Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s managing director sees the chemical treatment line as an excellent addition to existing production processes: “This is a significant stage in the development of the Darwen site which will bring extensive benefits to our customers. There is a huge demand for treatments capability in the industry and this line will deliver an efficient and cost-effective solution.”
The line is computer controlled with fully automated loading, immersion and transfer capabilities through the 3, 5 and 8 ft baths. Kaman is seeking NADCAP accreditation for the line and expects to secure it by the end of the year. The line already includes NADCAP-approved penetrant flaw detection plant and spray/bake paint and primer equipment.
Kaman’s team will demonstrate the capabilities of the treatment line with a series of presentations to more than 75 key industry figures. The company’s range of special processes is expanded through the line, and includes chromic acid anodise (CAA), chemical conversion coating (Alocrom 1200), acid pickle and clean of titanium, vacuum blast, zinc spray, and paint finishing.
Plans are also in place to introduce tartaric/sulphuric anodising. TSA is a replacement technology adopted by the aerospace industry to meet with EU mandates for the reduction of hazardous materials in the working environment, while giving comparable levels of corrosion protection and coating quality.
