recent advances in water-based
materials have had a significant effect on
painting and drying - leading to changes in
oven requirements. Lower temperature and
dehumidification are important when curing
water-based finishes.
Increased prices of energy have led to
designers reviewing the extraction systems…
and electric motors used in air movement are
increasingly inverter controlled to lower
energy use. Increasing use of electric-driven
pumps on automatic systems cuts the cost of
compressed air usage. LED lighting, infrared
and heat from biomass boilers through heat
exchanges are all considered when reviewing
new or modified plant.
Finishing - March/April 2023

AT
Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
Measure the adhesion of coatings to
metal, wood, concrete and more
Automatic Features
n Impact and scratch resistant color Touch Screen display with keypad
n Wirelessly connect the PosiTest AT-A to your smart device using our free app
n Record the results as pass/fail and the nature of fracture —
cohesive, adhesive and glue failures
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AT-M Manual Model
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t: 01442 879494 f: 01442 879595
www.dftinstruments.co.uk e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk
Proud supplier of DeFelsko Inspection Instruments

16 PROFILE
Looking to the future
Neil Scragg – UK head of sales
Josh Bowker – technical sales manager
Gema is delighted to announce the
appointment of two new team members
in the UK. Neil Scragg and Josh
Bowker have joined the business as part of
our ambitious ‘fit for the future’ growth
strategy and to add additional technical &
sales support for our customers.
Neil joined the business in December as
our UK head of sales and will be directly
managing our distribution network and sales
in the Northern Region. Neil has been in the
surface finishing industry for 34 years and
started his career as an apprentice mechanical
design engineer and moved into technical
support roles, sales & engineering
management and ran one of the uks market
leading surface preparation machine
manufacturers before he joined GEMA. Neil
has a wealth of experience and knowledge of
applications, processes and systems which are
complimentary to our powder coating
expertise and looks forward to supporting our
customers on the latest GEMA technologies
and improvement opportunities.
Josh came on board in January as technical
sales manager for the Midlands and South
region. Josh started his career as an
apprentice at General Electric in Stafford,
gaining valuable experience in engineering as
well as qualifications in mechanical and
electrical engineering. Josh advanced into the
manufacturing office as a Design &
Production Engineer, implementing jigs,
fixtures, tooling and CNC equipment as well
as supporting the production team on the day
to day running of the company. More
recently Josh has worked as a Design
Engineer, designing Industrial switchgear and
Automatic transfer switches and supported
the technical sales of EV charging
infrastructure.
Leon Hogg, general manager of GEMA
UK & Ireland, has also reached a milestone of
15 years’ service with the business. General
manager of GEMA Europe, Richard Hawkins,
is presenting Leon with his long service
award. Richard has been with the business
for 37 years and has helped pioneer the
adoption of GEMA powder coating systems
into new markets and applications. Leon &
Neil both served their engineering
apprenticeships at the same business. Leon
completed his electrical engineering
apprenticeship and was heavily involved in
the design and manufacture of control panels
and systems. Leon progressed into
equipment installation and commissioning
and then into technical sales & management.
Leon joined GEMA UK in January 2008 as
the sales manager for the uk and progressed
into the general managers position in January
2016 and has since very successfully led the
GEMA UK & Ireland team to become the
market leading powder coating brand. Leon
was also inducted into the GEMA
management programme and achieved a
prestigious MBA from Warwick Business
School.
At GEMA, our team of professionals aim to
be the best in our industry. We are the
undisputed worldwide leader in our market.
We have reached this position and
maintained it for many years thanks to our
strong investments in innovation, a real
passion for high quality products and our
service mentality that puts the customer at the
centre of our initiatives.
The success of these strategies is largely
based on our worldwide employees, who are
the real driving force of our company. We
invest in the best talent to bring a fresh
perspective into our organization and become
our tomorrow’s leaders.
Richard Hawkins presenting Leon Hogg with his
long service award
Finishing - March/April 2023

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

18 POWDER COATING
Contract coater
Brandt has been active in professional
industrial coating for 50 years and is
today one of the leading contract
coaters in Denmark. The company employs
around 100 people at its headquarters in
Varde, Denmark. To be able to respond to the
most diverse customer requirements, Brandt
covers the entire technology spectrum - from
manual coating to highly automated coating
systems with liquid and powder paint.
Customers include manufacturers from the
wood and furniture, metal, construction and
plastics industries.
The challenge
Brandt already has many years of
experience in liquid and powder coating of
metal components. However, the demand for
coating sensitive substrates is steadily
increasing. These include organic and mineral
materials (e.g. wood based materials or
plastics), fibre cement panels and a variety of
hybrid material composites. They are
processed, for example, into MDF kitchen
fronts or window frames. Many of these
materials have no or only very low electrical
conductivity and are sometimes very
temperature-sensitive.
Government environmental regulations and
VOC guidelines in liquid coating are
becoming increasingly restrictive. Therefore,
Brandt was looking for a sustainable powder
coating solution that can also be applied to
sensitive substrates - materials that are
traditionally liquid coated. Besides the smaller
ecological footprint, another advantage of
powder coating is the significant saving of
resources. The surfaces are seamlessly coated,
scratch-resistant and extremely durable.
The solution
After a careful analysis with corresponding
application trials, experienced specialists from
WAGNER (Ursin Huwiler, Mats Rapp, Niels
Ole Larsen, Janus Wemmelund), TRIAB (a
Scandinavian system house provider of
powder ovens) and selected powder coating
manufacturers developed a flexible system
concept that was installed at Brandt at the
end of 2021.
With the electrostatic M-Line powder
coating system, Brandt, as one of the first
companies in the Scandinavian region, can
also offer powder coating for non-metallic
substrates. Non-conductive,
temperature-sensitive materials such as
plastics and even inhomogeneous natural
materials such as wood are powder-coated
with high efficiency in a material-friendly
manner. To achieve this, the coating system
can process highly reactive low-temperature
powders and UV powders in addition to
conventional metal powders.
The M-Line system comprises ideally
matched components which ensure that
different powder coatings can be applied with
a high degree of efficiency, even on nonconductive
materials. A core element here are
the suction pipes arranged laterally along the
coating booth on both sides, which minimize
the air flow in the coating zone. WAGNER
Field Controllers improve the grounding of
electrically low-conductive workpieces,
optimize the coating thickness distribution and
prevent the so-called picture frame effect. The
special geometry of the piping and
monocyclone reduces the pressure loss in the
system and the risk of powder deposits. This
so-called Energy Efficiency Package (EEP)
from WAGNER reduces powder friction
during recovery, which generates less heat
energy. This enables gentle recirculation of
the highly reactive low- temperature powder.
Brandt uses the SuperCenter EVO powder
center with Twin Sonic Sieve to control the
complete system technology, including
automatic guns and movement units. Powder
feeding and color change processes are
automated and very reliable.
Preheating and melting processes take place
in infrared ovens (IR). Curing is then carried
out using either electric infrared (IR) or
ultraviolet (UV) technology in the TRIAB
"Speedoven UV". A precise interplay of
infrared radiation, convection air and
ultraviolet radiation makes it possible to
completely cure extremely temperaturesensitive
substrates already at below 120°C
and within 2-3 minutes.
The customer experience
Brandt can achieve savings in many areas:
With the Energy Efficiency Package, the
coating system requires up to 40% less
energy than comparable systems, as a smaller
fan motor is sufficient to generate the same
extraction volume in the coating booth.
Brandt was able to significantly improve its
environmental footprint with the new powder
system. Moreover, in contrast to liquid
coating, no solvents are used. Thanks to the
recycling of overspray powder, an enormous
amount of material is saved.
Finishing - March/April 2023

