The new Poeton coating technology centre boasts an array of wear and friction test equipment, and three environmental corrosion chambers, allowing Poeton to solve customer coating problems.

Poeton Industries Limited, a world leader in surface coating technology, has completed a 120,000 sterling 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 15th January by Dr Keith Dennis, President of the Institute of Metal Finishing. Other VIP guests included John Kirkpatrick of the Motorsport Industry Association and Professor 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 the Poeton position as one of the leading European 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 customer 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.