Among the analytical and test equipment now in place are PC-driven microscopes capable of resolving surfaces and micro sections down to sub-micron levels
Poeton Industries has completed a £120,000 investment in its Gloucester Technology Centre, creating a focal point of surface coating excellence within the Poeton Group, which also has production facilities in Cardiff, Southampton, and the USA.
The centre was officially opened on Friday 15 January by Keith Dennis, president of the Institute of Metal Finishing.
Other VIP guests included John Kirkpatrick of the Motorsport Industry Association and Frank Walsh, professor in electro-chemical engineering at the University of Bath.
Among the analytical and test equipment now in place are PC-driven microscopes capable of resolving surfaces and micro sections down to sub-micron levels, with attachments that allow entry into bores only 2mm in diameter.
This investigative capability is supported by state-of-the-art chemical analysis, including atomic absorption. Group R and D director Keith Stevens says this level of sophistication underpins Poeton's position as one of Europe's leading surface engineering companies.
He also emphasises that much of the work carried out at the centre is of direct benefit to customers, explaining that his team has already been able to fast-track the successful resolution of problems such as in-service component failure by providing analysis that has saved customers from potentially expensive litigation.
The technology allows Poeton to solve customers' coating problems, often via direct electronic transfer of images and reports.
Importantly, the new centre boasts an array of wear and friction test equipment, and three environmental corrosion chambers, allowing Poeton to pioneer ground-breaking developments in such diverse applications as F1 engines, plastic moulding and stylish beach wear.