• Surface Preparation
processes for all
material finishing
applications
• Aerospace, Military,
Industrial and
Decorative Processes
• Products tuned to
specific customer
requirements
Continuous Product
Development to deal
with the challenges of
modern finishing
Full range of products at: www.pmdchemicals.co.uk
•
As one of the leading
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safe in our hands.
SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR TEAM TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS: TEL: 02476 920168 or info@pmdchemicals.co.uk
PMD Chemicals 401 Broad Lane Coventry CV5 7AX

20 PAINT
Back to reality
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings is
partnering with American Airlines to
deliver a new way of training apprentice
painters, and upskilling existing teams, through
the use of a Virtual Reality (VR) technology
that is significantly more efficient and
sustainable than the airline’s previous training
regimes.
The VR platform mimics a customer’s
production environment and multiple coating
systems to train teams virtually. A VR headset
immerses the American Airlines’ trainee in a
virtual paint booth, completed with the aircraft
part to be coated.
The system can be programmed with
various paint specifications, such as the
thickness of the coating required, and as the
operator uses the spray gun, they can see
whether too much or too little paint is used
and look for inconsistencies in the way the
coating is being applied.
Meanwhile, the operator's core skills are
measured, from setting up the spraying session
to the distance, angle, and speed at which the
gun is used. The feedback is immediate, so
trainees can react quickly and change their
technique to become more consistent. It shows
where runs and sags occur, or where the wet
film thickness is not sufficient or the coverage
inadequate to deliver a smooth finish. It also
helps them avoid common problems such as
paint overlap.
For American Airlines, a very specific part of
the aircraft – a nose landing gear cylinder –
was programmed into the system. A cohort of
13 painters of varying abilities were then
encouraged to spray the part – without a
single drop of real paint being used.
Terry Lesperance of American Airlines
describes the AkzoNobel VR solution as an
efficient and safe way of training his team: “In
a spray booth, we’d have to spray the primer,
then let it dry, then measure the results to see
how they did – all of which takes time. If we
were training 13 painters, we’d also have to
have 13 nose landing gear cylinders available
to paint.
“With VR, we don’t have any of these
challenges. I can train more painters, more
quickly, and allow them to make mistakes
without it costing me anything.”
AkzoNobel’s Technical Services team
supported Terry with the training, physically
suiting up and using the booth to share their
experience and their technique with American
Airlines’ new painters. Even for experienced
painters, there are real benefits: a painter may
have been using a polyurethane paint and
need to switch to a Teflon paint or use a paint
with a different mix that may be heavier or
lighter, and all of this can be programmed into
the system to replicate the experience in the
spray booth.
Matthew Amick, Global Technical Services
Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings
says the integration of VR into American
Airlines’ training regimen is an example of
how it is supporting its customers with
meaningful, practical help: “Typically, when a
customer asks for training, we have to provide
significant quantities of paint, much of which is
wasted.
“By effectively moving the spray booth into
the classroom, we completely eliminate waste,
reduce costs and unnecessary shipping, and
prevent Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
from being released. There are also no costs
associated with cleaning the spray guns, or the
additional VOCs releases from the solvents
required, or providing the panels needed for
wet paint training. It’s a ‘win win’ for all
involved.”
Terry will be looking at training more of his
team in 2023, with AkzoNobel in support: “It’s
a very high quality of training,” he concludes,
“and I’m looking forward to getting more of
my team.”
Originally trialled at AkzoNobel’s training
centre in Troy, Michigan, several portable units
are now available for use at a customer’s own
premises.
Finishing - March/April 2023

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

22 BUBBLES
A nanoscale view of bubble formation
When a liquid boils in a vessel, tiny
vapor bubbles form at the bottom and
rise, transferring heat in the process.
How these small bubbles grow and eventually
detach was previously not known in any great
detail. A German-Chinese research team
under the leadership of the independent
German research center Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has now
managed to fundamentally expand this
understanding. Using computer simulation, the
experts succeeded in modeling the behavior of
molecules at the liquid–gas interface at the
nanometer scale, enabling them to describe
the boiling process with extreme precision.
The findings could be applied to future cooling
systems for microprocessors, or to the
production of carbon-neutral hydrogen, known
as green hydrogen, as the team reported in
the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.
How droplets or vapor bubbles wet a
surface depends on the type and nature of the
surface material. For example, spherical drops
form on hydrophobic materials, with minimum
contact area to the base. With hydrophilic
materials, however, the liquid tends to create
flat deposits – the solid-liquid interface is then
much larger. Such processes can be described
theoretically by the Young–Laplace equation.
This equation yields a contact angle that
characterizes droplet behavior on the surface:
large angles indicate poor wetting, whereas
small angles indicate good wetting. When a
vapor bubble forms on a wall in a boiling
liquid, a very thin film of liquid – invisible to
the eye – remains beneath it. This film
determines how the bubble grows and how it
detaches from the wall. The contact angle also
plays a key role in this respect.
The underlying theory is based on a
relatively simple approach. “It takes into
account both the pressure exerted externally
by the liquid and the vapor pressure inside the
bubble,” explained Professor Uwe Hampel,
Head of Experimental Thermal Fluid Dynamics
at the HZDR. “Then there is capillary pressure,
which is created by the curvature of the
bubble surface.” Recently, however, a range of
experiments using laser measurement have
demonstrated that this established theory fails
for very small droplets and bubbles: on the
nanoscale, the measured contact angles
deviated significantly in some cases from the
theoretical predictions.
A complex interaction of
molecules
To solve this problem, the German-
Chinese research team set about revising the
theory. To do this, they took a closer look at
the processes that occur when a liquid boils.
“We considered in detail the interfacial
behavior of molecules,” explained HZDR
researcher Dr. Wei Ding. “Then we used a
computer to simulate the interaction between
these molecules.” In doing so, the research
group discovered a significant difference
from previous approaches: the forces acting
between the molecules do not simply add up
linearly. Instead, the interaction is much more
complex, resulting in distinct nonlinear
effects. These are precisely the effects that
the experts consider in their new, expanded
theory. “Our hypothesis provides a good
explanation for the results obtained in recent
experiments,” stated Ding with delight. “We
now have a far more precise understanding
of the behavior of tiny droplets and vapor
bubbles.”
Besides completing our understanding of
the theoretical basis, the findings also hold
the promise of progress in several areas of
technology, such as microelectronics. In this
area, processors are now so powerful that
they give off increasing amounts of heat,
which must then be dissipated by cooling
systems. “There are ideas to remove this heat
by boiling a liquid,” remarked Uwe Hampel.
“With our new theory, we should be able to
determine the conditions under which rising
vapor bubbles can dissipate heat energy
most efficiently.” The equations could also
help to cool fuel elements in a nuclear
reactor more effectively than in the past.
More efficient hydrogen
production
The electrolysis of water to produce
carbon-neutral hydrogen, referred to as
green hydrogen, is another potential
application. Countless gas bubbles form on
the membrane surfaces of an electrolyzer
during water splitting. With this new theory,
it seems conceivable that these bubbles can
be influenced more specifically than before,
enabling more efficient electrolysis in the
future. The key to all these potential
applications lies in the selection and
structuring of appropriate materials. “Adding
nanogrooves to a surface, for example, can
significantly accelerate the detachment of gas
bubbles during boiling,” explained Wei Ding.
“With our new theory, such structuring can
now be more finely tailored – a project on
which we are already working.”
Finishing - March/April 2023

Sulphuric Soft Anodising
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Offering
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Established for over 75 years with extensive long
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within defined areas of South East
Metro Engineering and Plating Works Ltd
Unit 3, Chartridge Development,
Eskdale Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2RT
T: 01895 238641
E: quotations@metroplating.co.uk
Certificate No. 10395
www.metroplating.co.uk

