Xylan fastener coating

Citation

(2000), "Xylan fastener coating", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2000.12929aad.004

Xylan fastener coating

Keywords East Midland Coatings, Corrosion prevention, Coatings

East Midland Coatings was recently challenged by its customer, Ifor Williams Trailers in North Wales, to come up with a coating, both practical and aesthetically pleasing, for the fasteners on its horsebox trailers (Plate 1).

Plate 1 The new trailers, complete with Xylan coated fasteners

Previously, Ifor Williams used zinc plated fasteners, which were prone to rust after the first few years. When Steve Sadler from Ifor Williams approached East Midland Coatings, he wanted a coating that would lengthen the life of his fasteners, in terms of both performance and looks. "Our latest trailer designs really are state-of-the-art, and we needed every last part to meet this standard, right down to, quite literally, the nuts and bolts", he says.

"It is this kind of attention to detail that gives us the competitive edge and adds value to our product." Steve continues, "We approached East Midland Coatings to see if this was possible and they went on to test out different coatings on the fastener and develop exactly what we needed".

Following a test programme undertaken by East Midlands Coatings and coating manufacturer, Whitford Plastics, a special Xylan coating formula was developed that reportedly could offer corrosion resistance and a tough, durable coating finish in a range of colours.

Steve Sadler is delighted with the results: "The colours are now available to meet our requirements both in terms of providing horseboxes in traditional equestrian colours and in our move towards much brighter shades which are proving to be very popular, particularly on the continent".

Steve Moore, sales executive at East Midland Coatings concludes, "We were only too happy to take up the challenge laid down by Steve Sadler and, after hard work and effort from all sides, we believe the coating system now in place will meet all of the criteria required of it. We look forward to a long association with Ifor Williams Trailers".

Details available from: East Midland Coatings. Tel: + 44 (0) 1455 619 176, e-mail: d.nind@virgin.com or Whitford Plastics. Tel: + 44 (0) 1928 57 1000, e-mail: sales@whitfordww.co.uk