Powdertech's Intricoat service has recently been the solution for Blighter Surveillance Systems who needed very precise powder coating for cast aluminium housings used in radar systems.
Blighter Surveillance Systems designs and makes electronic-scanning (e-scan) ground radar systems for national border security, counter-drone, wide area surveillance and coastline security. These products employ unique award-winning technology and are generally regarded as best-in-class.
The radar systems are used in over thirty different countries. The technology needs to operate in all environments including desert and coastal/offshore and in all weather conditions, with no deterioration of function. An hermetic seal between the components needs to be achieved making the interior cavity airtight.
Protective treatment of the aluminium used for the radar housing is therefore critical as every surface is important to the integrity of the product and its successful deployment of scanning, recording and disseminating abilities. Some parts of the metal needed to be powder coated and others left free of the powder coating, but still pre-treated for corrosion protection.
Intricoat - starts with a detailed CAD masking scheme
Powdertech’s Intricoat team designed a masking scheme on CAD, in conjunction with Blighter Surveillance Systems. This was needed in order to keep internal areas free of powder, including preventing powder penetration into over 120 small holes per unit. Powdertech has a wealth of experience in designing and implementing these schemes and we are very aware of what works and what does not.
Pre-treatment for corrosion resistance
The internal surfaces of the housing needed to be free of a final powder coating and therefore required an initial pre-treatment with high corrosion resistance. Iridite NCP was used as the high performance pre-treatment, having excellent resistance to corrosion and an ability to withstand very high temperatures. Frequently specified by regulated industry sectors such as aerospace, defence, automotive and medical, Iridite can be used both as a pre-treatment under a topcoat or as a final coating.
All components underwent Iridite treatment in our plant and were then de-gassed to force out any remaining moisture.
Masking and powder coating in our Intricoat 'clean room'
Masking was carried out following the pre-designed scheme, after which the components were powder coated, all work being carried out in the dedicated Intricoat room within the Powdertech plant. Handling of parts through the powder coating process needed bespoke jigging arrangements by Powdertech to control weight distribution and ensure consistent and even coverage.
Benefits of Intricoat - Taking care of every aspect
· Your work is in safe, experienced hands
· We take responsibility for all aspects of masking and coating so that you can concentrate on critical design and engineering.
· The final stage of manufacture, the finish, is generally under time pressure. We understand this and have invested in a dedicated separate facility, located within our plant, to be used exclusively for customers requiring Intricoat services