From the former USSR to contemporary consumer markets, Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) has come a long way! PEO was originally used by the Soviet Union as a way to make lightweight metal components hard and corrosion-resistant: the applied technology reduced the weight of the modular Mir space station. PEO has been refined since then to such a point that it is now highly accessible — not just to those with the resources of a government-funded space program! In this article we’ll review a few consumer applications that have benefitted from Keronite’s leading research into PEO:
Keronite is bringing PEO to all manufacturers
The high voltages required to produce the necessary plasma discharges had made the technique seem prohibitively expensive to more everyday manufacturing projects. Thanks to Keronite, this is no longer the case. Their extensive research has ensured that PEO is now cost-effective, reliable, extremely precise, and easily scalable. Keronite have set laboratories around the world so their PEO coating does not remain out of reach for any manufacturer looking to lightweight their components without compromising wear resistance.
The nature of the ceramic coating formed can be carefully controlled, with different voltages, exposures, and elements in the electrolyte forming all kinds of different surfaces for different aesthetic and engineering purposes. Unlike anodising, there are absolutely no toxic materials used at any point in the PEO process. As a result, PEO is finding its way into an increasing array of consumer products, as it enhances component quality, boosts green credentials, and increases wear resistance by making cheaper, lightweight alloys viable options for surface engineers.
Manufacturers have made use of Keronite for three simple reasons:
- Coatings designed with corrosion and wear resistant properties (combined) in mind can be used to ensure cheap, lightweight metals can be used without compromising effectivity
- The additional benefits of thermal conductivity and electrical insulation can also be incorporated resulting in single and duplex layer coatings processed in-house by Keronite that increase product life and reduce supply chain costs
- Keronite’s inert surfaces are entirely biocompatible and are produced with aesthetics in mind: there is no compromise in the look and practicality of the final product.
The extreme accuracy and easy scalability of the Keronite process has proved perfect for manufacturers across numerous consumer sectors. Keronite enables the use of light metals whilst enhancing the performance of more typically used surface treatments.
Bikes ride for longer with Keronite
One such industry that benefits from Keronite are the Bicycle and Bicycle component manufacturers. Manufacturers here are always looking for ways to reduce the weight, increase durability, and enhance the appearance of parts. PEO's ability to form thin, extremely wear resistant and aesthetically pleasing black coatings on lightweight wheels, meeting the highest safety standards, has proved ideal and has seen substantial market penetration in recent years.
All manufacturers can benefit from Keronite
This is just a taster of how Keronite can maximise performance for the lowest possible cost to a multitude of industries. PEO is fast becoming ever more viable as a higher volume surface treatment solution. PEO solutions are currently being developed for car manufacturers, aerospace manufacturers, consumer electronics, smartphone companies, office suppliers, as well as the medical sector, all of whom continue to see the long-term benefits PEO can have on their products. The PEO technique is easily scalable for bespoke surface treatment solutions regardless of the size of your operation. Get in touch with Keronite today to see how their refined PEO technology can improve your components.