24 PAINT
Coil coating makes stride forward
Beckers has developed the first
commercial paint formulations for dual
ultraviolet and electron-beam curing in
the coil coating market. The game-changing
technologies, which build on Beckers’ 18 years
of pioneering work, can significantly reduce
VOC and CO2 emissions, and enhance
efficiency in the industry by providing up to
twice the surface coverage per kilogram of
paint.
The European Coil Coating Association
(ECCA) considers ultraviolet (UV) and
electron-beam (EB) curing technology to be
the most significant gamechanger in terms of
decarbonization of the coil coating industry.
Until now, the only available industrial
application of radiation curing in coil coating
has been electron beam irradiation (EB) used
for packaging material. Long-term
collaboration between Beckers and one of its
customers has led to the first ever full-scale
application of advanced dual UV/EB curing
technology in coil coating for the building
industry. Building accounts for 72% percent of
the global coil coatings market (source: ECCA,
November 2022).
Driving sustainability innovation in the coil
coating industry
Beckers has been involved in adapting the
use of UV/EB curing technology in the coil
coating industry and developing the necessary
paint formulations since 2005. Today, the
company is actively developing UV/EB
solutions with coil coating customers around
the world – with some now in the process of
gearing up to go to market.
Beckers has a UV/EB coil coating
development lab at its largest site in
Montbrison, France. The team has
demonstrated that UV/EB curing has
significant potential to reduce the CO2
footprint of coil coating, due to the fact that it
requires much less paint and energy in the
curing process.
“UV/EB curing allows us to use up to 100
percent solid solvent-free formulations that are
more efficient and provide up to twice the
surface coverage per kilogram of paint,” says
Gavin Bown, CTO at Beckers. Solid solventfree
UV/EB paint formulations are more
sustainable as around half the volume of paint
is needed and they significantly reduce
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
“Compared with conventional gas-fired
curing, the UV/EB cold curing process also
uses much less energy, facilitates the transition
Finishing - March/April 2023
continues on page 26

SERFILCO INTERNATIONAL
Global Products, Local Service & Advice You Can Rely On
SerDuctor Airless Agitation for Improved Process
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SerDuctor Airless Agitation
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chemical emissions to help meet
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• 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
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26 PAINT
from natural gas to renewable electricity,
avoids the use of expensive gas, and does not
require water for cooling,” says Bown.
“Additional benefits of UV/EB curing
include a lower transportation carbon footprint
as around 50 percent less paint is required
per m2 surface coverage, and the
instantaneous curing process offers the
potential for coating
lines to run at higher speeds,” explains Eric
Fouissac, Beckers President, Southern Europe
& Africa at Beckers. “UV/EB coil coating lines
can also be much shorter as they avoid the
need for multiple ovens on conventional lines
that can each be up to 40 m long.”
Drawing on the flexibility of
UV/EB curing with early
adaptors
Beckers is currently working with customers
that are fully replacing their conventional coil
coating lines with UV/EB curing or retrofitting
existing lines. Others are adding additional
coating steps or partially switching to UV/EB
on their existing lines.
“UV/EB curing can be easily adapted to the
customer’s existing lines and their particular
requirements as it requires a much smaller
equipment footprint compared with
conventional curing,” says Bown. “In this way,
the technology can simplify coating lines and
even has the potential to develop new
products, such as more durable products with
an additional protective layer.”
New Sustainable Innovation
Centre to develop next
generation UV/EB solutions
“Our team in Montbrison has done a
fantastic job in creating a knowledge hub to
support our customers to develop their UV/EB
lines, but we now need additional capabilities
to unlock the full potential of these solutions in
the coil coating industry,” says Fouissac.
Beckers is currently constructing a new twostory
purpose-built Sustainable Innovation
Centre in Liverpool (UK), which will have a
significant focus on developing the next
generation of UV/EB solutions. The new
building next door to an existing Beckers
facility in Liverpool should be complete at the
end of the year.
“UV/EB curing has the potential to fully
replace conventional coil coating with a much
more sustainable process technology – to
fundamentally disrupt and radically change the
coil coating industry for the better,” says
Bown. “Our new innovation lab in Liverpool
will help us to develop the next generation of
UV/EB solutions for our customers around the
world.”
• 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
Finishing - March/April 2023
16A Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN
t: 01442 879494 • www.dftinstruments.co.uk • e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk

Unit 10, Southlink Business Park,
Hamilton Street,
Oldham, OL4 1DE

28 PAINT
All on display
On the route to developing more
sustainable and effective paint, coating
and ink formulations, head to Clariant’s
booth at the European Coatings Show 2023
for materials and support to simplify the
complexities
“Sustainability in the coatings industry spans
many aspects. Improving process efficiency,
conserving energy and resources, the use of
renewable raw materials, finding alternative
ingredients to ultimately create safer products
with effective performance but less of an
environmental impact,” comments Martin
John, global vice president segment coatings &
adhesives, Clariant. “We see navigating these
challenges as a collaborative journey for the
value chain, and we’re working with customers
across the segments, from functional coatings
for food packaging to printing inks to industrial
and architectural coatings, to connect needs to
protect durability or advance specific
functionality more closely to greater
sustainability.”
Clariant’s specific on-show launches are
under wraps until March 28, however, look
out for innovation in the areas of label-free
durability- and function-boosting additives,
product selection support, and bio-based
processing aids.
More sustainable material choices for
functional coatings
• Replace “forever chemicals” in printing inks
and packaging barrier coatings. Manufacturers
can look beyond PTFE with Clariant’s Ceridust
additives that offer scratch-resistant protection
for packaging barrier coatings with good slipeffect
and rub-resistant printing inks. Clariant’s
PTFE-free solutions include polyethylene waxes
and a bio-based wax blend all with proven
success in replacing PE/PTFE additives.
• Choose halogen-free, low dosage flame
retardants to advance the fire protection and
safety of intumescent coatings for load-bearing
construction applications. Clariant turns the
spotlight on two of its EcoTain sustainability
label innovations. Exolit AP 435, which can
prolong the shelf life of finished products
during storage and transportation, and Exolit
AP 418, a star in supporting “less is more” and
reducing the industry’s material use. It achieves
up to 10% longer fire-resistant time for a film
applied at up to 25% less thickness.
Bio-based ingredients: low-carbon footprint
support for wood coatings, wall coatings,
performance coatings and powder coatings
Clariant supports a shift to using lower-fossil
carbon materials and adding green carbon
into the carbon footprint of product
formulations without compromising processing
results or finished product performance. Within
its VITA range of fully segregated, carbon
emission reducing, 100% bio-based products,
Clariant offers a number of Polyglycols (PEGs)
and ethylene oxide derivatives relevant for use
as surfactants and intermediates in paint and
coatings production, which contribute to the
removal of fossil carbon from the value chain.
Making their ECS debut at the 2023 inperson
event, VITA products are 100% based
on plant-based carbon via bioethanol. These
new ingredients are chemically equivalent to
their fossil-based analogs and therefore offer
the same performance and efficiency to
formulators and brand owners. As a result,
they offer support for raising the renewable
content of end products. Plus, because only
bio-based feedstocks are used, the ingredients
have significantly lower carbon footprints than
their fossil-based counterparts, saving up to
85% of CO emissions and can help brands to
lower Scope 3 carbon footprint.
In addition, discover the benefits of wax
products from natural origin with bio-based
renewable content (at least 98%) to improve
the look, feel and durability of coatings, as well
as improve manufacturing process and storage
stability. Certified biomass balance-based Terra
options are also offered for paints and coatings
applications. These contain a minimum of 50%
Renewable Carbon Index and can substitute
conventional counterparts without performance
loss or need for formula testing.
Finishing - March/April 2023

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
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Accreditations
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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

