Plating partnership

Citation

(2006), "Plating partnership", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.011

Plating partnership

Plating partnership

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Electroplating

In what is believed to be a unique arrangement in the aerospace industry. Westland Transmissions, based in Yeovil – part of the AgustaWestland group, one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world – has recently signed an agreement with Exeter based South West Metal Finishing (SWMF), part of EIC Finishing Services, to out-source electroplating requirements to enable Westland Transmissions to focus internally on its core specialties.

In effect, this makes SWMF an extension of Westland Transmissions' production process and, says Westland Transmissions' procurement manager Simon Paddock, the partnership will help the company to respond appropriately to the helicopters repair and overhaul requirements of the Ministry of Defence. In particular by guaranteeing turnaround times on the plating of critical “high level” transmission components. Westland Transmissions provides integrated support at its Yeovil facility to MoD- operated helicopters, and part of its remit is to strive to maximize flying times by minimising the time helicopters spend out of service.

The plant is thought to be the most environmentally advanced of its kind in Europe and one of the few cadmium plating plants to be installed in recent years. The plant was designed by Marquis Associates, Guilford and supplied and installed by Jacquet Weston Engineering, Membury – both highly experienced practitioners in the metal finishing industry. Jacquet Weston has a long association with SWMF and has installed most of the companies existing plating facilities.

The plant is designed as a zero discharge unit with no connection to the foul sewer. This is reported to be achieved by the use of controlled drag- out loss, the use of multi-usage cascade rinsing and evaporative techniques.

Point source emissions to air is said to be minimised by the use of process chemical systems and operational conditions that do not require process tank ventilation while maintaining the local working environment within the COSHH regulations.

SWMF state that the best available techniques for environmental control were used in the design of the new plant, namely:

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  aqueous degreasing used, in preference to vapour phase solvent degreasing;

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  multi stage cascade rinsing for all key process stations. There is no discharge to the foul sewer since the water consumption is so small;

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  drag-out from the key process stations is minimised through a fixed drainage time;

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  drag-out is re-used to ensure maximum input materials efficiency;

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  process chemicals concentrations are controlled at the minimum level consistent with plating quality within specification;

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  the point source emissions to air are minimised by the use of low temperature processes;

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  minimisation of energy usage; and

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  stable operation and enhanced plating quality through the use of plating electrolyte filtration and hydraulic turbulence equipment.

Although some plating work will be handled by SWMF at its plant in Exeter & Bristol, the contract involved the introduction of a new, dedicated, state- of-the-art cadmium plating line at SWMF's Yeovil site to increase SWMF's current capacity – It is one of the few cadmium plants of its kind to be installed in the UK in the last few years. This line will handle a significant amount of Westland Transmissions overall plating throughout, as cadmium plating is still a vital requirement in the plating of helicopter transmission parts in order to meet strict aerospace industry approvals. Operated on a closed-loop system to meet the highest environmental standards, in line with IPPC regulations, the cadmium line utilises the best available techniques, with maximum emphasis on water conservation, effluent minimisation and energy efficiency.

In addition to processing its own components, Westland also views the installation of the cadmium line as a major opportunity to enhance its repair and overhaul business, and will work with SWMF on seeking additional subcontract plating for the line from other companies.

SWMF has undertaken subcontract plating for Westland Transmissions for a number of years, and the two companies have established a very close working relationship. This includes the setting up of process control and fast collection and delivery procedures. A new computer system has also been installed recently to operate in conjunction with the cadmium and other SWMF operated plating line, which will interface directly with Westland's in-house production control system (“BAAN”) and SWMF's own materials testing laboratory. The system will streamline production tracking and parts tracing procedures, including forecasting and the printing of internal documentation, it will also remove the need for purchase orders, enabling plating requirements to be integrated with Westland's forward planning.

Westland Transmissions Limited, part of the AgustaWestland group, designs and manufactures transmission components and complete systems for helicopters and aero engines. The company also provides full maintenance support for helicopter rotor and drive systems.

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers a range of helicopters and rotorcraft capabilities, training and support solutions to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, UK and the USA.

One of the most progressive and successful surface treatment and finishing subcontractors in the UK, EIC Finishing Services comprises SWMF, Revill Industrial Finishes, SWMF (Yeovil) and Neptune Plating, and operates plating facilities in Exeter, Bristol as well as on the Yeovil site. Revill Industrial Finishes, based near Exeter Airport, offers comprehensive painting and powder coating services. EIC companies service the automotive, marine, electronics and general engineering markets. As well as the defence and aerospace sectors, and has recently added non-destructive testing to the list of processes on offer – these can be viewed in detail on the EIC The EIC group has gained a number of finishing industry awards for its pioneering and responsible approach to tackling the environmental problems that have faced the industry over the last few years. Over the last few years, the EIC has developed into a “one-stop- shop” for quality subcontract surface engineering, and operates a collection and delivery service throughout the UK and continental Europe, by arrangement.

Details available from: EIC Finishing Services. web site: www.eicgroup.co.uk