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New Robotic Manipulation System
Southern Manufacturing 2002
Continual Improvement
Southern Manufacturing 2002
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd Strengthens its Technology Base
New Thermal Spray PTFE Composite Coatings
Thermal Spray Coatings Contractor
New Robotic Manipulation System
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd have recently invested in a new Fanuc 6-axis robot. This high load carrying capacity manipulator allows Thermally Sprayed coatings to be applied on even larger complex geometry parts. The robot has a load carrying capacity of 60Kg and a large working envelope that enables it to cover surfaces of up to 6 metres in length. Heavyweight guns such as the Oxy/Kerosene HVOF systems can now be programmed to move at high speed over complicated shapes (such as Land Based Gas Turbine Blades) while depositing uniform coating thicknesses. This investment allows Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd to provide high quality coatings on components that could otherwise not have been processed.
Issued by Steve Bomford, Technology Marketing Director of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
Southern Manufacturing 2002
Plasma & Thermal Coatings exhibited at the Southern Manufacturing Trade Exhibition which took place in February 2002. The show was very well attended with over 3,000 visitors per day visiting stands from over 200 different companies in the manufacturing & contracting field.
The staff on the PTC stand were kept on their toes over the 2 days due to the constant stream of visitors. Our presence at the show allowed us to maintain contact with our existing customer base & also show our wares to a series of new potential customers. We were pleased to be able to take a number of valuable enquiries during the period.
PTC will be exhibiting at another show in the not too distant future. If you would like to be able to meet some of us & also view some of our products, watch this space for more details.
Issued by Steve Bomford, Technology Marketing Director of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
A Systems Approach to Continual Improvement
PTC, your partner in applied surface technology, was one of the first UK thermal spray companies to achieve ISO14001 registration in 1999.
Since then, the company has quickly moved the goal posts and sought out many environmental measures to help control any impacts at source, such as waste minimization, abatement improvements, supplier/contractor partnerships and energy efficiency.
PTC aims to lead the way in the field through best practice and implementation of a fully integrated management system, combining specialisms in quality, the environment and health & safety.
The company is committed to supporting the development of its people and set a programme for training and development in 2001 to support the drive towards integration and continual improvement.
This work is already paying dividends in terms of employee motivation and customer satisfaction.
Issued by Dawn Cairns, Quality Manager of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
Southern Manufacturing 2002
We will be exhibiting at the Southern Manufacturing 2002 exhibition at Thorpe Park, Surrey from 27-28 feb. We hope you will visit us on Stand L40.
Southern Manufacturing 2002 is the region's biggest forum for industry professionals and OEM's involved in engineering design, production, purchasing and procurement, quality control & works management.
Issued by Britt Henderson, Marketing Administrator of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd Strengthens its Technology Base
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd, based in Newport South Wales continues its expansion with the recent appointment of a Technology Marketing Manager. Steve Bomford has 18 years experience within the thermal spray industry supported by a Materials Engineering Degree from Aston University.
Originating from a 'hands on' technical & production role in the coating of aerospace components, Steve moved on to became a Technical Sales Manager for a major thermal spray materials and equipment supplier in the UK. Prior to joining Plasma & Thermal Coatings, Steve worked for Sulzer Metco as a Key Account Manager responsible for numerous high profile customers.
As Technology Marketing Manager, Steve will be co-ordinating R&D programmes, marketing, application engineering services and managing special projects as well as providing customers with technical support and consultation.
Issued by Britt Henderson, Marketing Administrator of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
New Thermal Spray PTFE Composite Coatings
Following an intensive research and development programme, Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd, one of the leading UK surface technology companies, this month launches a brand new PTFE coatings technology.
The company's new PlasmodÒ range of coatings represent a significant advance in the use of PTFE's very low coefficient of friction. Whilst having an enormous number of benefits, historically PTFE has offered little wear resistance in aggressive, erosive and abrasive service environments. Now, with the development of the PlasmodÒ coatings, for the first time a one-step process has been created for thermal spraying of ceramic and metal composite coatings containing fluoropolymer uniformly distributed throughout the entire coating (fig 3). These new coatings combine the properties of the metal, ceramic or carbides with the inherent benefits of PTFE, and retain low friction, low wear and non-stick, non-wettable properties throughout the much extended life of the coating.
Currently thermal sprayed metallic coatings are used as an undercoat to reinforce and protect the PTFE surface layer (fig 2). However, once the metallic peaks have worn, PTFE is removed and the surface loses its non-stick, non-wettable and low friction properties often with catastrophic consequences. Although this two step method had benefits regarding service life, compared with a simple PTFE coating (fig 1), it is significantly more expensive and requires longer processing time. Also the protection provided by the peaks of the metallic bond coat extends to a depth of less than 0.1 mm.
The new PlasmodÒ composite coating can be deposited to thicknesses over 0,5 mm and thereby greatly extending the service life of the coating. Compared with other typical thermal spray coatings these composites with embedded particles of PTFE have demonstrated 50% less friction and 20% longer wear.
PlasmodÒ coatings have been developed by Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd using proprietary patented materials which comprise of particles clad with ceramic and other materials. The cladding provides a thermal barrier that protects the fluoropolymer against destruction by the extreme heat of the thermal spraying process.
This clever encapsulation of PTFE particles within the thermal coating means that the inherent properties of wear resistance and low friction continue through the full depth of the coating. The new PlasmodÒ coating also has an environmental benefit - PTFE can give off toxic fumes under heat, but by encapsulating the PTFE within the thermal coating, this is to a large extent prevented.
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd sees an enormous array of applications for the PlasmodÒ coatings across a range of industries. These will mainly include the paper, textile and packaging industries where the coating will prevent material sticking to rolls and drums; the food and chemical processing industries which will benefit from the almost frictionless coating surface; and the plastics and moulding industry where the low friction coating will benefit rolls, guides and moulds.
Other applications are likely to include copier rolls, heat exchangers, and machine element components, bearings and seals providing wear resistance and low coefficient of friction.
Having developed this new thermal spray process, Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd are able to offer industrial users a number of services. The company is able to provide a PlasmodÒ coating service; supply the equipment for in-house application of coatings; and supply materials in conjunction with the licensing of the technology. Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd also has research facilities for application and coating development to meet customers specific requirements.
Issued by Britt Henderson, Marketing Administrator of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd
Thermal Spray Coatings Contractor
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd is established as the market leader in surface coatings technology. Originating from Coatings Research & Development to become a European supplier of materials and equipment, the Newport (Wales) operation is now a major coatings contractor.
Operating 6 thermal spray booths Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd are geared up for high volume production. Processes include a selection of fully automated systems including HVOF, Plasma and a variety of conventional combustion systems. The company is accredited to ISO 9002 and Rolls Royce CQC 103 approval.
Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd offer a comprehensive range of services from initial R&D through to full production. As a materials and equipment supplier the company also facilitates and supports technology transfer for customers that require taking production in house.
Issued by Britt Henderson, Marketing Administrator of Plasma & Thermal Coatings Ltd