Preferred UK coater for Vicote high performance polymer coatings

Citation

(2007), "Preferred UK coater for Vicote high performance polymer coatings", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779bad.024

Preferred UK coater for Vicote high performance polymer coatings

Preferred UK coater for Vicote high performance polymer coatings

The Armourcote division of Surface Technology plc has been appointed by Victrex plc as the preferred coater in the UK of its recently launched “VICOTE” anti-wear and anti-corrosion high performance polymer coatings.

Part of Norman Hay plc, Surface Technology-Armourcote is a highly regarded specialist in the application of high performance coatings and plated finishes, has a 60-year history in the surface engineering industry, and has been closely involved in the development and introduction of many cutting-edge surface coatings. Initially, the VICOTE coating process will be available from the Surface Technology facility in Leeds but the company expects to introduce the process progressively into its other specialised coating facilities in East Kilbride, Irvine, Coventry, Bradford and Slough.

VICOTE coatings are based on VICTREX PEEK polymer – a linear, aromatic, semi-crystalline polymer widely recognised as one of the highest performing thermoplastics in the world, also made by Victrex. Specially developed to provide a highly durable, anti-wear and anti-corrosion surface on a wide range of substrates – including aluminium, stainless steel, glass and ceramics – VICOTE coatings are classed as non-halogenated with low smoke toxicity, and claim an inherently good flammability rating, and comply with recent RoHS legislation. VICOTE coatings are said to offer substantial benefits over existing coatings and can eliminate the need for costly, hard-to- machine alloys such as titanium in many applications. Available as aqueous-based dispersions or in powder form, the coatings create an impact resistant, pin-hole free protective surface in thicknesses ranging from 25 to 150m, using conventional application equipment VICOTE dispersions are aqueous-based and eco-friendly, and contain only around 1 per cent of VOCs, so are also reported to be unaffected by the latest solvent emissions regulations. Excellent adhesion to the substrate is said to be achievable without the need for a primer and, due to the lower specific gravity of Victrex PEEK when compared with traditional fluoropolymers, increased coverage per kilogramme also adds value. VICOTE is a one-coat system, so cycle times are potentially reduced in situations where multiple coats of other less wear resistant systems may be required.

Typical applications for VICOTE coatings are in the aerospace, automotive and electronics industries, as well as in many other sectors of engineering where the high surface durability and long life of components are primary requirements.

Commented David Miller, chief operating officer for Surface Technology – Armourcote: “As a technology-driven organisation, Surface Technology pic prides itself on the ability to keep ahead of the constant requirement from design engineers for high performance surface coatings with enhanced wear characteristics, increased corrosion and chemical resistance, high lubricity and appearance. The fact that we can now offer VICOTE – one of the most advanced surface coatings of its kind in the world – enables us to tackle the most demanding surface engineering specifications.”

Said Andrew Storm, Global Ventures business leader for Lancashire-based Victrex plc: “VICOTE coatings have already demonstrated increases in the life of the coated part of between 50 and 200 per cent in a number of areas.

Details available from: Surface Technology plc; Tel: +44 (0) 1132 480555; Fax: +44 (0) 1132 350169; E-mail: sales@armourcote.co.uk, web site: www.surface-technology.com