Technical Excursion: A Visit of Highland Colour Coaters Ltd.

Thursday, 11 September 2008, 14:30 to approx. 19:00

For those of the participants who stay longer in Edinburgh we are happy to offer a visit to the Highland Colour Coaters Ltd, located in Cumbernauld (around 30 km from Edinburgh).

A transfer will be organised to pick you up at 14:30 at the main entrance of the EICC and will bring you back at around 19:00.

Company and process description:
Highland Colour Coaters is an integrated hot dip galvanizing and powdercoating company, applying corrosion protection and decorative coatings to about 200-250 tonnes of fabricated steelwork a week. It is the only plant in Scotland that has both these processes under one roof.
It was built in 2002, and employs about 75 people. Its parent company, Highland Galvanizers, 300km to the north has galvanizing only and started in 1978.

The galvanizing process involves chemical cleaning of steel using alkali and acid immersion followed by immersion in molten zinc at 450 degrees C. The alloy coating formed will give protection for between 30 and 150 years depending on environment. Powdercoating on galva-nized steel is difficult unless a good pretreatment regime is followed. Highland operate a 10 stage dip process involving acid etch and zinc phosphate.
After applying powder (polyester, epoxy, polyurethanes etc) the steelwork is oven cured at 220 degree C for about 30 minutes. The combined coating, available in over 200 colours has a life expectancy to first decorative maintenance of 30 years, and corrosion protection for much longer.

The plant is a "jobbing" plant. That means it will coat almost any steelwork that it physically can do, and has a diverse customer base across the northern UK.

In small groups, with a personal guide, visitors will be able to see all parts of the plant in operation. Guides will be able to answer questions about the technology, process, economics etc.

The organisers want to express their sincere thanks to

Geoff Crowley
Highland Colour Coaters Ltd
Tower Road, Blairlinn
Cumbernauld G67 2JH
www.higalv.co.uk

Cost per person: 22 € (incl. 19% VAT)
Minimum number of participants: 15
Maximum number of participants: 40
Registration is necessary, please fill in this registration form .