Computational design helps formulate and apply coatings

Using computational design to formulate and apply coatings on high volume production lines

A cross-sector consortium has successfully demonstrated Com2Coat an advanced computational design technique for formulating coatings to add value to glass and metals products whilst using less materials and energy, initially focusing on antimicrobial coatings.

The Com2Coat consortium was led by global glass manufacturer, Pilkington Technology Management (part of NSG), and involved multiple, cross-sector collaborators: Centre for Process Innovation, Becker Industrial Coatings, Infineum UK, Spraying Systems, STFC Hartree Centre, Tata Steel UK, William Blythe. The consortium was supported by the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge which has brought together multiple collaborative projects across the foundation industries (metals, glass, paper, ceramics, chemicals and cement).

The project demonstrated the power of combining computational techniques with manufacturing production processes to add value and improve efficiency.

Impact
Pilkington is now commercialising the technology and looking to generate sales in 2025 with exports anticipated thereafter. This involves significant capital investment which will protect manufacturing and R&D jobs in the UK and ensure that the existing manufacturing site remains profitable.

Tata Steel is looking to implement spray technology on production lines at its Shotton site and continue working with Spraying Systems to determine how to utilise the approach for particular steel widths and line speeds.

The success of the project illustrates the power of collaboration and the benefit of encouraging advanced manufacturing and building a higher skilled workforce in the UK.

Link to the Case Study on Innovate UK website