Ashton & Moore Ltd

Thin Film Sulphuric Anodising

Here at Ashton & Moore Limited, we are pleased to offer thin film sulphuric anodising as an alternative to the use of chromic acid anodising. Both forms of anodising are ideal for critical components in the aerospace and defence sectors, however, thin film sulphuric anodising is becoming increasingly popular in light of environmental concerns related to chromic acid anodising. Thin film sulphuric acid anodising incorporates chromic acid for the final sealing operation but the chrome concentration is extremely low. Please contact us directly at Ashton & Moore Limited for further information.

Electropolishing

We are also pleased to carry out electropolishing services. Alongside the aesthetic benefits of electropolishing small and medium stainless steel components, electropolishing also exhibits a reduction in frictional characteristics; liquid, for example, runs off easily, air flow is improved and powders are less likely to cling.

We electropolish components for applications in a range of industries such as aerospace, medicine and agricultural hygiene (breweries and dairies) where the protection against corrosion is essential. The process is carried out in the same way as electroplating, however, as the component is made Anodic, it is electrolytically removed.

Please visit our website to find out more about our electropolishing services, or contact us directly at Ashton & Moore Limited with enquiries.

Passivation

We offer conversion coatings (passivation) to protect aluminium components from corrosion. The passivation process does not involve electrolysis and is usually carried out via immersion. Conversion coatings are electrically conductive and are often required by clients who require electrical continuity as a pre-treatment to paint application.

We offer a range of conversion coatings including the popular ‘Alocram’ products, which are chrome based and available in yellow and clear versions, and a clean non-chrome containing version, Iridite NCP.

Please contact us to discuss your passivation requirements and/or to find out more about our finishing services.

Plating

Ashton & Moore Limited offers a range of top quality plating services to suit a range of customer specifications.

Examples include:

• Lead/ Indium Plating: a highly lubricative and slow wearing plating used for a wide range of big end and similar bearings.
• Silver: features excellent lubrication and anti-galling properties and is particularly effective in high temperature applications.
• Phosphate: phosphating features the application of a porous crystalline coating which is usually applied to ferrous based materials. Zinc phosphate and Manganese Phosphate is available.
• Masking: is available to ensure specific areas of components are not required in-line with customer specifications.

Please get in touch to find out more.

Painting

We also carry out barrel painting which is highly effective for the painting of small, bulk items such as screws or rivets. We use specially heated rotating barrels to paint components as an effective alternative to the spraying of items individually. The process is economic and eliminates ‘holding’ marks associated with individual spraying processes.

Please contact our friendly team at Ashton & Moore Limited with your requirements and/or to find out more.

Finishing Processes

Please visit our website or contact us at Ashton & Moore Limited to find out more about our excellent range of finishing processes.

These include:

• Anodising: General, Tartaric Sulphuric Acid, Chromic, Sulphuric, Thin Film Sulphuric, Masking, Alocram, Iridite NCP and Passivation.
• Painting: General, Ipcote/ MCAC, Dry Film Lubricants and Barrel Painting.
• Plating:  Lead/Indium, Silver, Phosphate and Masking.

We also offer non-destructive testing (NDT), electropolishing and passivation of stainless steel.

If you would like to find out more about any of these finishing processes, please visit our website for detailed information, or contact us at Ashton & Moore Limited and we will provide all the information and advice you may need.

Non-destructive Testing

We possess the means and the expertise to conduct non-destructive testing. This form of testing includes both fluorescent dye and magnetic particle services, both of which are carried out by our highly trained professionals. It is worth noting that our non-destructive testing facilities are based in Birmingham which means we are ideally situated to provide assistance to customers across the country. If you have any questions or would like further information, please visit the website or contact us directly. 

Chromic Acid Anodising

The technique of chromic acid anodising can provide many unique benefits. The layer of oxide which is produced using this technique is extremely thin but also very dense. This combination means that the oxide layer has an excellent resistance to corrosion but is not subject tolerances or fatigue fracturing. Chromic acid anodising has many applications but is especially suited to the defence and aerospace industries. For more information please visit the website. 

Sulphuric Acid Anodising

Sulphuric acid anodising is a very versatile and popular technique which results in a much thicker oxide layer. Although often used within engineering, this form of anodising can be seen across many different sectors, from computer components all the way to cookware. It is also worth noting that under the right conditions, this type of process can be changed to produce 'hard anodising'. If you have any queries, on this or any of our services, feel free to contact us directly, by phone or email.  

Painting / Dry Film

We can provide a comprehensive painting service which includes most metallic and many non-metallic surfaces. Utilising innovative technology and techniques, we can provide epoxy, PTFE and acrylic coatings, as well as many more. It is worth noting that we can also offer more specialist services, including dry film lubrication, extreme temperature and corrosion protection and infra-red reflectivity. Although our painting services can be employed across many industries, we specialise within the defence and aerospace sectors. 

Ipcote

Many components are faced with the arduous task of operating within extreme and harsh environments. With this in mind, high resistance coatings can help to fortify these components and lengthen their lifespan. Our Ipcote coatings can provide a high resistance to stressors such as salt, chemical corrosion, temperature, abrasion and oxidation. Just some of the applications in which these coatings excel include turbine engines, heat exchangers, landing gear and more. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to visit the website.