If you're new to the world of engineering coatings, you may be wondering what exactly coatings are, how they're applied and the role they play in surface protection.
To help answer your questions, in this blog, we'll be demystifying surface protection and exploring the world of engineering coatings.
What Are Engineering Coatings?
Coatings are also known as 'layers' or 'finishes'. They're applied to metallic surfaces (also called 'substrates') using a process known as metal spraying or thermal spraying.
People often assume coatings are simply a layer of paint, designed to make a surface look better, but in actual fact, engineering coatings have a specific role to play in protecting surfaces and ensuring that they can perform in the way they need to.
How Do Coatings Protect Surfaces?
Coatings play a crucial role in the world of engineering. Specialist coatings applied using thermal spraying techniques enhance the performance of metallic components and surfaces in machinery.
Coatings are created by depositing a layer of material onto a substrate using one of several available methods. The final thickness of the coating can vary greatly, ranging from a few microns to several millimetres, depending on the type of coating and the application method used.
Coatings don't just encase a surface, the way a layer of paint would. Instead, they imbue surfaces with properties that will help the part do its intended job, such as reducing friction, for example. In this way, a coating actually alters the properties of the surface being sprayed, rather than just covering it over.
Coatings can be used to protect surfaces from:
- Corrosion or erosion
- Extreme temperatures
- Water damage
- Weather damage
- Abrasion
- Intentional damage
- General wear and tear
The World Of Engineering Coatings: Key Benefits
Engineering coatings are essential for surface protection. Here are just some of the key benefits of thermal coatings in the world of engineering.
Cost-Effective Maintenance Solution
Coatings can simplify routine maintenance by improving the performance and longevity of parts, thus minimising downtime and reducing the costs associated with repairing or replacing worn parts.
More Convenient Repairs
Since metal spraying is a relatively simple process, and can often be carried out on site, it offers a more convenient option when repairs are needed for parts and machinery, and is a quicker, more economical option than replacing worn parts with new ones.
Improves The Longevity Of Machinery
Since engineering coatings protect surfaces, they're an excellent way to improve the longevity of metal components, increasing their lifespan. Not only does this save time and money on maintenance and repairs but is better for business overall, since it future-proofs equipment and machinery.
Better For The Environment
Spray coatings are a more environmentally-friendly option when compared to replacing worn parts with new. Plus, not only do they reduce waste, but since they can also improve performance, they're an excellent way to reduce energy usage, which in turn reduces pollution and demand on the earth's natural resources.
Less Wear & Tear
Coatings are essential in helping to protect parts from wear and tear. This can be vital in industries such as manufacturing, where machinery may be in almost constant use, and where downtime is not only inconvenient and costly but can also disrupt the supply-chain.
Lower Risk Of Workplace Accidents
The Health and Safety Executive reports that in the UK in 2023-2024, there were over 600,000 non-fatal injuries in workplaces, and sadly, in that same period 138 workers died as a result of workplace injuries.
While it's fair to say that only a portion of these accidents will have been machinery-related, it's still critical that employers ensure the safety of their workforce by making workplaces as safe as possible.
Priotisiting maintenance and repairing faulty machinery and parts is one way to keep employees safe, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries due to machine or parts failure.
Additional properties
Engineering coatings don't just protect surfaces from wear and tear, they can also alter the properties of a surface so that it performs better or to protect it from damage due to other elements, such as heat or rust.
Alphatek's World Of Engineering Coatings
We hope this has helped to demystify surface protection in the world of engineering coatings.
Here at Alphatek, we pride ourselves on being a leading independent thermal spray coating specialist With over 120 years of cumulative coating experience, we're able to provide a wide array of thermal coating services to a diverse range of industries.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help your business. You can also email postbox@alphatek.co.uk or give us a call on 01706 821021 to speak to a member of our friendly team.
If you'd prefer to meet us in person, you can find us in Ramsbottom, 20 miles north of Manchester. Please be sure to check our current opening times when planning your visit to Alphatek.
