As part of an ongoing project expected to last up to a year, REACT has joined forces with Rotherham-based PMS Diecasting Limited to research and develop a revolutionary method of powder coating blades.

PMS Diecasting specialises in manufacturing high pressure zinc diecastings with batch quantities ranging from 100 to 10,000, as well as providing a comprehensive range of finishes from its in-house powder coating facility – including a high quality polishing and plating service.

Traditionally, blades are coated using electro-static, which produces a relatively thick finish. By developing an alternative method that eliminates electro-static in the powder coating process, PMS Diecasting is seeking to produce blades with a much thinner finish, vastly improving the quality of the finished product.

An added advantage is that there is virtually no set-up cost between different finish colours with the new method, meaning that small batch quantities can be produced without heavy extra costs – a flexibility that will benefit both PMS Diecasting and its customers.

REACT management consultant Montague Coward was brought on board to provide a consultancy and project management service for the project, with a view to securing funding to support the research.

Liaising with PMS Diecasting on a day-to-day basis, Montague drafted a feasibility study that would look into the potential of the new method, including an assessment of elements such as the speed, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of setting up the new production system.

Using the expertise gained from working with a number of local companies to help secure grants, REACT also took on the task of planning, preparing and writing up PMS Diecasting’s detailed bid for funding support.

Gordon Panter, director of PMS Diecasting, said: “In order to meet market expectations and consumer demand, new and improved manufacturing methods need to be developed. REACT is helping us to achieve this business growth thanks to its tremendous support for our research project.