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News Release from: Keronite
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 December 2004
Keronite and KECO form partnership in US
venture
Keronite has formalized its partnership with KECO Engineered Coatings, a nationally recognized leader of coating technologies, to form Keronite Indianapolis LLC.
Keronite, a pioneer in surface treatment technology, is delighted to announce that the Company has formalized its partnership with KECO Engineered Coatings, a nationally recognized leader of coating technologies, to form Keronite Indianapolis LLC The two companies are confident that the technical expertise of Keronite combined with KECO's extensive knowledge, solid reputation and permanence in the coating industry will ensure that the new company finds rapid success in the US marketplace
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 2 Jul 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Established in Cambridge, UK, in 2000, Keronite has developed breakthrough technology for the surface treatment of light metals such as magnesium, aluminum and titanium.
Using proprietary Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) technology, the Keronite process transforms the surface of such metals and their alloys into hard, dense ceramic.
Considerably harder and more wear resistant than hard anodizing, more flexible than plasma spray coatings and very environmentally friendly, Keronite surface treatment technology is already being used in a number of industries across Europe, North America and Asia.
Further reading
Process hardens and protects magnesium, aluminium
Surface treatment process is building quite a reputation as the preferred treatment for magnesium and aluminium alloys, providing the hardest and most corrosion resistant surfaces.
Surface treatment toughens non-ferrous metals
Patented surface treatment technology allows automotive companies to use lighter metals to reduce vehicle weight, thereby saving fuel and decreasing emissions.
Electrolytic surface preparation is ISO approved
Keronite International has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification for the application of advanced surface treatments using the Keronite Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation process.
Applications range from automotive and aerospace components and sports equipment to consumer electronics and fashion accessories.
KECO Engineered Coatings-the ideal partner for Keronite-was established in Indianapolis, Indiana, over 25 years ago as a provider, developer and applicator of industrial coatings to markets as diverse as aerospace, automotive, lighting, performance racing, packaging, food and glass.
Additionally, the company provides a wide range of custom services such as research support, prototype development and distinct production.
KECO offers a large selection of signature products including non-stick liquids and powders, dry film lubes, metallic ceramic and corrosion resistant coatings.
With ISO 9001, QS 9000 and AS9100 certifications, it is one of only 30 DuPont licensed TeflonR applicators in North America.
Visionary President of KECO Coatings, Mike Klinge, stated, "We are excited about the future opportunities this joint venture will provide.
We feel that Keronite's technology is the perfect complement to the wide range of processes already offered by KECO".
Keronite Indianapolis LLC is now fully operational and under the leadership of Ross Brown, US Manager and Director of Keronite Indianapolis, it forms the US headquarters, managing the expansion of the Keronite business in the US.
For the past 12 months, Keronite has been working with a network of agents in North America and the interest in the technology has already started to gather momentum.
Keronite processing equipment has been installed in a new facility close to KECO's headquarters in Indianapolis.
Ross explains, "The new company has a 250 kW Keronite machine with an 1800 litre bath, designed and built by Keronite subsidiary company, ICS Systems of Pershore, UK.
With complementary PTFE and powdercoat facilities on site, Keronite Indianapolis is very well-placed to supply local markets with high quality finished goods quickly and efficiently." One of the first jobs for Keronite Indianapolis is the surface treatment of wheels for the Indy Race League (IRL).
Following extensive testing throughout November and December last year, the IRL approved Keronite surface treatment technology as an effective means of preventing corrosion on magnesium race wheels.
According to Mike Land, Director of Keronite Indianapolis, all the teams in the IndyCar race series now use magnesium wheels because of the obvious weight advantages, but corrosion fatigue has always been a safety concern and the main cause of failure.
"Having demonstrated outstanding corrosion protection, Keronite Indianapolis plans to be the primary supplier of coatings for the 2005 race season", he adds.
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