30 INSTALLATIONS
Simple choice
On your bike
AkzoNobel is supporting major European bike manufacturer BiSAN in
making the switch from chrome plating to a more cost-effective,
energy-efficient, less labor-intensive and more sustainable Interpon
powder coating.
In adopting Interpon Cr, a chrome effect powder coating with a
metallic finish, BiSAN is providing customers and consumers with
bicycle frames and associated products that have all of the fabulous
appearance and corrosion resistance of chrome plating, but with none
of the environmental downsides.
They also consume significantly less energy in production: BiSAN
estimates it has cut energy consumption and cost by more than 40%
since making the switch – a reduction that is not only better for the
planet, but also supports the company’s profitability and future success.
Rabeno Sagman, general manager of BiSAN explains how the
savings are realized: “Coating our bicycle frames with chrome plating is
a four-part process requiring significant amounts of heat and each as
energy intensive as the last. Using an Interpon Cr powder coating,
however, requires only two processes to create the same stunning
metallic finish that is even more durable. Making the switch was a
simple choice.”
Golden shot
RJ Webb Commercials is an
established expert in shot
blasting metalwork, and for
many years the company has
undertaken projects for cars,
trucks and other much larger
structures. The shot blasting
process is used for cleaning, descaling
and preparing the metal
surface for respraying, ensuring
that the refurbishment results are
an ‘as new’ finish, even when
working with the most difficult of
surfaces.
For delivering the best results,
the company is relying on an
Atlas Copco’s sustainable electric
E-Air H250 VSD compressor,
which produces zero emissions
and moreover reduces their
costs. Immediately, they were
delighted to witness their costs
going down.
Since the application of the
electric compressor into their
operations, RJ Webb
Commercials has calculated fuel
savings of more than €5000 per
year. Further to this, following on
from the changes in red diesel,
the requirement to purchase
diesel has been negated due to
the use of the E-Air meeting
(and exceeding) all the
company’s demands.
With the help of the E-Air, the
company has been able to
navigate the ever-shifting price
changes in the diesel market,
while hiking down their carbon
footprint to further portray their
dedication to achieving net-zero
emissions – without having to
compensate on quality.
Companies in Bedfordshire and
beyond now have a simple
choice when it comes to
purchasing tinted HMG Paints
products. As Barton Le Clay
based Simply Coatings have
completed the installation of a
brand-new UNIT Tinting
scheme.
The UNIT Tinting scheme
allows Simply Coatings to mix a
vast array of colours including
Sea protection
BS, RAL, Agricultural and more
for their customers.
Furthermore, the scheme allows
Simply Coatings to mix larger
volumes of HMG Paints
products and offer faster
turnarounds for customers.
Products that can be colour
matched and tinted include 1K
& 2K topcoats, undercoats and
primers, as well as a variety of
sheen levels.
A new leisure centre has been unveiled in Helensburgh which will
withstand the elements – being located right next to the sea.
Hosting a swimming pool and gym, the main contractors responsible
for the project, Heron Bros Ltd, commissioned Walter Watson to create
the structure of the large building. They created the framework using
steel, but due to its seafront location, sought assistance from Scottish
Galvanizers Ltd to ensure the components would be protected against
rust and corrosion for years to come.
The steel was fabricated in sections – some of which were up to
11.6m long – before being sent to Scottish Galvanizers to be hotdipped
in its molten zinc galvanizing bath. As no other coating process
has the ability to cover all areas of the steel and without the need for
regular maintenance, galvanizing offers the greatest resistance to
damage and corrosion – crucial to endure the sea air.
Trevor Irvine, general manager of the Structural Division at Walter
Watson, said: “This was an extremely exciting project, and a facility we
hope will be enjoyed by the local community for many years. To
ensure this, we wanted to guarantee that the steel framework would be
protected from the elements and called on our long-standing partners,
Scottish Galvanizers, to assist.
“We’ve worked with them many times, and can always rely on Paul
and his team in Glasgow. Despite the issues and delays the
construction industry has faced over the past few years, they always
deliver on time and to the highest of quality.”
Paul Tait, sales manager at Scottish Galvanizers Ltd, added: “It’s been
a great pleasure to be involved and play a part in this project. We’re
sure the leisure centre will be enjoyed by many people within the local
community for years to come – and, thanks to the galvanizing process,
it’s fit for purpose.”
Finishing –March/April 2023

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

32 VALVES
Pressure point
The Ingelfingen-based valve specialist
GEMÜ has developed the GEMÜ 652
pulsation damper. Based on its tried and
tested diaphragm valve technology, it is also
suitable for use in sterile applications. This
means that it is completely drainable and
CIP/SIP capable, taking the specified draining
angle into account.
In many production plants, unwanted
pressure surges arise which are generated by
switching on pumps, by temperature changes
in enclosed liquids or by quickly switching
valves, for example. Opening valves can also
result in pressure surges if the media supply is
at a high level and the fluid column to lower
plant components suddenly starts moving.
These pressure surges may damage plant
components, such as filters, sensors, pumps
and piping. Likewise, these pressure surges
can result in shut-off valves briefly opening
inadvertently. This can, in turn, result in
possible contamination of the medium. In the
worst case, they can result in downtime due to
required repair work or a loss of product.
As a solution to this problem, GEMÜ has
launched the GEMÜ 652 pulsation damper
on the market. It is designed to open up as
much volume as possible in a given operating
range and thereby absorb and compensate for
the pressure surge. Its body does not include
a sealing weir, meaning that it is not suitable
for shutting off media. The actual expansion
volume is opened up by the moving
diaphragm.
By using different actuator sizes and spring
sets, it is possible to adjust the operating
range and the volume that can be
compensated for. Increased expansion volume
can be achieved by installing multiple
pulsation dampers in series.
The control air connector is only used for
assembly. Actuation via control air is not
required for operation, as its function is
accomplished solely using spring force.
The GEMÜ 652 pulsation damper is
available in the nominal sizes DN 15 to DN
80 (diaphragm size 25 to 80). To ensure high
flexibility of applications, the valve bodies and
diaphragms are available in various materials
and designs. Due to the diaphragm valve
technology used, the product complies as
standard with the current standards in the
foodstuffs and pharmaceutical industry, such
as BSE/TSE, FDA, USP Class VI and
Regulation (EC) no. 1935/2004.
Finishing - March/April 2023

THIS IS HANGON
HangOn is a partner who helps customers to find smart solutions to increase
the efficiency in their coating process and improve their profitability.
We develop and produce in own factories. Our products are distributed from
our warehouses into more than 40 countries.
WEB www.hangon.co.uk EMAIL sales@hangon.co.uk TELEPHONE 01547 540 573
HangOn Ltd. Leintwardine, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 0NB

34 CLEANING
A clean slate
Whether it's a millimetre-small fastener,
complex precision optics or metresized
machinery parts, the cleanliness
requirements for high-tech components are
becoming stricter and more demanding in
numerous branches of industry. Although the
exact specifications vary depending on the
part, sector and application, most conventional
cleaning systems are unable to achieve the
result required to ensure consistent product
quality. Ecoclean has been supplying solutions
for precision and high-purity cleaning
applications for many years. With its wealth of
experience, the company is constantly driving
forward the development of cleaning systems,
technologies and processes for this sector,
including specially-designed feature packages.
Demands on the performance and reliability
of components and parts have increased
enormously and continue to rise, particularly
in sectors such as the semiconductor supply
industry, optical and optoelectronic industry,
thin-film technology, vacuum, laser and
analysis technologies, as well as the medical
device industry. This has an impact on parts
cleaning.
Higher cleanliness requirements
due to new products and
processes
When it comes to components for
semiconductor production equipment, due to
new developments in wafer steppers and
scanners for EUV lithography, for instance,
mechanical components are not only
becoming more and more complex in shape
but also heavier and larger. Today, the
diameters of these workpieces can be
anything from one millimetre to over one
metre in size, and this range is constantly
Finishing - March/April 2023
continues on page 36

