7th November, 2016 (London) – Application of ‘CM2’ technology in large-bore two-stroke marine engines confirms Precision Products’ leading position in the development of piston ring coating technology, setting a new standard in quality and longer time between overhauls.
Leading UK piston ring manufacturer Precision Products has received provisional approval for its ground-breaking new ‘CM2’ (ceramic metal) advanced coating technology from the world’s largest supplier of two-stroke marine engines, after well over a year of ocean trials on board container vessels featuring MAN B&W main engines, The new coating process combines a reformulated material matrix with the very latest application technology resulting in greater hardness, improved temperature performance and enhanced durability.
Together with its supply chain partners, Precision Products is the first international piston ring manufacturer to receive provisional approval from MAN Diesel & Turbo for CM2 technology. The engine-builder’s provisional approval envisages further shipboard tests, paving the way for the widespread adoption of CM2 piston ring technology for a range two-stroke marine engine applications.
“This is a key development for PPUK,” commented Managing Director Scott Rhodes. “It is an important milestone in our ongoing R&D programme which we undertake jointly with key partners, including MAN Diesel & Turbo. Our research has focused on CM2 which incorporates a more complex matrix of materials in its new formulation and is combined with an effective high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) application process. This complements the material itself in providing improved hardness, temperature performance, ductility and longevity.
“The provisional approval reflects the exceptional results we’ve seen when comparing a lengthy period of CM2 piston ring performance with CM1 in the same two-stroke engine. CM1 coatings are applied using plasma-spraying technology, whereas the latest HVOF application allows the coating powder to be applied using a mixture of gaseous fuel and oxygen at more than one thousand metres per second. This provides a more compact, harder coating with improved overall adhesion and durability.”
Moves to increase piston ring time between overhauls (TBO) are a welcome development because opening up large marine diesel engines can be time-consuming, expensive and, in some cases, disruptive to future engine performance.
Mr Rhodes said provisional approval of CM2, and its likely full approval, will open up a significant new after-sales market in piston ring maintenance and replacement. Development of the new technology is also an important step in its continuing strategy of developing closer and wider relationships with licensees, particularly in Asia, he said.
PPUK’s ambitious R&D programme is continuing, with a focus on key challenges including moves to limit the impact of sulphuric acid corrosion on piston rings, and new ceramic coating application technologies to supersede the existing ceramic chrome application process which is potentially hazardous to human health and damaging to the environment.
“Together with our partners, we will be announcing the next stage of our R&D programme within the next few weeks,” Mr Rhodes revealed.
About Precision Products UK (PPUK) Ltd
Precision Products (UK) Ltd is a specialist firm of high-quality piston rings and metallic sealing ring manufacturers based in Chesterfield, UK. The company has broad experience in the global supply of new and replacement specialist products in the marine sector where it works closely with leading engine designers, builders and licensees in the medium- and large-bore range. In recent years, the firm has followed a diversification strategy which has resulted in close links with the designers and manufacturers of other engineering plant requiring advanced metallic seals solutions. These include the wind turbine sector, gas turbine sealing and a range of compressors, valve and reciprocating pump applications. www.ppuk.com
For more information, please contact:
Scott Rhodes, Precision Products Ltd Paul Hubbard, JLA Media Ltd
Office: +44 1246 261 621 Office: +44 208 405 6343
Mobile: +44 7710 057 324 Mobile: +44 7930 244 894
