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Hardide Coatings, provider of advanced surface coating technology, has invested a six figure sum in new technologies that will strengthen its service and delivery capability; these include a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and equipment to further improve the pre-treatment process.

The company has enhanced its analytical capabilities by investing in the latest SEM technology to image and analyse coatings at the sub-micron level. This allows imaging of chemical elements in extremely fine detail and strengthens the company’s understanding of coating issues and behaviours.

The SEM uses a focused beam of electrons to interact with atoms and generate a variety of signals from the sample. This reveals information on the topography, composition, crystalline structure and orientation of materials comprising the sample. It is already being used to develop new Hardide coating applications, analyse customer parts and continually improve the production process.

Hardide Coatings Technical Director Dr Yuri Zhuk said: “The SEM was a significant investment but one which is already paying off by providing us with a new level of information which we are using to deliver a better service to our customer base. This includes leading companies in oil and gas, aerospace and other advanced engineering sectors.

“This technology also augments our ability to develop new applications and coating modifications more quickly and accurately. Together with smaller investments including new equipment in our pre-coat area, this enables us to take the Hardide surface technology to the next level of technical excellence.”

Hardide Coatings develops, manufactures and applies nanotechnology tungsten carbide-based coatings to a wide range of engineering components.  The company’s patented technology is unique in combining a mix of abrasion, erosion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating.  When applied to metal components in aggressive environments, the technology is proven to offer dramatic improvements in component life resulting in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency.  Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pump manufacturing, nuclear, advanced engineering and aerospace industries. The company is part of AIM listed Hardide plc (AIM:HDD).