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
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Automated Water
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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 CLEANING
increasing. At the same time, the diversity of
materials used is also rising. Added to this,
specifications regarding particulate, film-type -
chemical, organic and inorganic cleanliness are
becoming increasingly stringent. The situation
is similar for vacuum components used in
UHV, XHV and UCV applications, such as
those for high-power laser systems or hightech
measuring and analysis equipment. In the
case of precision optics like mirrors, lenses,
prisms and micro-optical parts, more complex
geometries and modified materials are also
giving rise to new and challenging cleaning
tasks. In coating technology, ever-more
efficient processes call for exceptionally clean
surfaces, regardless of whether parts such as
machine tooling, automotive components and
optical products are cleaned before or after
coating.
Needs-based definition of
cleanliness
For parts cleaning, this results in demanding
tasks that span the entire manufacturing
process. The cleanliness requirements vary
depending on the product, area of application
and company concerned. As a rule, particulate
cleanliness specifications - which extend into
the nanometre range for precision and high
purity applications - are defined by surface
cleanliness classes (SCC). The specifications for
the required film- type chemical, organic and
inorganic surface cleanliness are usually based
on individual specifications or factory
standards, for example outgassing rates, which
are evaluated by mass spectrometry. In order
to solve these tasks in a needs-based, efficient
and sustainable manner, not only is
comprehensive technological know-how
required but also knowledge of the
applications and respective physical
relationships. As an experienced full-service
provider of future-oriented solutions for
precision and high-purity cleaning, Ecoclean
has both. This ensures cleaning solutions
designed and equipped to meet requirements,
enabling defined cleanliness specifications up
to the highest current requirements (for
example Grade 1) to be consistently achieved.
Selecting the right cleaning
process and plant technology
Key criteria for selecting the most suitable
cleaning process and plant technology are the
required level of cleanliness, the type of
contamination to be removed, and the
material and geometry of the respective
component. Based on this, it is possible to
determine which and how many process steps
are necessary with which cleaning medium
and which mechanics. Aspects such as the
quality of the rinsing medium and the drying
technology are included just as much in this
consideration, as are cleanliness-compliant
parts handling and the prevailing
environmental conditions, for instance
connection or integration into a cleanroom.
If the standard ‘oil-free and grease-free’
such as Grade 4 is defined as the specification,
Ecoclean supplies compact and cost-efficient
full-vacuum single-chamber systems, whose
system technology, media routing, media
preparation, and design have been specially
adapted for high-end cleaning applications.
These systems, which are operated with
environmentally-compatible solvents or waterbased
cleaning agents, are capable of
achieving consistent results that meet such
requirements, even if it concerns geometrically
complex components. Process options that can
be combined in almost any way, such as
injection flood washing, spray, high-pressure,
immersion, ultrasonic, megasonic and plasma
cleaning, as well as Ultrasonic Plus or Pulsated
Pressure Cleaning (PPC), contribute to this.
Often, a modified alcohol (partially polar
solvent) is used in these applications due to
the plus points associated with the media,
such as their ability to clean different materials.
The limit of what can be achieved with these
systems is, for example, Grade 2.
Especially when it comes to large parts,
chamber cleaning systems offer advantages
due to the process mechanics concentrated in
the working chamber, for example PPC,
ultrasonics or megasonics and injection flood
washing. In order to use these also to meet
Grade 2 or corresponding cleanliness
specifications, Ecoclean manufactures EcoCvela
double-chamber systems that use aqueous
media for cleaning. In addition to the special
high-purity features, completely separate
circuits for cleaning and rinsing media ensure
that the required cleaning result is achieved
reliably and consistently. If, for example, due
to a wide variety of materials, high throughput
requirements or cleanliness specifications
corresponding to Grade 1, the cleaning tasks
cannot be solved with a chamber system, a
multi-bath ultrasonic cleaning system is called
for. With its UCMSmartLine or
UCMPerformanceLine series consisting of
standardized modules, the SBS Ecoclean
Group also offers efficient solutions in this
area. Thanks to the electrical and control
technology integrated into the modules for the
process steps of cleaning, rinsing, drying,
loading and unloading, as well as a flexible
transport system, these can be easily adapted
to the respective task and can also be
extended if necessary. Individually-designed
multi-bath ultrasonic cleaning systems such as
the UCM HighLine are typically used in highend
applications, for example in the
semiconductor supply, laser and optical
industries.
Processes developed and
designed in the Test Center
Which system concept is the right one in
terms of cleanliness and cost-effectiveness is
determined via cleaning trials with original
components or test specimens. Ecoclean has
appropriate High Purity Test Centers for this
purpose. As a result, product-specific cleaning
processes and process parameters can be
developed and then stored as programs in the
system controller. This ensures that each part
is cleaned with the validated process
parameters to achieve the required level of
cleanliness in a consistent and reproducible
manner. Furthermore, all relevant process
parameters can be monitored, documented
and transferred to higher-level systems.
Finishing - March/April 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

38 EXHIBITIONS
Taking time off
Requirements and processes are changing
in many ways for the manufacturing
industries as a result of structural and
technological change. Where deburring and
the production of precision surface finishes are
concerned, this results in the need for new
and modified solutions. The 5th
DeburringEXPO will present innovations and
trends for these production steps, which are
becoming increasingly relevant for quality and
efficiency, at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre
from the 10th through the 12th of October,
2023. This makes it an absolute must for
industry players in order to exchange
information with interested parties and
customers about their investment plans. With
its bilingual expert forum, the leading trade
fair for deburring technologies and precision
surface finishing also hosts one of Europe’s
most coveted sources of knowledge.
Its clear focus on deburring and edge
rounding, as well as the production of
precision surface finishes, has made
DeburringEXPO the leading trade fair in
Europe for these manufacturing steps. It’s a
must-attend event for companies from the
industry sector, and its dates are firmly
anchored in the trade fair calendar. This hardly
comes as a surprise, because international
expert visitors always arrive at the event with
concrete tasks, RFQs and projects, for which
efficient solutions are being sought. This was
confirmed amongst others by Iris Münz,
commercial director of Ultratec
Anlagentechnik Münz GmbH, after
participating at the last event in 2021: “We
were pleasantly surprised – not only by the
number of leads, but rather by their quality as
well. Visitors came to us with very precise
requirements for specific components.”
Furthermore, a very high proportion of the
participating expert visitors are involved in
operational investment decisions, i.e. an
average of about 95% at each and every
DeburringEXPO.
The ideal information platform
for all industries and materials
Beyond this, the exhibition portfolio of the
leading trade fair for deburring technologies
and precision surface finishing covers
processes that are also becoming increasingly
important in parts manufacturing throughout
all industry sectors. “Companies are being
confronted with ever-stricter or modified and
new requirements, where previously used
processes and technologies are reaching their
limits. For example, these include more
demanding specifications for surface quality,
more complex component geometries and a
changing component spectrum, as well as
new and modified materials and
manufacturing processes,” reports Hartmut
Herdin, managing director of private trade fair
promoters fairXperts GmbH & Co. KG.
Additional factors involve process automation
and digitalisation, which not only ensure the
reproducibility required for many applications,
but can also alleviate the shortage of skilled
personnel. Not least of all, climate protection,
the efficient use of energy and resources and
cost optimisation in parts production are
becoming increasingly important as
competitive factors. DeburringEXPO covers
this range of requirements in a targeted,
thematically specific manner. It provides a
complete overview of up-to- date, innovative
solutions, shares information on current trends
in various industries and offers insights into
research projects. And thus the leading trade
fair for deburring technologies and precision
surface finishing creates an ideal environment
for the presentation of current and new
solutions, for early technology monitoring, and
for the establishment and expansion of
partnerships and networks. As of the end of
January, these convincing arguments had
already prompted 70 companies to make firm
booth space bookings – including almost all
market and technology leaders. “Based on
numerous enquiries and reservations, we’re
expecting 150 to 180 national and
international exhibitors, which is a significant
increase as compared with the last event in
2021 and almost matches pre-corona levels,”
adds Gitta Steinmann, DeburringEXPO project
manager.
Finishing - March/April 2023

