surface treatment
Aalberts surface technologies Kirkby
about this location
welcome to Aalberts Surface Technologies Kirkby
Since we have already been a part of the Aalberts N.V. group since 2001, we have recently changed our name to Aalberts Surface Technologies Ltd.
Our surface treatment plant near Nottingham is much larger than it seems at first sight. It boasts 9,000 sqm of land with 6,000 sqm of modern production area. With our impressive portfolio and quick response times we are a valuable ‘diamond partner’ in surface technology. Since the founding of Acorn Surface Technology in 1974, the plant in Kirkby has provided the precision engineering industry with state-of-the-art hard-anodising, chromic acid anodising, and sulphuric acid anodising. Over the years, Kirkby we focussed its our attention more and more on the aviation and aerospace industries, supported by and gained superb technical know-how of the anodising and painting processes required in thiese fields.
We are a supplier of specialist surface engineering processes and our web site aspires to provide information on common themes, questions and technical issues our customers frequently ask us about. We recognise that such information becomes most useful when it is directly related to your own application or product so please do contact us, via the help line or directly to one of the teampersonally, and we will discuss your specific issues and help you with expert advice. Find out more about our outstanding coating services now.
our services
In 1998, Kirkby acquired the technology of ion-assisted aluminium coating, known as IVD (ion vapour deposition) coating. IVD aluminium is used primarily to protect against atmospheric corrosion, typically in temperature ranges from 0 to 300 °C. The coating can also serve to avoid bimetallic or galvanic corrosion.
coating services
- Hard Anodising
- Chromic Anodising
- Sulphuric Anodising
- Aerospace Painting
- Application of DFL, PTFE and IVD aluminium coating
process services
- Non-Destructive testing
- Stripping of paint by plastic media blasting
special services
Complex masking of anodised components: A core skill at the Nottingham facility is selective masking for combined treatments on critical components
chrome and cadmium substitute
For chrome and cadmium substitutes, we use a physical vapour deposition (PVD) process and produce a pure, extremely thin aluminium layer in a high-vacuum process. The chromium substitute is suitable for almost all plastics and metals. The cadmium substitute is intended for steel and titanium components. In addition, we offer chromium(VI)-free passivations as protective layers on metallic surfaces, which prevent or greatly retard corrosion of the base material. Base materials include a range of aluminium alloys. Such coatings are also referred to as chemically produced conversion coatings.
​IVD aluminium vacuum coating
IVD aluminium vacuum coating was originally developed by McDonnell Douglas as a replacement for cadmium treatment of steel and titanium components.
After coating with IVD aluminium, the parts have a dull grey appearance and must be handled with care. The next step is to close the pores in the outer surface of the coating by glass bead blasting. The parts may be used “as plated” or, more frequently, the pure aluminium surface is converted to an aluminium chromate layer by a chemical conversion coating.
Primarily, components made of steel alloys and titanium materials are coated.
properties
IVD aluminium offers good corrosion protection even at high temperatures. The coating can serve to prevent bimetallic or galvanic corrosion. The corrosion resistance can be increased in all cases by a subsequent chemical conversion coating.
Another big advantage of IVD aluminium vacuum coating is that it can be painted with very little surface pretreatment. The surface is suitable for many paints, including commonly prescribed liquid-tight epoxy resin-based primers and dry film lubricants.
application
Coating with IVD aluminium is primarily used in the aerospace and defence industries.
One example is the coating of titanium fasteners to which aluminium components are attached.
The process is certified by NADCAP and approved by a number of large aerospace companies including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Leonardo, Safran and United Technologies.
The components that are coated for these end users can vary in size and complexity to a surprising extent, from small fasteners to larger parts such as airframe components, engine components, and composite assemblies.
SurTec® 650
Chromium(VI)-free passivation SurTec® 650 is used in immersion, spraying or brush application processes. During this chemical process chromium(VI)-free particles are incorporated into the coating resulting in a faintly iridescent conversion layer that ensures optimum corrosion protection.
SurTec® 650 is ideal for the after-treatment of anodising layers and as a primer for paints, powder coatings and adhesives. Not only does this chromium(IV)-free passivation technique create optimum corrosion protection, it also results in low electrical contact resistance.
hard anodizing
Hard anodizing is a particularly versatile coating technique with various process variants and post-treatment options. The layers are very wear-resistant and hard, showing increased corrosion resistance or improved anti-friction properties.
Due to its good wear resistance, a hard-coated aluminium material can replace expensive wear-resistant steel. The same applies to the replacement of expensive corrosion-resistant materials. Potential applications are where contact corrosion should be prevented, anti-friction properties improved, electrical or heat insulation increased.
quality and know-how
applications
Our research shows that IVD aluminium vacuum coating is widely identified as the high-quality alternative to the use of cadmium for corrosion protection, because it combines limited levels of added layer and comparably low life costs with a satisfying duration of protection.
In terms of accelerated corrosion tests IVD aluminium exceeds the performance of cadmium: 25 to 50ums of aluminium (a class 1 type II coating) will pass the standard 672 hours salt spray test and typically exceed 1,000 hours. Thinner coatings, that can be specified for close tolerance or threaded parts, will easily exceed the specified 336 hours for comparative cadmium coatings.
Hard anodizing produces a relatively dense, thick oxide layer. As a result, the film tends to be darker in appearance although the final colour is largely dependent on the alloying constituents (elements) of the base material and, in its natural state, can be anything from light green/gold to dark grey/charcoal.
Hard anodizing has become a very important technique where weight saving (e.g. by replacing aluminium with steel) combined with good corrosion protection and wear resistance are required. Furthermore, unsealed anodic coatings can absorb and retain oil when used on sliding surfaces for cylinders and pistons etc., providing longer lasting lubrication.
areas of aplication
IVD applications include corrosion protection of steels and titanium alloys
- Coating of titanium alloys for galvanic corrosion protection
- Selective masking for optimised functional properties
Hard Anodising applications include:
- Pistons
- Cylinders
- Hydraulic actuators
- Braking systems
- Marine and offshore applications
- Fuel systems
- Aircraft components
- Gears
downloads
Aalberts surface technologies offers security. We want to offer you the greatest possible security. That is why our Aalberts surface technologies sites are certified.
certificates
general terms and conditions
our inhouse processes
We are the right partner for both new parts business and component maintenance. In addition to offering various coating processes, like vacuum coatings, anodzing, chrome cadmium substitute or hard anodizing, our competence also includes partial coating of components and keeping technically necessary areas of the components free from coating.Â
industries we serve
contact & directions
Aalberts Surface Technologies Ltd.