Pre-Coating Preparation
An important part of the process at East Kilbride is the initial inspection of the component, which is carried out upon receipt of the part. We routinely give each part a visual inspection upon arrival, and any defects or irregularities are logged and photographed before the details are passed onto the client for review. This ensures that potential downstream problems are not coated over, thus allowing rectification before a part fails in the field.
We use the technical drawings for each part to produce a QMS generated Process Control Sheet which the operators follow throughout the coatings operation. We would use the technical data to identify blind holes, and then conduct a boroscopic examination to ensure there was no residual swarf from the machining process. We would remove any contamination found using specialised airline tools, as such debris can cause equipment damage, particularly to nylon seals.
Components are thoroughly degreased and cleaned using a high pressure jet wash. We would then create the required anchor profile on the part - shot blasting with angular iron grit, aluminium oxide, and glass bead polishing is available. To ensure the subsequent blast profile conforms to the customer's specification, we measure the amplitude using either an Elcometer Surface Needle Gauge, or Elcometer 122 Testex Tape.