HodgeClemco

40 MEASUREMENT
Crucial testing
Automotive coatings act as a shield
against environmental and physical
impacts while enhancing the vehicle’s
visual appeal. However, to ensure that such
coatings meet the necessary standards and
perform as expected in real-world conditions,
it is essential to test them in the laboratory
prior to mass production.
By subjecting coatings to controlled impacts,
scratches and abrasions, manufacturers can
evaluate how they will perform in real-world
conditions. The results of these tests provide
valuable insights that can be used to improve
the coating during the development process,
ensuring that the coatings are durable and
long-lasting, meet industry standards and
maintain their aesthetic appeal even in harsh
environments. There are several types of
testing methods that are commonly used to
evaluate automotive coating performance:
Abrasion and Washability
Abrasion testing measures the coating's
ability to resist damage and wear from
repeated contact with abrasive materials,
simulating real-world conditions that the
coating may encounter, such as exposure to
harsh weather and road debris. Such tests
ensure that the coating remains intact and
provides the necessary protection to the
underlying material, even after prolonged
exposure to harsh conditions. By replicating
the wear and tear that a product would
experience over an extended period, abrasion
testing condenses its lifespan into a much
shorter timeframe in a controlled, monitored
environment. This approach ensures
consistency, repeatability, and reproducibility
of results that cannot be achieved manually.
Washability testing assesses the coating's
ability to withstand cleaning processes without
significant degradation. As vehicles need
regular cleaning to maintain their appearance,
it is crucial to ensure that the coating can
withstand this process without losing its
protective properties.
The Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and
Washability Tester is commonly used for such
tests. The machine uses an oscillating carriage
to move a tool (commonly a brush or sponge)
back and forth across a test panel while
applying pressure on the surface of the
coating for a defined period of time.
Elcometer 1720 Abrasion and
Washability Tester
Results can be determined visually by
checking for signs of abrasion such as scratch
marks or faded coatings but properties such
as weight, gloss and coating thickness can also
be measured for more quantitative,
comparable results.
Scratch Testing
Scratches can significantly impact the
appearance and protection of a car's exterior
and even compromise the coating's protective
properties, leading to rust or corrosion.
Scratch testing involves carrying out
controlled scratches on the coated surface and
measuring the force required to create a
visible scratch. The Elcometer 3092
Sclerometer Hardness Tester measures the
scratch resistance of a coating by moving a
Tungsten Carbide Tip across the coating with
a predetermined force. The coating is then
visually examined for damage. A harder
coating will require more force to scratch,
which indicates a more robust and durable
coating.
Hardness Testing
Hardness testing helps to determine the
coating's ability to resist indentation or
penetration by a hard object. This information
is essential in assessing the coating's ability to
provide long-term protection for the
underlying metal surface, maintain its
appearance and withstand the rigors of daily
use.
There are several methods for testing a
coating's hardness, and Elcometer supplies a
Finishing - March/April 2023
continues on page 42

MEASUREMENT 41
range of equipment to suit different
applications. The Elcometer 3095 Buchholz
Hardness Tester, for example, uses the
indentation method, consisting of a bevelled
disc indenting tool which is fitted into a
stainless steel block exerting a constant test
load.
Elcometer 3095 Buchholz
Hardness Tester
The Pencil Hardness Tester, on the other
hand, uses a series of graphite pencils of
increasing hardness to evaluate the coating's
resistance to scratching.
Impact Testing
Impact testing plays a critical role in
assessing the durability of automotive coatings.
This type of testing helps determine the
coating's ability to withstand impact and
deformation. During the test, a controlled
amount of force is applied to the coated
surface, and the coating's ability to resist
cracking or damage is measured.
For accurate and reliable results, the
Elcometer 1615 Variable Impact Tester is ideal
for testing the impact resistance of coatings,
including automotive coatings. It uses a weight
with a hemispherical punch attached to fall on
to a coated metal sheet from a predetermined
height. The weight is then released and the
resulting deformation is observed.
Deformation Testing
Deformation testing is another crucial factor
in assessing the performance of automotive
coatings, as it determines a coatings ability to
withstand external forces and resist permanent
damage such as dents, scratches, and
abrasion.
To assess a coating's deformation resistance,
Elcometer offer various repeatable and
reproducible tests, such as mandrel bend
testing and cupping testing.
During a cylindrical mandrel bend test, a
metal sheet coated with the material under
test is bent over a range of ever-decreasing
cylindrical mandrels. This can be done by
hand using the Elcometer 1500 Cylindrical
Mandrel on a stand or, for a more consistent
and customisable test, the Elcometer 1506
Cylindrical Mandrel Bend Tester with
adjustable height rollers and a bending lever
can be used. The coating is inspected after
every bend to determine a precise point of
failure.
Elcometer 1510 Conical Mandrel
Bend Tester
Cupping testing, on the other hand,
involves the coated test panel being clamped
into place and a ball of known diameter is
gradually pushed through. This shows the
exact point at which damage occurs as
displayed by the digital gauge on the
machine. Cupping tests can determine the
extent a coating can be drawn out or
deformed before it fractures, by gradually
increasing the depth of indentation.
Abrasion, washability, scratch, hardness,
impact and deformation testing are just some
of the methods used to evaluate coating
performance in the automotive industry.
Reliable and accurate testing in the laboratory
prior to production ensures paint
manufacturers can be confident in producing
long-lasting and high-quality coatings that
provide the necessary protection and visual
appeal for their automotive customers. For
more information on the Elcometer range of
Physical Test Equipment, please visit
pte.elcometer.com
Finishing – March/April 2023

42 PLATING
Easy does it
For many industries, including canning,
standard tank plating remains the go-to
option. Yet challenges still exist with this
technology, not least the need to break down
parts and ship them out for repair resulting in
costly downtime. It’s why SIFCO ASC, the
global leader of selective electroplating,
provides the SIFCO Process®, a selective
brush plating application method of applying
metal deposits to localised areas without using
an immersion tank.
SIFCO ASC’s southwest territory sales
manager, Tony Arana, who helps customers
successfully identify and implement solutions
using the SIFCO Process®, explains how
those operating within the canning industry
will quickly benefit from switching to selective
plating. Covering everything from enhanced
repair efficiency to reduced operating costs,
he also describes the unique role the SIFCO
Process® plays in reducing downtime and
improving component performance.
No disassembly required.
Downtime is costly at any stage of the
manufacturing process. During the highspeed
canning operation, a bearing spins on the
shaft of the press, creating areas with
excessive wear and pitting that, in time,
require repair. Wear areas, or areas scored by
grit and foreign materials, can cause the press
to leak hydraulic fluid or not form the mold
properly – potentially triggering a catastrophic
event. Removing, breaking down and
shipping these parts isn’t simply just timeconsuming,
it directly results in increased
operating costs.
Traditional repair methods call for
disassembling the press and removing the
crankshaft or press tool before assessing
whether to replace the component or weld
the damaged areas – both options requiring
substantial expense and downtime. With
selective brush plating, metal deposits can be
applied to localised areas in-situ, enabling
stationary parts that are either difficult to
move or disassemble to be efficiently plated.
With repair work completed entirely on-site
the need to ship out parts is avoided, resulting
in less downtime and in turn reduced
operating costs.
Manufacturing is continually looking for
ways to extend the operational lifespan of
equipment and selective plating provides fast
and efficient turnaround times. Industries like
aerospace, marine and energy already benefit
from the SIFCO Process® and significantly
improve wear resistance on critical
components prolonging the life of their
equipment.
SIFCO ASC is able to evaluate what
components need to be repaired and devise a
plan that allows this work to be completed
both in-situ and around shutdowns,
minimising costly disruption. Furthermore,
once the repair work is done the machinery
can immediately be used again - saving
additional downtime for reassembly.
Another benefit of brush plating is that it
counts on minimal masking, which is a
process that involves protecting areas on the
components where plating should be avoided
with special tapes and paints. Brush plating is
designed to treat those specific areas of a
component, with a high level of accuracy
enabling in-situ repair and enhancement that
is typically faster than alternative surface
coating methods.
Positive environmental impact.
The scrapping of parts and components not
only affects company overheads but there is
the environmental issue to think about. The
question of sustainability is one that is
continually discussed. Worn-out, corroded or
damaged parts contribute to the million metric
tons of ferrous metal, and millions more tons
of non-ferrous metals and stainless steel in the
U.S. scrap rate.
This can be significantly reduced if site
managers and manufacturers can find a way
to head off component failure and remove the
need for scrapping equipment. This is where
remanufacturing comes into play, returning
OEM parts back to original specification, or
better, for a longer, more reliable lifespan.
With tank plating the parts need to be
submerged throughout the process. In some
cases the tank can be large depending on the
size of the part to be plated. Some tanks can
hold up to 1000’s of gallons of chemical
solutions, whereas a standard brush plating
repair can use less than two litres of solution.
Finally, due to the large volume of toxic
material involved in tank plating, expensive
and complex effluent systems are required in
order to treat the liquid prior to it entering the
public waste water system. With brush plating,
since the amount of solution is very small, the
damage to the environment is significantly
reduced, therefore providing a healthier
working environment.
Finishing - March/April 2023

