With significant investments in automation technology, BEP Surface Technologies, based in Radcliffe, UK, has accelerated the digitalization and decarbonization of its own business. Real-time transparency of critical operating parameters in the chrome plating process was made possible, resulting in improved monitoring and data analysis of production. In the two-year project, energy consumption was reduced by 20%, material consumption by 10% and labor by 15%.
The scalable solution is now being extended to the copper and nickel plating processes. Digitalization is also to be integrated into BEP's grinding processes to introduce predictive maintenance strategies, monitor hazardous materials and thus increase safety.
The digitalization programme has also triggered a cultural change at the 54-year-old company, which is no easy task. The reduction in manual operation and monitoring gives engineers more time to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
BEP offers a comprehensive range of products, from chrome, nickel and copper plating and surface finishing for turbines and large rotors for the energy sector to rollers and other rotating equipment.
www.bep-st.com
Leak-free tampon electroplating
Pad electroplating is an established special electroplating process that is frequently used for repairs and finishing. Dimensional corrections, the repair of defects on machine components and the recoating of already electroplated workpieces - often on site - are among the well-known applications of this process. The range of possible coatings is almost unlimited. There are specially adapted processes for every requirement, for example for conductivity, hardness, corrosion protection or decoration.
There are already portable devices on the market, but there is always potential for optimization, for example to minimize or prevent leaks. A retired mechanical engineer with many years of experience at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the USA, Abdurrahman Ildeniz, has achieved a technological breakthrough in ship maintenance by developing a leak-free tampon electroplating system. His company, Electroplating USA LLC in Greenland, USA, has patented the invention.
Leak-free tampon electroplating kit for ships
This technology addresses the critical challenges faced by the US Navy, Air Force and civilian vessels in repairing wear and tear on critical components such as valves, pumps and flanges through the electroplating process. The invention includes a peristaltic pump for precise solution delivery and a vacuum pump ejector powered by compressed air that effectively captures excess solution.
US patent 2021095389 (A1) from January 4, 2021
Alleima expands in Switzerland
The company, headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, and present in 90 countries, has initiated its expansion plans in Switzerland. With the move from Saint-Imier to Sonceboz, both in the canton of Bern, the production area will be increased eightfold to 4,000m2. Investments are being made in an automated electroplating plant for barrel processes, which are to be used in the e-vehicle and charging station sectors in addition to the jewelry industry. The move should be completed by the end of the year.
www.alleima.com
