New capability at British forge is a boost for shipbuilding

A shaft with weld cladding
A shaft with weld cladding

Propulsion shaft manufacturer Somers Forge has added to its capabilities this year, creating its own glass reinforced coating (GRP) as well as offering weld cladding.

The GRP epoxy coating known as ‘Somplas’ has been in development for two years and after stringent test phrases is now in use. Approved by DNV, ABS, Lloyds, the superior coating offers protection against corrosion, impact resistance, and is REACH compliant.

The Somers-own GRP coating is suitable for marine shafts as well as the wrapping of various equipment such as pipes.

Somers Forge has increased its capabilities after seeing an increase in propeller shafts requiring weld cladding.

[caption id="attachment_56916" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A shaft being forged[/caption]

The firm now holds the skills and expertise to weld clad tail shafts for both stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. Weld cladding enhances the protection against sea water corrosion, providing life extension.

Somers is thought to be the first forge in the country to gain ABS approval, adding to the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Experienced personnel have obtained various world recognised qualifications over the last 12 months to enable Somers to obtain the approval.

Over the coming months further team members will be qualified in order to increase the capacity for the new service.

Somers is a manufacturer with forging, heat treatment, machining and testing facilities for sectors including defence, marine, power generation and oil & gas.

The company, situated in Halesowen, right in the heart of the industrial Black Country, was named company of the year by the Confederation of British Metalforming.

Somers Forge www.somersforge.com

Company

Somers Forge

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