Celebrating more than 70 years
providing excellence in pumps
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High Quality German DC
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Horizontal
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up to 60m³/h
Cartridges
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Papers
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For all
applications
Electroplating
Anodising
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For all your product finishing requirements
Hendor-pe UK Ltd, 11 Clarendon Court, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 8QP
Tel: 01925 361400 | E: sales@hendor-pe.co.uk | W: www.Hendor-pe.co.uk
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

44 CORROSION CONTROL
Corrosion control
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 long-lasting, 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.
Manufactured and supplied by EnviroTech
Europe Ltd, it is unexcelled in preventing
failures of electrical systems and electronic
equipment caused by corrosion as well as
preventing the corrosion of metal components
surfaces, including those of components
comprised of dissimilar metals such as those
found in aerospace environments.
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.
Use SuperCORR A for protection and
lubrication of connectors, electrical systems
and switches and mechanical controls during
servicing. The ability to displace water from
exposed contacts can ensure reliable
operation in extreme conditions all in one
small aerosol can.
Efficient and economical
• Extremely long-lasting, specially
formulated and proprietary anti-corrosive
inhibitor.
• Eliminates premature failure of
components created by moisture, general or
fretting corrosion.
• Prevents deterioration and contamination
on all surfaces of electronic and electrical
equipment and mechanical close tolerance
moving components.
• Reliability increased, maintenance intervals
increased and costs reduced, manufacturers
save costly warranty service calls or product
re-call.
Approved
• Industry approval from: NASA, Boeing
Aircraft, Bombardier, Embraer, Lear,
Gulfstream, Hawker-Beechcraft, Cessna,
Raytheon, Polish Airforce, Northrop-
Grumman, Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian
Air Force.
• Exceeds Mil C 81309 Corrosion
Prevention Compounds.
• Approved in US Tri-Service Corrosion
Manuals.
Please visit the website
https://www.envirotech-europe.com/supercorra
for information about other uses and
applications for SuperCORR A.
Finishing - March/April 2023

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

46 PROFILE
Investment time
Hi-line Industries, a UK-based leader in
the design, manufacture and installation
of energy-efficient compressed air
purification equipment, 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.
Everything about
Hi-line at present
centres on growth,
emphasising the
success story of this
forward-thinking
UK manufacturing
business. By way of
example, spring
2023 will see the
start of an extension to the company’s UK
headquarters in Burton-upon-Trent. This
significant project will provide a huge boon to
the in-house manufacturing processes, while
simultaneously increasing warehouse space.
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.
Hi-line also takes its corporate sustainability
responsibilities extremely seriously, which is
why the company is currently installing a
series of electric vehicle chargers at its Burtonupon-Trent
facility. This activity precedes a
number of electric vehicles currently on order,
which will drive down carbon emissions and
support Hi-line’s position as an industry
flagbearer for environmental issues. Many of
the company’s products also underpin this
ethos, largely via innovative technologies that
help to reduce energy consumption.
In a further environmental project, Hi-line
will be self-sufficient with solar energy by 31
March 2023, delivering a huge milestone in
the company’s carbon-offset programme.
As a final positive note, Hi-line reports that
recruitment is currently at an all-time high,
with the company set to announce more
appointments in the near future, likely filling
vacancies in the Logistics and Technical
Departments. In addition, two local
apprentices have just started their BCAS
(British Compressed Air Society)
Apprenticeship Scheme at Hi-line Industries,
facilitating the vitally important succession of
industry skills.
“We’re really happy with our impressive
sales performance as it means we can reinvest
in our business to deliver even more growth
moving forward,” says managing director
steve smith. “investments in new floor space,
staff members and green technologies –
alongside our newly conceived management
structure – will mean that Hi-line remains on a
progressive and secure footing. The future is
looking extremely bright for Hi-line and I look
forward to seeing what we can achieve in the
years ahead.”
Finishing - March/April 2023

actongate - address alts.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2022 12:06 Page 1
Acton Gate Systems Limited - Tel: 01902 249299
1 Nightingale Place, Pendeford Business Park, Wolverhampton WV9 5HF
web: www.actongate.co.uk - email: enquiries@actongate.co.uk
EFFICIENT - ROBUST - RELIABLE
• SMALL BATCH WASHING TO CONVEYORISED SYSTEMS
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INNOVATION FOR ALL YOUR WASHING NEEDS
Call 01543 675800 or visit our website www.unitechwashers.uk.com

48 PACKAGING
Packing it in
At HMG we’re always looking at ways to
improve our sustainability and these
new PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled)
containers have been a long-term project for
us.” Commented Helen Clark, HMG Paints
Purchasing Manager. “The use of PCR
containers contributes to growing the circular
economy. This helps reduce negative impact
on climate change, whilst maintaining the
same performance and standards you would
expect from regular containers, something
which was key for us and our customers.”
The new containers perform to the same
standard as virgin material and also include a
new livery design for HMG’s range of Water
Based and Decorative products. The PCR
containers allow HMG to reduce their use of
virgin material and offer full recyclability of the
new containers in appropriate PP recycling
streams due to monomaterial construction, a
feature which is increasingly important to all
stakeholders.
Coatings Made in Britain
HMG Paints range of Decorative coatings
will be amongst the first to appear in the new
packaging. All of the products in the range are
Made in Britain accredited with all production,
including the colourants, taking place at
Riverside Works in Manchester. The range
contains products such as Vinyl Matt Emulsion,
Acrylic Eggshell and Fence and Shed Paint, all
of which will carry the British Coatings
Federation “Low” VOC globe.
The VOC Globe scheme is part of a wider
initiative by the coatings industry to raise
consumer awareness of the amount of VOCs
contained in decorative paint products, allowing
consumers to make more informed, and
hopefully greener choices. Greater involvement
from paint manufacturers, such as HMG, in the
scheme will also greatly help paint recyclers
separate solvent-based and water-based leftover
paint with ease, which aids reuse and recycling
and assist in growing the circular economy.
HMG’s range of Decorative products can be
purchased via their online shop,
https://shop.hmgpaint.com/ or by calling them
directly on 0161 205 7631. Additionally, you
can purchase HMG products from their
national distributor network. As an independent
paint manufacturer HMG Paints rely on a loyal,
countrywide distribution network to supply and
service customers a range of products and
colour matching options.
With HMG’s unique position as a British
based coatings manufacturer, they are able to
supply products quickly to customers.
Uniquely HMG also develop new and
bespoke products, whether that be toll
manufacturing or completely new formulations
for white label customers. All products
manufactured by HMG can be produced
quickly with flexible batch sizes, including in
the new PCR containers.
Finishing - March/April 2023

