Why Engineering Coatings Are A Smart Investment

To ensure longevity, it is important to protect surfaces from abrasion, wear, corrosion and environmental damage. Without a protective barrier, frequent replacement of components is a guaranteed burden on engineers. By choosing to invest in engineering coatings, it guarantees the long-term protection of components, and optimises their efficiency.  

This blog looks to explore what engineering coatings are, their benefits, and why they should be considered a worthwhile investment.  

What Are Engineering Coatings?  

‘Engineering coating’ is an umbrella term which covers a range of coating materials. When applied to substrate, coatings alter the surface properties and performance of a component.   

In layman’s terms, engineering coatings are specialist paints which act to protect surfaces against deterioration.  

There are various classifications of coatings, which are distinguished by the application process. Follow this link to learn more about different metal coatings. 

As well as providing protection, engineering coatings are used to restore the physical dimensions of worn-down surfaces.  

For example, in the glass moulding process, oxidisation and wear commonly occur due to extensive heat and pressure.  To diminish these effects, Alphatek formulated Flame Spray and HVOF surface coatings. Once applied to the glass moulds, their lifetime and performance ability significantly increased. Find out more about our glass manufacturing services.  

an image of a wine glass and bottle to illustrate a post about the glass manufacture process and highlight how thermal sprays can be beneficial

What Are The Benefits Of Coatings?

Before deciding whether to invest in engineering coatings, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of its benefits.  

As previously mentioned, there are various types of engineering coatings, meaning the range of options to choose from is vast. The market is constantly expanding, which to some investors may be overwhelming. Before investing, it is important to understand the benefits of different coatings, so to get the most out of them. 

Restoration 

Thermal sprays are typically utilised to restore surfaces to their optimal functionality.  

Monitoring production efficiency can be the quickest answer when identifying quality issues, and profit loss. Engineering coatings developed by Alphatek, such as High Friction Coatings, work to restore traction efficiency to customer applications.  

Lifetime  

Premature abrasion lessens production efficiency and when left unattended can cause component failure. In turn, loss of operating profit and quality issues are inevitable.  

Engineering coatings, like Wear Control Coatings, ensure the long-term functionality of components, reducing the probability of such disruptive impacts.  

Protection

Thermal Barrier Coatings are an obvious example of how protecting surfaces against heat and corrosion can improve component performance.  

There are numerous applications across many industries where heat is required in a confined area but must be isolated in others. Coatings are an efficient way controlling this. More importantly, protective barriers reduce operation risks.

Control 

Wear can sometimes be inevitable. Coatings, such as Abradable, are designed to wear preferentially and in a controlled manner when it rubs against an abrasive material. 

Having control over such variables improves the internal strength of components and reduces the impact of erosion.  

Time Optimisation  

One of the greatest interruptions to a project timeline is unscheduled maintenance. Machinery breakdowns are particularly common when assets are not preserved. Such interruptions delay scheduling and have immense financial implications.  

By investing in engineering coatings, the likelihood of interruptions is minimised. Well maintained components naturally incur less breakdown charges or require replacement.   

Are Engineering Coatings A Worthwhile Investment?

By choosing to invest in engineering coatings, it allows components to achieve an otherwise impossible level of performance, thus making it inarguably worthwhile.

Furthermore, overall productivity of engineering teams can improve once component performance is consistent. Time optimisation allows for concentration on growth, and other projects, instead of needing to constantly work backwards.  

For many industries, the impacts of corrosion need to be removed from the equation entirely ie. offshore structures. In this case, coatings are an essential investment. 

 Image of a ship on the sea to show how engineering coatings are used offshore

A determining factor of how ‘worthwhile’ an investment in engineering coatings will be is, of course, cost. A general rule of thumb is that the greater cost accrued, the better quality coatings. Paints which are at a higher price point generally have a higher concentration of solids, performance rate, lifetime, and manufacturing fees. It is an investment which puts true meaning to ‘you get what you pay for’. Rest assured; the payoff is guaranteed.  

So, Why Invest with Alphatek?

Most of Alphatek’s range of engineering coatings are a propriety and have been specifically tailored to fit customer demands. Not only will Alphatek deliver on customer specifications, but, will do so with high performing products at an exceptional value. Click here to read more on Alphatek’s Quality Assurance. 

Globally renowned brands have trusted in Alphatek for over two decades. Their impressive portfolio was achieved through an unparalleled track record in coating technology. To learn more about Alphatek’s clients, click here.

Should you require advisement about which coatings would be best suited for your components, enquire today for our expertise.