News & insights
Two new positions filled at Powdertech
Ben Kiff joins Powdertech as Production Team Leader
On 4th November 2024 we welcomed Ben Kiff as our new Production Team Leader. Ben has come to us bringing a wealth of experience from his previous position where he was working as the alloy production and processing lead, overseeing the end-to end process from casting, processing to monitoring day to day operational tasks. He also has a great deal of experience in systems and software writing and and made significant Lean and 5s improvements with the introduction of new systems and software.
Ben says that he is eager to implement ways to make improvements in production which will benefit our own systems and our customers alike. He has already made a positive impact in the production process.
Ben Kiff, Production Team Leader
Meet our new Marketing Executive - Vrinda Gupta
We are delighted to appoint Vrinda Gupta to be a part of the growing team at Powdertech Surface Science. Vrinda originally hails from north India but in 2022 she moved to the UK to complete her MSc in International Strategic Marketing at the Adam Smith Business School, Glasgow University. She joined Powdertech after completing her internship at a production and publishing company near Glasgow.
Previously Vrinda completed a degree in financial markets and joined as an analyst at KPMG, Mumbai. She decided to put her creative and commercial acumen to play and switched to pursue a career in marketing.
Vrinda is extremely excited to learn more about Powdertech Surface Science, and help the business take its marketing activities to the next level.
Vrinda Gupta, Marketing Executive.
Aluminium coupon testing services at Powdertech
How can you be certain that TiZr pre-treatment will give you the bond strength and durability that you need?
At Powdertech Surface Science we provide a range of test services, including the full range of aluminium coupon tests:
adhesion/ cohesion
lap shear
T-peel
tensile
fatigue testing
We can show that our TiZr pre-treatment, also known as TiZr passivation, matches anodising for enhancing aluminium bond strength.
Whether you require data for your customer or end user, or simply the peace of mind that TiZr pre-treatment will be a suitable and successful choice, our on-site test facilities can provide the reassurance needed.
Instron 34TM-50, an electromechanical universal testing machine
Why Powdertech?
We have over 20 years’ experience in optimizing TiZr pre-treatment for bonding purposes.
We are equipped to generate test reports within a time frame of two weeks, making us comparatively faster than many specialist test houses.
You have the option to choose between providing your own coupons to be tested or having tests made on aluminium coupons which we can provide for various different alloys.
We have a dedicated engineering and technical team on hand to discuss the merits of various surface finishes and how they could work for your project.
Our facilities and in-house TiZr expertise make Powdertech the best place for you to determine whether this pre-treatment process will deliver the bonding results you need.
Contact us to discuss your requirements
TiZr Passivation, a smarter choice for consistent bonding and welding of aluminium
We have seen a marked increase in enquiries for our Titanium Zirconium (TiZr) passivation process for aluminium in the wake of the recent hexavalent chromate/chromium trioxide ban.
Powdertech Surface Science was a pioneer in the powder coating industry when it became the first site in the UK to implement only chromate-free pre-treatments in 2001; we switched to using TiZr passivation nearly 23 years before the ban of chromium trioxide by the UK Government Health & Safety Executive. Consequently, we have had over 20 years to optimise the process to provide the best results for our customers and the alloys they use.
Our optimised TiZr passivation process is a suitable and preferred alternative to anodising in many instances, and brings important benefits. However, before we delve into those benefits it's important to understand what passivation does to improve aluminium bonding and welding strength.
Instron 34TM-50, an electromechanical universal testing machine, able to perform a wide range of mechanical tests including tensile, compression, bend, peel, tear, friction, and shear testing.
Energy efficiency
The TiZr passivation process creates a stable, protective and chemically modified ‘shield’ layer on aluminium and unlike anodising, TiZr is not reliant on intensive energy-based processes. This makes the process more energy efficient than anodising.
High performance bond strength
Bond strength is often a query from prospective clients and to answer this important issue we have multiple data sources that show bonds created after TiZr passivation are at least as strong as those created after anodising.
Ability to post-weld
Welding can be performed on metal that has been TiZr-pre-treated. After anodising, welding is not possible.
Optimised base metal treatment
At Powdertech Surface Science we use the latest eleven-stage Gardobond® X4591 and Gardobond® X 4707 processes. These are optimised, based on our years of experience and expertise, and will deal with issues in the underlying metal such as porosity and cracks.