NEW
Oven Temperature Logger
Measures and records oven
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• 6 K-type thermocouple ports
• High temperature stainless steel barrier box for
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• Download, view, and analyze data using PosiSoft Desktop Software
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Prices starting at:
Oven Temperature
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Temperature
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Wide variety of spring clamp and
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Customizable PDF Reports
16A Long Drive, Meadway, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2PN
t: 01442 879494 • www.dftinstruments.co.uk • e: sales@dftinstruments.co.uk
Reach the UK's metal
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50 WORKSHOP
The pressure is on
While the pressurised air supplied through a standard compressor is
more than sufficient for many industrial processes, certain applications
require pressure levels to be taken up a notch (or 10). In these
instances, adding a high-pressure booster is the ideal solution – and
carries with it an abundance of efficiency, safety and productivity
benefits.
As the name suggests, a booster ‘boosts’ or increases the pressure
levels of a primary feed air compressor. Never a stand-alone product, it
works in tandem with the primary unit by taking the air and passing it
through additional compression stages, creating up to 10 times more
pressure. Atlas Copco, market-leader in compressed air solutions, offers
boosters that can increase pressure from a standard unit to anywhere
between 69 and 345 bar.
There are air, nitrogen and gas treatment booster solutions for all
high-pressure applications, which are ready to be integrated into a
wide range of industrial processes. Designed to suit the most
demanding of operations, they are particularly useful for deep
geothermal, exploration and water well drilling, and pipeline testing. All
Atlas Copco models are standard equipped with a lifting eye and
forklift slots and weigh as low as 6,500 lbs, meaning they can be
transported to even the most remote offshore projects with ease.
Atlas Copco’s Xc4004 Smart air controller enables users to easily
define the booster’s output pressure with a touch of the button. In a
high-pressure drilling application, the drill speed can efficiently be
increased, reducing the cost-per-meter drilled, thereby improving
overall profitability. The modular design of the company’s dual stage
boosters also allows the user to change from dual to single stage,
giving more control of the utilisation rate of their investment.
True blue arrives
The Heubach Group has
launched its new product line
Ultrazur; A range of Ultramarine
Blue pigments in four shades
from greenish to reddish for a
variety of standard and
demanding applications.
Ultrazur has been tested
extensively against market
benchmarks and displays
excellent product properties that
make it an optimal choice for a
range of different applications
that require a medium to high
performing Ultramarine Blue
pigment. It is highly resistant to
heat (up to 350°C), light
(lightfastness of 8 in HDPE) and
exhibits strong weatherability. It
is non-warping and nonshrinking,
thus maintaining the
dimensional stability of
polyolefins. The new technology
used in the final production step
of Ultrazur provides excellent
dispersibility making it a perfect
choice for fibres and thin film
applications.
High performance powder
Coaters of architectural and general industrial products in China are now
set to benefit from high performing, premium quality, Interpon Ready-to-
Ship (RTS) powder coatings from AkzoNobel.
The new RTS range has been developed for coaters who need powder
coatings delivered quickly and in varying quantities. They are available in a
range of colors and finishes chosen especially as the most popular across
a diverse range of industries to satisfy the most urgent of urgent jobs.
The RTS powder coatings portfolio is a range of products that are in
stock and readily available to be shipped, often the same day. And
crucially for coaters, the powder coatings can be ordered in quantities of
almost any size, from just a single box, to cut down on waste and ensure
what’s ordered gets used.
The RTS range for North Asia offers coaters of architectural products
access to the Interpon D powder coatings with a proven, superdurable
performance. It comes in a range of on-trend colors, textures, and state of
the art finishes, guaranteed to meet even the most detailed specifications.
Similarly, the RTS range offers exceptional products for the industrial
market, including the Interpon 600 polyester and Interpon 700 epoxy
polyester powder coatings, to protect and enhance a wide range of
substrates for use both indoors and out.
Roughness gauge
The Guyson Corporation has introduced a surface roughness gauge,
based on a third party certified “Master Specimen” of non-periodic Ra
standard. These specimens are produced using a one pass blasting
method and are quantified as per ASTM D7127.
The “Guyson Institute of Standards” (GIS) was created by Guyson,
with the sole purpose to define the Ra finishing standards for nonperiodic
finishes for the blast finishing industry. Until now most
roughness certified coupons were made to reference a periodic
machine surface. A periodic surface is one that has a repeated pattern
created by a machine cutting blade moving back and forth. Blast
finishing is a nonperiodic process and its Ra value should not be
determined with a periodic specimen which will give an inaccurate
result.
Previously, a nonperiodic blast specimen did not exist, creating a
problem when determining a precise roughness value on a
profilometer. This added to the inconsistencies in the results. The new
blast specimen created by the Guyson Institute of Standards
determines a specific Ra value on a calibrated profilometer which will
enable the user to correctly match that Ra Value on a product finish.
All previous Ra measurements up to this point, are inconsistent
because there was no scientifically certified specimen to determine the
gloss value of a non periodic finish.
Finishing – March/April 2023

Products & Services
Stewart Freshwater
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
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Abrasives
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www.hodgeclemco.co.uk
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01902 249299 actongate
www.actongate.co.uk • enquiries@actongate.co.uk
To advertise please call
Stewart Freshwater
on 07746 373 545 or email
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
conveyor systems
Overhead Conveyors
& Lifting
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A business unit of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies
Please contact us on:
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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
Stewart Freshwater
on 07746 373 545 or email
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
FM_PSA_2016.indd 1 14/04/16 12.43
March/April 2023 - Finishing

52 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
Stewart Freshwater
on
07746 373545
or email
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
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
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
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
Finishing - March/April 2023

for all your classified needs call Stewart Freshwater on: 07746 373 545
53
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
Stewart Freshwater
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
metal finishers
Specialist in Metal Finishing, Electro
Coating with Acid Pickle & Zinc
Phosphate, Powder Coating with
3 Stages, Cleaning including Iron
phosphate. We provide high quality,
fast and cost effective polishing
operation for a wide cross-section of
component and parts.
ISO9001-2015 Certified.
Tel: 01902 871311
sales@hitchfinishing.co.uk
www.hitechfinishing.co.uk
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
powder coating manufacturers
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
precision cleaning & degreasing
●
●
●
●
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
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
The Sherwin-Williams Company
To meet the requirements of:
ASTM B117 • ISO 9227 • DIN 50 021
and all other standards.
Full traceability guaranteed.
pumps & filters
SPECIALIST LAB SALT LTD
Paytoe Lane . Leintwardine . Craven Arms.
Shropshire . SY7 0NB
Telephone: 01547 540573
Email: sales@specialistlabsalt.com
Website: www.specialistlabsalt.com
To advertise email
Stewart Freshwater
s.freshwater@turretgroup.com
ptr treatment
To advertise
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
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
please call
Stewart Freshwater
on
07746 373545
March/April 2023 - Finishing

54 for all your classified needs call Stewart Freshwater on: 07746 373 545
spray booths
spray nozzles
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.
Applying
Feeding
spray nozzles
thermal fluid
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
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
A
Web Design
& Development
surface finishing & effluent
technologies
Tel: 020 8953 7111
info@babcock-wanson.com
www.babcock-wanson.com
T. 01932 567505
chat@reva.co.uk
Mixing
Controlling
Booths & Systems
Wagner Spraytech (UK) Ltd.
Tel. 01327 368410
enquiries@wagner-group.com
www.wagner-group.com
Finishing - March/April 2023
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
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
MAY/JUNE:
n Powder Coating
n Ovens and Curing Equipment
n Dust and Fume Extraction
For Editorial enquiries please contact:
John Hatcher, EDITOR
E: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com

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