Fine screws in the millimetre range are precision components. They need to be coated so that they can fulfil their functions properly. This in turn requires a great deal of experience, a profound understanding of processes and excellent sector knowledge.
Precision components are parts that must fulfil special tasks, typically in challenging mechanical or thermal circumstances. In aircraft engines, the compressor blades operate under extreme conditions throughout their service life. Coatings allow the service life of components to be extended and both maintenance expenditures and raw materials consumption to be reduced.
The results that a coating can attain are impressive, as a few examples will demonstrate: The right surface on a turbine blade increases its wear resistance by up to 25 times. With corrosion protection coatings, maintenance and repair costs can be dramatically reduced. And with coated aero engines, one million litres of fuel can be saved per hour worldwide.
But how do you find the ‘right’ surface? Selecting the respective optimal coating for different applications requires expertise.
“This is why we see our place in the process as being very close to the customer; we both want to and are able to comprehend their application and understand their processes down to the last detail,” begins Dr Ehrbar-Reiter.
Coating with experience
Early involvement helps ensure that precision components are able to fulfil their tasks optimally.
“We don’t see our job as being merely a ‘coater’, instead, we already offer customers our know-how during the conception of their components. After all, what matters ultimately is the overall function of the component.”
In addition, one of the most important questions to be answered in a series or mass-production situation is how to apply the coating as efficiently as possible. The maximum possible throughput in the coating system is not the only factor to be considered here. There is also the means of fastening the components for the coating process in the holders, which are typically custom-made.
“Of course, our teams of specialists in the service centres are able to contribute their experience from other tasks as well. This benefits our customers. We also don’t hesitate to explore previously unknown approaches.”
Precision components typically fulfil their functions at locations where they are not even visible. And they are characterised by a variety so vast, it is hard to imagine. Which poses a logical question: with all the different sectors, requirements and components, isn’t it hard for even an expert to maintain an overview?
“The variety and the complexity are exactly the factors that make the area of precision components so fascinating for me.”
At Oerlikon Balzers, more than 62 million components are coated annually. Ground-breaking coating solutions are developed that are tailored to the current market needs and individual customers’ requirements. Oerlikon Balzers says it is the only supplier that is present locally in all significant industrial regions throughout Europe, the USA and Asia through an extensive network of customer centres.
