77358Diffusion coating by microwave heatingClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKDiffusion coatings are applied to metals to protect against wear or metal degradation at high temperatures and within corrosive environments. The efficacy of diffusion coatings is well established in the power generation, aerospace and process industries. Production of the coatings is however, highly energy intensive and as a result, expensive. Diffusion Alloys has investigated and intends to further develop a processing method for diffusion coatings which will change the current state of the art from highly energy intensive to energy efficient. The impact of a significant reduction in processing costs will open up new high volume markets for diffusion coatings globally. The company will drive the systems development of the technology from its site on Teesside and export processed components and complete systems to the global market. The aim of this project is to fast track R&D and shorten the market entry timescale by providing technical and commercial validation through a 9-month project that will first build a small scale energy efficient diffusion coating furnace and then, through extensive testing and analysis, determine the attributes, strengths and constraints of processing. Post project, Diffusion Alloys will seek to commercialise the technology through further systems development and scaling up. The goal is to be first to market and exploit a low cost, sustainably produced diffusion coating on a global basis. Expressions of interest from customers have already been received.