LONDON, UK: Hardide, the developer and provider of advanced surface coating technology, has received full supplier approval from Leonardo Helicopters for its Hardide-A coating to coat flying parts, and the first production order has been received for processing.

Leonardo is one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The first parts to be coated are components used in the gearbox transmission systems of a particular class of helicopter and are part of an existing aircraft upgrade. The Company expects the approval to open up further opportunities within the Leonardo Group, based in Italy.

The Hardide-A coating was developed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry as an environmentally compliant alternative to Hard Chrome Plating. It has been qualified by several aerospace customers including Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Triumph Group.

Philip Kirkham, CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have secured approval from Leonardo Helicopters to coat flying parts after more than seven years of extensive testing of the coating. The first components have been received for processing and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with the Leonardo Group.”

Hardide develops, manufactures and applies advanced technology tungsten carbide/tungsten metal matrix coatings to a wide range of engineering components. Its patented technology is unique in combining in one material, a mix of toughness and resistance to abrasion, erosion and corrosion; together with the ability to coat accurately interior surfaces and complex geometries. The material is proven to offer dramatic improvements in component life, particularly when applied to components that operate in very aggressive environments.

This results in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency. Customers include leading companies operating in the energy sectors, valve and pump manufacturing, industrial gas turbine, precision engineering and aerospace industries.