The first project is the development of grinding and super-finish technology for the Hardide-A coating (a direct replacement for hard chrome plating). This project is supported by Airbus, Perfect Bore Manufacturing and Engis UK. The second project is to develop the processing of an ultra-low temperature coating that will increase the range of aerospace substrate materials suitable for the Hardide coating process. Airbus and Leonardo Helicopters are end users, while Perfect Bore and Westmoreland Laboratories are support partners.
Both projects commenced on 1 September and will each take up to 18 months to complete.
Philip Kirkham, CEO of Hardide Coatings, says: “These grant awards were made after a rigorous application process and we will be working closely on the projects with our end-user customers. Both projects have the potential to expand significantly Hardide Coating’s aerospace business, widening the range of aircraft components and substrate materials suitable for our coating technology.”