Shelf life of 12 months
TiZr pre-treatment provides a shelf life of up to 12 months before any bonding, welding or coating needs to be done on the aluminium, unlike anodising where aluminium needs to be bonded within hours to avoid contamination of the surface.
Handling efficiency
The TiZr process requires less physical handling of the metal.
Please contact us to discuss how TiZr passivation might benefit your project. We can also provide testing services and reports, so you can compare TiZr to the process you are currently using.
Growing Ambitions: Become Part of Our Evolving Marketing Team
Brand new role - Marketing Executive
With continuing growth and exciting new opportunities we’re looking to bring a talented Marketing Executive on board.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a creative and strategic thinker to contribute to our growth and make a lasting impact. If you’re ready to take on new challenges and be part of a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in applying then click below.
Hexavalent chromate / chromium trioxide to be banned from 21st Sept 2024
By now it is well known in the industry that hexavalent chromate/chromium trioxide will not be permitted for use after 21st September 2024.
As the first powder coater in the UK to install chrome-free pre-treatment in 2001, Powdertech Surface Science has extensive experience in these safe and very effective systems. Our TiZr chrome-free pre-treatments are eleven-stage Gardobond® X4591 and Gardobond® X 4707 processes.
Hexavalent chrome is harmful to the environment in extraction, use and disposal. It is also linked to certain cancers and liver and reproductive system conditions, and, in our opinion, should have been banned many years ago.
Aluminium Federation (ALFED) recently published the following statement :-
The existing Hexavalent Chromate/Chromium Trioxide EU Authorisation expires on 21st September 2024, as we have left the EU, EU REACH and UK REACH are entirely separate and as such uses of substances on the authorisation list need to be covered by a GB-held authorisation.
The UKREACH web site UK REACH: List of UK REACH authorisations – granted and applications in progress (hse.gov.uk) lists no body or company or application that has applied to extend their authorisation for use of Hexavalent Chromate/Chromium Trioxide for Architectural aluminium or indeed aluminium.
Powdertech 2024 – Proving the value of ‘doing it right’ across all service delivery
August 2024 sees Powdertech Surface Science proudly celebrating forty years as a highly successful business, delivering high quality finishes and processes with an emphasis on technical innovation. We look forward to further achievement in the coming years as we continue to advance the business in line with market needs, helping our customers to exceed the expectations of their own customers.
Powdertech Surface Science 2024
Accountability, trust and respect. Powdertech was founded on one man’s understanding of the over-riding importance of excellence in customer relationships. Martyn Green had a conviction that ‘things could be done better’. He recognized a significant gap in the market for a company combining consistently reliable high-performance coatings with an interest in and understanding of customers’ own industries and markets. That focus on mutually beneficial, close customer relationships has been consistent as our overriding philosophy.
Powdertech - setting up in Bicester 1984
Powdertech 1984 - up and running
Martyn established Powdertech in Bicester in 1984, as a small company operating two shifts of six people, concentrating on coating aluminium ‘Georgian bar’ - horizontal and vertical bars placed across windows and doors to give a Georgian appearance.
By 1988 the volume and variety of work led to Powdertech being expanded into two companies. Powdertech (Corby) Ltd was established in Corby with a purpose-built plant to deal with architectural work whilst in Bicester we were becoming well-known for specialised pre-treatment services on aluminium and zinc castings for the automotive sector, in addition to powder coating for aluminium and magnesium. We installed chrome-free pre-treatment in 2001 (the first UK powder coating plant to do so) and acquired work in the aerospace, medical and specialist engineering sectors in addition to automotive. Our re-branding as Powdertech Surface Science reflects our capability in many aspects of metal surface technology. We are continually researching and developing improved surface treatment systems. In 2018 we launched PowderBond®, an innovative system for bonding light-weight metal to composite without using a separate adhesive. In 2022 we built a separate facility within our plant to offer INTRICOAT, our coating service for intricate complex coatings, requiring CAD masking schemes.
Across forty years the Powdertech philosophy remains unchanged, but our factory and offices look very different. Investment in plant and in staff development continues apace with state-of-the-art coating equipment including a robotic system. This enables us to provide a powder coating service which excels in quality, consistency and adaptability to evolving needs. We can process small, fragile aluminium components, as well as accommodating sections up to 4 metres long, in volumes from one-off prototypes through to full scale production. Also staff either have, or are working towards, NVQ Level 2 in BIT Training.
