A Manchester electroplating specialist has entered into an agreement with Finland’s leading nanodiamond manufacturer to develop a groundbreaking composite coating.
BEP Surface Technologies, based in Radcliffe, has teamed up with Carbodeon, a Helsinki-based company renowned for its nanodiamond production, to create a copper-nanodiamond composite coating. Nanodiamonds are minuscule particles that exhibit exceptional thermal conductivity and wear resistance when integrated into metal coatings.
This collaboration aims to leverage the unique properties of nanodiamonds to enhance components used across various industries. The companies have formalised their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement combines BEP’s expertise in metal coatings with Carbodeon’s leading position in nanodiamond additive manufacturing.
The MOU grants BEP the rights to develop and manufacture nanodiamond-infused copper coatings. This innovative composite material is expected to significantly improve thermal conductivity and wear resistance, particularly benefiting BEP’s production of copper chill rolls, which are utilised by top paper and packaging manufacturers.
In addition, BEP gains exclusive rights within the UK to process nanodiamond-infused electroless nickel, which enhances wear and corrosion resistance. The uDiamond electroless nickel composite coating by Carbodeon is known to extend the service life of components across various sectors, including onshore oil and gas production, polymer processing, board cutting, agriculture, and textile manufacturing.
Both companies plan to integrate these developments into Carbodeon’s established global development programmes, thereby enhancing BEP’s offerings. BEP Solutions, the innovation arm of BEP Surface Technologies established earlier this year, will spearhead the research and development activities. This division aims to create strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions to overcome longstanding challenges in manufacturing and engineering.
Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “This new relationship is further evidence of BEP’s commitment to leveraging half a century of engineering know-how, leading-edge digital techniques, and a research and development mindset to find innovative solutions to metal surface engineering challenges.”
Carbodeon, established in 2006, is known for its chemically-modified nanodiamonds, which significantly improve the durability and thermal dissipation capabilities of materials. These attributes are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of electronics manufacturing. Carbodeon’s products are utilised in a range of industrial applications, including metal plating, polymer thermal compounds, chemical vapour deposition seeding, mechanical polishing, sealing, and 3D printing filaments.
Dr Vesa Myllymäki, CEO of Carbodeon, welcomed the partnership, highlighting, “Diamonds dramatically enhance durability and tribology in a range of metal-plated finishes.” He added, “We are confident we are on the cusp of creating something unique with transformative capabilities.”
This innovative partnership is poised to bring forth revolutionary advancements in coating technology, promising significant improvements in thermal conductivity and wear resistance across multiple industries.