Specifiers across multiple sectors are being urged to utilise duplex coatings to significantly extend the service life of parts.
Duplex coating systems combine electroplated zinc or zinc-nickel base coatings with either an e-coat powder coat or zinc flake topcoat.
By combining a metallic sacrificial layer and an organic barrier, service life is extended and maintenance cycles are reduced, while meeting demanding performance specifications across multiple growth markets.
Rob Tennant, Technical Manager at Anochrome Ltd, said: “Duplex systems deliver a synergy that can more than double service life versus single-layer systems in aggressive environments.
“The zinc or zinc-nickel base coat provides sacrificial protection and the topcoats provide continuous barrier coverage and excellent adhesion.
“Used together, the double, or triple layered system resists under film corrosion, mechanical damage and chemical attack.”
Duplex systems are commonly used in the following areas:
Renewable energy – Wind turbine towers and transition pieces, including fixings, bolts, ladderways and nacelle structural components.
Automotive – Fasteners, brackets and subframes, as well as underbody components.
Gas and offshore platforms – Valves, flanges, structural brackets and pipeline fittings.
Marine – Deck fittings, fasteners, sea-facing brackets and internal structural parts.
Rail – Bridge bolts, handrails, lighting columns and signposts.
Construction – Cladding fixings, architectural fasteners and external metalwork, where the topcoat often provides an aesthetic finish as well as durability against corrosion.
Agriculture – Linkages, hydraulic brackets, fasteners and ground-engaging components, offering high protection in areas exposed to soil, fertilisers and moisture.
Aerospace and defence – Ground support equipment, secondary structural brackets and fasteners where weight and corrosion resistance are critical.
Anochrome Ltd is the only coatings provider in the UK able to apply zinc, zinc nickel, e-coat and powder coat, in any combination, under one roof.
Rob Tennant added: “Anochrome’s ability to combine metallic and organic coatings all under one roof lets us design duplex systems that are optimised for each component and environment, delivering measurable life-cycle benefits and reduced maintenance costs.”
All materials meet ISO 14001, ISO 12944-5 and industry-specific corrosion standards.