SMS Group Launches Coating Solutions for Refurbishment, Repair, and Corrosion Protection

SMS Group has announced the development of customized coating solutions and special coating equipment, integrated into its TecGuard coatings range, to meet the needs of various industrial processes, ensuring optimal performance and longevity, while combining sustainability and cost-effectiveness. "Repairing parts instead of manufacturing new ones significantly reduces material waste and energy consumption. That's why our coatings are inherently sustainable," says Markus Merz, Coatings Product Manager at SMS Group. "In addition, we offer coatings that comply with environmental and local regulations, such as REACH in the EU or OSHA in the US. These alternatives often provide a longer service life compared to traditional coating processes, such as hard chrome, which involve toxic chemicals and are subject to strict controls." The sustainability of our coating solutions is also evident in their ability to significantly extend the service life of components. TecGuard-PRC coatings can extend the service life of coils in strip processing lines by three or four times compared to hardened or chrome-plated coils, reducing machine downtime. These coils can be recoated and repaired multiple times, reducing the demand for new materials and resources. This not only saves raw materials but also reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new components. This helps our customers achieve their environmental goals and comply with regulatory requirements while maintaining high performance and reliability. Marcus Merz provides an example: "One of our customers, a major steel manufacturer in South America, experienced frequent downtime due to wear on the commutator rollers in the descaling unit on the pickling line, significantly impacting strip quality. After applying TecGuard-PRC, the customer reported a six-month increase in service life, reducing machine downtime by at least four shifts per year. This may seem trivial, but small improvements across the pickling line make a big difference." Another application is the repair of heavy machinery parts, such as rolling mill supports or gearboxes. The manufacturing process of these parts often requires the casting and melting of tons of material, consuming significant amounts of energy and water. TecGuard-REP and BoreGuard coatings restore the bore geometry of worn supports, ensuring perfect, smooth rolling for years. This process not only saves energy but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of manufacturing. By choosing repair over replacement, companies can contribute to a circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently and waste is minimized.