Our greatest strength remains a willingness to thoroughly understand a customer’s own businesses and market and to work together to achieve a final product at the highest level.
We'd like to say a big thank you to our committed team, and the customers and suppliers we have partnered with over the years.
We're looking ahead to the next 40 years of helping our customers keep their own business promises.
Dr Nick Welton joins Powdertech Surface Science
Leading surface chemistry expert Dr Nicholas Welton has joined Powdertech Surface Science as Technical Manager on a permanent basis, having worked with the Bicester based company for the last nine years as Technical Consultant.
Nick, who was recently awarded a Fellowship from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3), has led Powdertech’s involvement in funded research projects that total 25m EUR in value.
On joining the company as a permanent employee, Nick said: “Working for Powdertech has allowed me to engage in challenging projects, often where there is not a known solution, and the goal is to find one. This has meant that both the business and I have upskilled and increased our knowledge and experience of how to deliver, test and control surface cleanliness and coating. This ultimately benefits our customers – as our experience translates into successful project delivery.”
Nick has a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and a PhD in Polymer Chemistry. He started his career working for adhesive coating companies and powder manufacturers and began working for Powdertech Surface Science as a consultant in 2015. As well as helping to deliver successful projects for Powdertech’s customers, Nick has led the development of the company’s industry-leading test laboratory and pilot line facility.
These facilities have allowed Powdertech to contribute to research and development programmes with major OEMs such as JLR, BMW, Rolls-Royce and Volvo. Research subjects have included EV battery enclosure manufacture, aluminium cleaning using Titanium Zirconium (TiZr), bond durability of thin wall diecast aluminium, and the development of novel composite-to-metal bonding system Powderbond. Involvement in these projects has led Nick and Powdertech to become leaders in the field of technical aluminium surface treatments.
James Grant, Lead Director at Powdertech Surface Science, said: “Nick is the pre-eminent expert in commercial aluminium surface treatment and has been an integral part of our business for nearly ten years.
“We are delighted that he has joined us as a permanent member of the team. Nick is one of the key reasons that we are able to offer our customers the most technically advanced surface cleaning and powder coating solutions available in the UK.”
Nick will be on Powdertech’s stand (1427) at the Battery Cells and Systems Expo at the NEC on May 15 and 16, and he can be contacted via Powdertech’s website.
Powdertech Surface Science to attend Battery Cells and Systems Expo, NEC 15 & 16 May
Powdertech Surface Science is increasingly being called upon to provide surface treatment expertise on projects related to electric vehicle battery enclosures.
Having recently enjoyed a successful day at Battery Tech Expo at Silverstone, Director James Grant is looking forward to discussing upcoming projects at the two-day Battery Cells and Systems Expo at the NEC in May.
He said: “We are finding that EV production in the UK is starting to ramp up, and as surface treatment and powder coating specialists with significant automotive and EV experience, our expertise is increasingly in demand.
“In this industry our clients need suppliers who understand their requirements and can deliver a solution that works, in the time agreed. When it comes to TiZr passivation and dielectric powder coating – we know the work, the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.”
At the Silverstone show, our stand was busy with a steady stream of engineers looking to expand their knowledge on surface treatment for battery enclosures. We are anticipating the same at stand 1427 on May 15 and 16.
Our team has also been providing surface treatment expertise to the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s (APC) ALIVE project, which is aimed at building a world class battery enclosure manufacturing supply chain in the UK. The other companies in the research consortium are Constellium, BMW, Mini, Rolls Royce, Brunel University, Expert Tooling & Automation, Innoval Technology, Volvo, and Warwick Manufacturing Group.
We have significant experience on commercial EV projects. Bob Mustard CTO of Watt Electric Vehicles said: “Having worked with Powdertech over many years I am continually impressed by the team’s expertise at the forefront of emerging technologies and exemplary level of service.”
You can meet Powdertech’s expert team at stand 1427 at the Battery Cells and Systems Expo at the NEC on May 15 and 16, or find more information on the EV pages of our website.
Introducing Jimmy Phillips, Sales & Marketing Manager, Powdertech Surface Science
We are delighted to welcome Jimmy Phillips to our team as Marketing and Sales Manager. Jimmy joins us with nearly twenty years’ experience in marketing and commercial roles and is a specialist at communicating complex technical ideas.
