In this blog, we are looking at how engineering coatings shape the future. Enhancing the performance of your materials is a simple step to unlocking innovation.
Improving efficiency, profitability, and all-round component protection will give your business a competitive edge. All of which can be achieved through engineering coatings. Read on to discover how engineering coatings shape the future of design and sustainability.
What Are Engineering Coatings?
Simply put, engineering coatings enhance the surface properties of a sprayed component. This involves spraying advanced, molten materials onto a damaged, or less durable material. Once the particles have bonded, the component then gains advanced properties, such as resistance from extreme heat damage, corrosion, abrasion and/or wear.
Engineering coatings can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of an application. Only a thin layer of a coating needs to be applied to strengthen a component, making engineering coatings highly versatile.
The sprayed material can also be changed, to enhance specific properties, as well as the spraying method. This is based on the specific needs of the application, with each composition and technique offering different results. For example, engines in an automotive application need thermal protection and marine structures are highly susceptible to corrosion, so require corrosion resistance.
How Engineering Coatings Shape The Future
In modern times, it is necessary for manufacturing industries to innovate. There is a constant challenge for industries to produce advanced, innovative products.
Consumers nowadays have more accessibility than ever before. For that reason, they expect more from products, in terms of design and usability. Meeting the ever-growing requirements for lightweight, durable, sustainable, more efficient, and stronger products is necessary to compete in your market.
So, when it comes to how engineering coatings shape the future, their advanced surface technology helps manufacturers unlock superior levels of durability, performance, and design possibilities. Here are some examples of how engineering coatings shape the future.
1. Enhanced Durability
Across many industries, the durability of components is a constant concern. One of the major factors in how engineering coatings shape the future of engineering and manufacturing is by enhancing durability.
When exposed to corrosive environments, extreme temperatures, and constant wear, the lifespan of equipment can be depleted significantly. The impact this has on businesses, in terms of profit, production downtime, and efficiency, is unquestionably damaging.
Engineering coatings help to protect equipment, meaning they can operate for longer and more consistently with fewer maintenance disruptions.
Many sectors can now benefit from more reliable equipment, allowing them to reach new levels of innovation at reduced costs. From medicine to construction, aerospace to hospitality, industries can put more faith in their crucial equipment and focus all operations on progressing forward.
2. Lightweight, High-Performance Designs
Reducing the weight of components, while not sacrificing performance, is an integral aspect of engineering across many industries. The most obvious examples of applications that require lightweight, high-performance materials are in automotive and aerospace, which require weight reduction of parts to enhance fuel efficiency.
At Alphatek, we adopt different metal spraying techniques to meet the specific requirements of the application. If the application requires dense, highly bonded overlays, we recommend HVOF spraying. Whereas if weight reduction is a priority, we would suggest plasma spraying.
One of the top questions we are asked about engineering coatings, is if the deposited advanced materials contain all properties needed for an application, why not make the application itself from those materials?
The reality is the weight, resourcefulness, and cost of advanced materials make them unattainable for most businesses. Whereas with engineering coatings, you can achieve innovative, more efficient results with only a small deposit of scarce resources.
For designers, they can reach new levels of innovation at more affordable rates. With components coated with ample protection, the potential for design engineering is endless.
3. Supporting Sustainability
Almost all businesses across all sectors are becoming more environmentally conscious. There is a noticeable shift to altering business operations and practices to be more sustainable.
With that in mind, engineering coatings are a sure-fire way for businesses to meet their green strategy. By improving the durability of components and protecting them from harsh environments, businesses can significantly reduce both their emissions and waste.
The versatility of coatings means there are few limitations to sustainable engineering and the impact it can have on industries. Whatever the requirements for your components are, Alphatek can tailor a solution so you too can benefit from increased lifespan and efficiency of equipment.
How Engineering Coatings Shape The Future From Alphatek
Now you know how engineering coatings shape the future, it is time for you to get in contact with Alphatek.
With over 120 years of cumulative coating experience, we promise to provide you with high-quality results and service. We have helped numerous well-recognisable businesses across a diverse range of sectors achieve more innovative designs.
Stay ahead of your competitors by enquiring about our services today. You can reach us at 01706 821021 or by emailing postbox@alphatek.co.uk
