The Company we Keep.

• Allied Signal
• APV Baker Company
• British Pipe Coaters
• Dunlop Aircraft Tyres
• Ferrari Formula 1
• Hindle Valves
• Kvaerner Eureka A.S.
• Marconi
• Oxford Magnet Technology
• Weetabix

Here we illustrate a range of examples: in each, different requirements, and different remedies. From this, you will gain a broad understanding of the scope and benefits, and hopefully, how we may be able to help you.

Keeping the flow moving - At Weetabix, the tendency of mildly tacky flakes to stick on the vibratory conveyor and block the flow had meant vigilant supervision. Earlier attempts, using polished stainless steel and loose laid PTFE from rolls, had failed.

The problem was completely solved by Armourcote 1060. Its low adhesion properties and microscopically undulating surface profile ensured that each flake has only partial contact with the conveyor, being carried to some extent on a cushion of air.

New '1530' coating promises huge savings to foods industry - A difficulty with fruit cakes is preventing sticky particles gluing themselves to the tin. Traditionally, commercial bakers use copious oil lubrications and silicon paper liner - both adding to the cost. Armourcote's new '1530' coating proved these liners to be unnecessary and minimal lubrication is quite adequate. Of no mean importance, certainly for bakers, is its tolerance to higher temperatures - 290C, against PTFE's normal 220C. Results showed a more even bake, due in part to the '1530's' black texture that helps disperse the heat. Also, a year's heavy use under trial indicated little deterioration: exceptional durability is a feature of this coating.

Superior new release coating aids latest body scanners - Not least of the development problems for Oxford Magnet Technology, whose name is linked with the world's most advanced body scanners, was how to release the 4 foot diameter magnets from their mould. Made from lengths of copper wire, the magnet is then cast in epoxy resin, renowned for its tenacious bonding. The Armourcote 4530 coating which itself took three years development, supplied the answer. In 90% of instances the casting lifts straight out. After twelve months constant use the coating remains sound, claims the company, who estimate its life as ten times that of PFA, its nearest equivalent.

Cutting production costs for Dunlop Aircraft Tyres A clean and snag-free mould release brought unexpected savings to Dunlop Aircraft Tyres. Mould lubricants and air venting solution were no longer needed. And because residual rubber and hardened lubricants ceased to be an issue, periodic bead-blasting also became unnecessary. This is turn meant that the sharp tread profile of the mould was not eroded. Life expectancy of these expensive tools increased dramatically. Dunlop is a world leader in aircraft tyres, supplying constructors, airlines and air forces around the globe.

High spec' anodising for Formula One In Formula One, high technical standards must be matched with fast, dependable response from suppliers: design changes between Grand Prix allow little time and both were reasons for Ferrari choosing Armourcote. Exacting tolerances and razor-sharp masking-off were critical for the anodised components that formed the cars' active suspension. Components rushed to Leeds were on occasion turned around overnight and at weekends too. Their recommendation to use Armourcote came from Marconi.

Free movement guarantees safety A vital component within the pretensioning safety belts made by Allied Signal is the steel lever holding back the main spring. In a crash, these instantly release the spring which in turn pull the belt tight. Their once-in-a-lifetime effectiveness relies upon this instant release. To guarantee this safety, Armourcote apply a special long lasting, low-friction coating to each of the three levers retaining the spring. They also coat part of the buckle mechanism which smoothes the clunk-click action every time it is used.

Friction without sticking helps bakery production Fresh dough is a stubborn material. Surface coatings using different friction and release properties play an essential role on conical moulders (for use in bakeries), made by the aptly named APV Baker Company. Its function, like a helter skelter in reverse, is to transform lumps of dough into balls and in the process, surfacing them with a moist, non-stick finish ready for proving. The rotating cone propels the dough up-hill, moulding it against the outer, stationary trough. To do so needs more frictional grip on the moving cone - otherwise the dough simply skids, than on the trough. The cone element uses molybdenum-trapped PTFE, which is particularly hard-wearing. This same foundation also provides excellent abrasion resistance on APV's biscuit-mixing machines.

Jet engines rely on high friction protective coating At full power take-off, especially in hot desert regions, the exposed fore-end fan assembly is subjected to intense bombardment from sand and other airborne particles. To combat this, a leading engine manufacturer employs Armourcote to apply a 3 part protective coating to the annulus filler that separates the blades. Exposed surfaces use a formulation that acts as an anti-erosion shield, whilst the metal-to-metal contact section employs a dry film lubrication to minimise frettage corrosion. Both are secured to a primer base. Armourcote apply the coatings to the engine manufacturer's specification and standard.

OFF-SHORE OIL EXPLORATION

Nobody doubts the rugged environment that men and equipment are subjected to on North Sea oil rigs. Just as the oil exploration industry itself is continuously broaching new technical challenges, so it expects the same from those supporting it. Rising to this often difficult task has been a dominant feature of Armourcote's work, both at Leeds and East Kilbride, for a number of years. Its legacy is that inventiveness and 'lets have a go' approach, percolate throughout its business and has brought benefits to clients in other fields.

Solving a galling problem for Tension Leg Platform - Screwing down the massive 2 tonne nuts for each of the 18 legs of the floating rig had run up against severe galling. Despite 4,500 lbs torque, a dozen or so threads appeared the limit. The main contractor, Kvaerner Eureka A.S. assigned Armourcote who developed a 2 step coating. A resin-bonded molybdenum formula was applied to a sub-structure. So effective was the slip factor that the twin 30 bar motors that turned the nuts proved more than ample. The entire work was carried out on-site in Norway by Armourcote's project team from Leeds.

Britain's leading ball valve company choose Armourcote - Major process valves, like an 18in unit made by Hindle Valves of Leeds must be able to withstand long periods without attention or servicing, and often in hostile surroundings such as off-shore oil platforms. For anti-corrosion/environmental protection, Armourcote apply multiple coat formulations to the outer surface. For long-life friction resistance, the inner ball assembly uses electroless nickel, which is then hardened by heat treatment. Of particular importance is the uniformity and controlled thickness of the electroless nickel.

Shielding the Christmas Tree - Once immersed on the sea bed, the 'Christmas Tree' often remains there for lengthy periods. The coatings applied to various of its components guard against all manner of sub-sea chemical corrosion and superficial damage. It was for this and other specialist work that earned our East Kilbride plant the 'Vendor of the Year Award' three years running.

Guarding the integrity of sub-sea oil pipes In cold North Sea waters it is vital that the piped crude oil from beneath does not cool and harden on its upward passage. British Pipe Coaters Ltd in Scotland use special moulds to sleeve these pipes with a tough insulating layer of syntactic polyurethane made from a myriad of micro beads. Equally vital in the moulding process is that the outer surface should not stick or drag, and in so doing, threaten its integrity. The adhesion problem, previously serious, has now been cured by Armourcote. Their release coating, applied to the Low and Duff manufactured moulds, provide a clean break every time. After sleeving 1000 x 12 metre pipes, the surface release is claimed to be as good as new.