He began his career at oil and gas consultancy firm Rhead Group (now part of Costain plc.) where he also completed his MBA, before working for industry bodies including the British Valve and Actuator Association. He joins us from agricultural machinery manufacturer RootWave where he helped launch innovative electrical weed control products.
Jimmy said: “The first thing that struck me about Powdertech Surface Science was that James and the team here have a clear idea of the value that they offer. The business has invested in technical experts and the latest technology and wants to build long term partnerships with its customers. This fits with my ethos perfectly and I am looking forward to helping the business to build on its recent growth.”
Battery Tech Expo at the Wing, Silverstone
April 25th 2024 09:00 - 16:30
We are looking forward to discussing the precision powder coating required in this sector with visitors and exhibitors and hope to see you there - stand B41. For EV Batteries, specialist surface coating techniques are essential in order to provide battery assemblies with both electrical insulation and protection from corrosion. These are expertly delivered by our team at Powdertech Surface Science. The event brings together professionals from across the advanced battery technology and energy storage sector to connect, innovate and do business.
Marketing & Sales Manager for an expanding business
Join our lively, motivated team
With continuing growth in our services and in the sectors we serve, we are looking for a dynamic Marketing & Sales Manager to join our ambitious team and make a significant contribution to driving the business forward.
We are an innovative company with an enthusiastic and mutually supportive team, proud of our leadership position in the industry. We have a culture of technical excellence, long-term customer relationships and a desire to exceed customer expectations.
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found HERE
Precision powder coating at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Show Feb 2024
Nothing beats meeting people in person and being able to describe and show our work. We are looking forward to showcasing our precision powder coating service INTRICOAT at the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Show 2024. This runs from 6-8th February and is held at the £35m Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre which boasts easy access, free onsite parking and world class facilities.
The show is aimed at people involved in design, engineering production and procurement. The latest in production hardware, services, components, consumables and technology will be on display, covering a wide range of industries including Aerospace/Defence, Automotive, Electronics Assembly/ Production, Industrial Machinery, Packaging/Handling/Logistics, Energy, Marine, Medical/PharmaBio, Mechanical Engineering and Metal Processing.
INTRICOAT is our highly detailed and meticulous powder coating service for high value and complex intricate aluminium components. These include part of medical devices, radar housings, electronics, and high end sports equipment.
Visit our stand and find out what makes INTRICOAT a premium powder coating service, required by producers of premium products.
Powdertech TiZr for structural bonding in innovative electric vehicle
Within the recently launched lightweight commercial vehicle from Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), our optimised TiZr passivation is used to enhance adhesive bonding for the lightweight aluminium chassis.
On lightweight aluminium, Powdertech TiZr passivation matches anodising for enhanced adhesive bonding strength. Read our technical paper and case study.
TiZr for enhanced structural bonding, in preference to anodising
Optimised TiZr passivation of the aluminium enables strong and repeatable bonding of the high strength aluminium adhesive, delivering a rigid core structure.
WEVC has used TiZr for this vehicle build, in preference to anodising, as it enhances adhesive bonding to the same degree, and uses less energy. The stable layer formed is also suitable for welding.
Innovation in the build
Lightweighting is key. A unique vehicle architecture, the PACES platform, is formed from lightweight aluminium extrusions.
The extrusions interlock and bond together using a patented innovation known as FlexTech®.
This is the first commercial electric vehicle to be using recycled aluminium for its chassis build.
The battery base plate utilises another Powdertech Surface Science process - PowderBond - an adhesive-free surface treatment to bond polypropylene composite material to aluminium. PowderBond has been used to create a lightweight, strong and rigid 'sandwich' laminate of aluminium and composite material for the fully integrated structural battery case. For more on PowderBond visit https://www.powderbond.co.uk/
Electric vehicle charging on our premises
A small addition to our premises but one we hope will be a big assistance to customer, visitors and employees who have already embraced the electric vehicle world and can now charge up on our site.
Small adaptions, from generating our own electricity, using recyclable materials wherever possible and supporting EVs, will hopefully contribute to the wider effort.
TiZr for enhanced bonding in Nichols N1A
When the work you perform is hidden from view and never to see the light of day, one’s pride resides in the finished article.
Such it is for the Powdertech Surface Science team; we are extremely proud that our optimised TiZr service plays an essential part, albeit hidden, in the construction of the striking and phenomenal Nichols Cars N1A super car.
