Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd

Our Story

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 21/03/2019

We started our journey as a specialist small batch coater of painted and powdercoated parts in Small Heath, Birmingham over 40 years ago. Today, we have grown to be one of the most respected and professional finishing companies in the UK, providing engineered coating solutions to a global market.

We pride ourselves as a quality applicator used to meeting high customer standards for cosmetic finish and visual appearance, as well as engineering performance. Our quality philosophy and continuous improvement culture ensure all of our processes are precisely controlled and constantly improved. This is proven by our accreditations ISO9001 and IATF:16949.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and all of our production processes are environmentally 'clean'. We are also accredited to ISO14001 which demenstrates our commitment to achieving constantly improving environmental performance.

The ongoing success of the company is directly linked to our ability to consistently provide world-class performance and customer service along with full technical support.

Key Benefits of Working with ACC

Project management for the life of the project
Confidence to ship direct to end customer
Process and specification development
Technical support
Full PPAP/APQP support
Tooling, masking and jig design
Prototypes & samples service
Post painting assembly
Machine design

ACC - SOLUTIONS, NOT PROBLEMS - AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE DAMPERS

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 12/04/2019

THE CHALLENGE

Customer requests to improve corrosion performance on engine dampers led to ACC recommending a transition from iron to zinc phosphate for the pretreatment process. However, the effect of zinc phosphate on ground surface areas can cause a dimentional change affecting fit and function.

THE SOLUTION

Subsequently, ACC developed innovative methods of pretreatment that introduced masking for the zinc phosphate pretreatment process with consistent repeatability and proven performance at high volumes.

WHY ACC?...

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 08/05/2019

WHO ARE WE?

Acc are a Specialist Applicators of Powdercoatings, Liquid Paints and Pretreatments.

We specialise in the application of high-performance powdercoating and liquid paints to complex components helping customers meet specific engineering performance and visual appearance specifications.

In combination with suitable pretreatment, ACC provide application services to a multitude of subtrates using manual and automatic methods and can provide the most effective engineered coating solution to meet any customer specification.

Sectors covered include automotive, areospace, marine, off-shore, rail, defence, medical and general industrial.

So, Why Choose Us?

Quality Performance

Our proven track record of achieving zero ppm and 100% delivery perfomance ensure we service project life cycles with the minimum supply chain cost impact. We are continuously researching and developing new and innovative engineered coating solutions to keep our customers at the forefront of their respective markets, utilising over 40 years of experience in surface finishing.

We focus on intelligent collaborations with our customers and suppliers to achieve outstanding quality products and competitive advantages through innovative business relationships and sytems.

Application of CARC Coatings to Polypropylene Components

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 26/11/2024

The Challenge

CARC coatings are by their very nature rigid and inflexible. ACC was challenged to develop a process for applying CARC paint onto polypropylene components which had a degree of flexibility.

The Solution

Polypropylene is a difficult substrate to paint, however, with combined technical expertise and experience, ACC was able to provide it's customer with a viable coating system which met the requirements of the OEM and has proven itself in years of service.

Salt Spray Testing: A Comprehensive Exploration Including Pretreatment and Powder Coating of Various Metals

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 04/02/2026

The longevity and performance of metals are closely tied to their corrosion resistance, especially in demanding environmental conditions. Salt spray testing is a widely embraced method for evaluating how metals and coatings endure corrosive challenges. This method involves subjecting materials to a controlled environment infused with a saltwater mist, emulating the corrosive impacts of coastal or industrial atmospheres. In this article, we will delve into the salt spray performance of different metals and coatings, shedding light on the significance of pretreatment and the protective prowess of powder coatings and wet paints in corrosion prevention.

Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel, renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance, is a favoured choice across various industries. The chromium content in stainless steel forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, offering protection against corrosive elements. Salt spray testing consistently underscores the superior performance of stainless steel in resisting corrosion, making it a dependable material for applications in marine environments and chemical processing plants.

Aluminium:

While aluminium is celebrated for its lightweight and high strength-to-weight ratio, its inherent corrosion resistance is moderately rated. The thin oxide layer naturally formed by aluminium provides some protection, but salt spray testing indicates that this may be insufficient in aggressive environments. To bolster its corrosion resistance, aluminium often undergoes pretreatment and is coated with protective layers like anodising or powder coating, significantly improving its salt spray performance.

Galvanised Steel:

Galvanised steel, a carbon steel coated with a layer of zinc, establishes a sacrificial barrier against corrosion. Salt spray testing demonstrates commendable corrosion resistance, particularly in outdoor and marine applications. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding preferentially over the underlying steel substrate. However, the performance may vary based on the thickness and quality of the galvanised coating.

Copper:

Copper, known for its conductivity and antimicrobial properties, raises concerns regarding its salt spray performance. In aggressive environments, copper may develop a greenish patina (copper oxide) that forms a protective layer, but prolonged exposure to salt spray can accelerate corrosion. In less corrosive settings, copper can maintain its aesthetic appeal and functional properties, but additional protective measures may be necessary.

Coated Metals:

To enhance salt spray performance, various coatings such as powder coatings in various chemistries such as polyester/epoxy/polyurethane, epoxy wet paint coatings, and polyurethane wet paint coatings are applied to metals like steel and aluminium. These coatings act as barriers, preventing corrosive elements from reaching the substrate. Salt spray testing is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness of these coatings in providing long-term protection against corrosion, making them integral components in ensuring the durability of metals in challenging environments.

Conclusion:

An in-depth understanding of the salt spray performance of different metals and coatings, coupled with the importance of pretreatment and advanced coatings like powder coatings, is essential for selecting materials suited to specific applications. While stainless steel consistently excels in corrosion resistance, materials like mild steel, aluminium and copper may require additional protective measures. Coatings, including powder coatings and wet paints, play a pivotal role in enhancing salt spray performance, guiding manufacturers and engineers to make informed decisions that balance performance, cost, and environmental factors in their material selection for projects. ACC have a long history of providing the necessary specialist advice and technical support at the project development stage to ensure the optimum engineered coating solution is defined for the customer’s specific product.

JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE!! ...AUTOMOTIVE WINDOW REGULATORS

Advanced Colour Coatings Ltd — 05/03/2019

The Challenge

ACC were asked by a market leading automotive company to develop a bespoke process for the specialist pre-treatment and powder coating of window regulators with specific functional requirements of improved noise reduction.

The Solution

Utilising a powder formulation which used Teflon as a key ingredient to achieve the noise reduction properties, ACC were able to meet the customer's requirements for a specific film thickness and gloss control. As a result, ACC gained approved supplier status and has now processed more than 3 million parts over the project life cycle.