Hardide Coatings Ltd. (Hall 4 Stand B5) has made a first step into the aerospace sector with its recent selection by BAE Systems as an approved supplier for the Eurofighter Typhoon. The UK surface engineering specialist is providing an ultra-hard tungsten carbide, chemical-vapor deposition coating for various components, including the canopy. The patented formula combines abrasion-, erosion-, friction- and chemical-resistant properties in a single coating.

In the fall, Hardide, which has previously focused mainly on the oil and gas sectors, will open a $5 million coatings facility in Houston, Texas, as part of its effort to expand further into aerospace. “The aerospace industry is a natural fit with our technology as it requires high precision components to perform in extreme conditions where optimal performance is critical,” said Hardide chief executive Jim Murray-Smith. “Hardide’s anti-galling and wear-resistance properties can solve abrasion, erosion and corrosion issues while offering cost savings due to extended component life and the reduced need for part replacement and costly downtime.”