Business
Successful development of tit
Successful development of tit.
About this update from Hardide Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 1731O Hardide PLC 03 March 2009 \n \n\n\n\n\n\nPress Release \n\n\n3 March 2009\n\n\n\n\n\nHardide plc \n\n('Hardide' or the 'Group')\n\nHardide announces success in coating of titanium\n\nHardide plc (AIM:HDD), the provider of unique metal surface engineering technology, is pleased to announce that it has successfully developed a process to enable the Hardide coating of titanium - a strong but light, high-performance metal commonly used in the aerospace, defence and Formula 1 motorsport industries.\n\nThe Group has made a significant technological breakthrough by developing a coating process specifically for titanium. In February 2009, the Group successfully coated its first titanium components for customers in the UK and US, as well as a number of its own test samples. Components manufactured from titanium can now benefit from the unique wear, abrasion and chemical resistant properties of Hardide.\n\nThis development gives Hardide access to the global titanium thermal spray coatings market estimated to be worth £100 million per annum. The Group estimates that Hardide-suitable niche applications in the UK alone are worth £10 million annually. \n\nTitanium is lightweight and offers a combination of mechanical strength and chemical resistance but it suffers from intense galling (severe adhesive wear) which limits its use. Attempts to solve the galling issue by traditional coating methods such as titanium surface oxidising, spray coatings and plating have not provided a reliable solution. Coating with Hardide has shown an excellent load-bearing capacity with an absence of galling and wear, even under high load. Furthermore, Hardide demonstrates strong coating adhesion and doesn't require grinding to finish. Due to its unique combination of benefits, a range of new engineering designs will become possible. \n\nThe titanium project has been in research and development for five years but it was fast-tracked to success following the formation last year of the Applications Development Group; part of the strategy ado...