The curved and honed body shape utilises a revolutionary chassis design made almost exclusively from extruded aluminium parts which are adhesively bonded in preference to being welded; carbon fibre is employed in certain areas. This system is the brainchild of Bob Mustard, a veteran of automotive engineering.
Powdertech optimized TiZr pre-treatment prepares the aluminium for enhanced adhesive bonding. The Nichols N1A is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new sports cars to land in the niche vehicle arena – weighing in at around 900kg, with a 7.0-litre V8 engine making 650 bhp.
Find out more in our Case Study
The importance of clean aluminium for surface treatments
How clean is clean ? And how do we know if we have cleaned your aluminium to the best possible level?
Surface contaminants, many that can’t even be seen, will impair the performance of any adhesive or coating applied to the metal. Bond strengths will be unacceptably low, especially in wet environments when surface corrosion can initiate. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in particular, high levels of cleanliness in the component structure are vitally important to ensuring the integrity and safety of the battery system. We use XRF equipment Dyne inks and UV-Fluorescence to measure the level of aluminium surface contaminants and to demonstrate compliance to specifications detailing RFU limits.
This short video explains just how we know that your metal is as clean as it can be before we apply any surface treatment.
Detailed precise powder coating - INTRICOAT at Subcon 2023
June 8th-9th we were at SUBCON 2023 at the NEC - our thoughts following our first ever show....
Three days well spent (set up included) learning more about our customers, exchanging ideas and exploring potential collaborations. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and chatted with us. Your professional expertise and feedback on the services we provide is greatly appreciated. The Muov TiltBike, showcasing our exceptional INTRICOAT powder coating was a good draw - sorry that we couldn't risk letting anyone having a go ! It's not ours, but kindly lent to us by MUOV.
In addition to thanking Chris Staunton at MUOV (including his assistance putting up our stand) we'd also like to thank our clients Morgan Motor Company and Blighter Surveillance Systems who allowed us to use their promotional videos in our show reel. Finally a huge thank you to Ben Cottman at Aerial Film and Photo - Media Production for everything show related - including artwork printed and set in place, our superb show reel and a van-based taxi service to get us to the NEC and back.
As we all know, nothing beats chatting with professionals in your industry sector. You can learn a lot, as well as creating a more tangible awareness of your brand and service offering.
INTRICOAT is our premium powder coating service, designed for complex low-volume machined aluminium components. Find out more HERE
INTRICOAT powder coating at SubCon 2023, June 7-8, NEC
Precision powder coating and masking for exquisitely machined components
We will be showcasing INTRICOAT on our stand (G120) at SubCon 2023 and look forward to meeting machinists and OEM’s keen to discover this service.
The ability and willingness to powder coat at very low volumes has always been an important aspect of the Powdertech Surface Science service offering. High-end intricately machined devices are often produced in small quantities and require delicate handling and highly accurate masking schemes - hence our separated room for this work. We also like to assist companies making prototype parts who want the best possible surface treatments and metal finishing at this stage of their R&D work.
The care and attention our INTRICOAT team pays to their work creates an exceptional finish. We like to say that INTRICOAT is founded in science and applied as an art.
SubCon 2023 gives us a great opportunity to talk to customers and potential customers face-to-face, answering their questions and explaining in detail exactly what this service offers. We will have the MUOV TiltBike on show as well - displaying INTRICOAT work completed recently for a happy customer.
Launch of eCV1 commercial vehicle - featuring two Powdertech Surface Science processes.
Optimised TiZr process for enhanced bonding and PowderBond both feature in the ETRUX eCV1 electric van
We are delighted to see the ETRUX eCV1 electric van, built in partnership with WEVC making its debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2023 this week, April 18-20, NEC Birmingham.
We are proud to have provided two critical aluminium surface treatments for this lightweight vehicle. The aluminium chassis is treated with our optimised TiZr process for enhanced bonding. This energy efficient process creates a stable surface which will allow bonding and welding processes to deliver repeatable, strong, durable adhesive bonds.
The battery base plate utilises another Powdertech Surface Science process - PowderBond - an adhesive-free surface treatment to bond polypropylene composite material to aluminium. PowderBond has been used to create a lightweight, strong and rigid 'sandwich' laminate of aluminium and composite material for the fully integrated structural battery case. For more on PowderBond visit https://www.powderbond.co.uk/
