Fokker Services has added a new, fully automated thermal spray capability at its facility in LaGrange, Georgia, USA.

The installed ‘Twin Wire Electric Arc Spray’ technology, together with recent investments in additional machining and grinding equipment, allows the company to manage the entire component restoration process in-house for hundreds of part numbers, Fokker Services said.

“At Fokker Services Americas, we continue to bring more component MRO capabilities in-house,” said Fokker Services Americas’ managing director Craig Winter. “By restoring surfaces on a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, flight control, and high-speed rotating components in our shop, we are taking control of the total restoration process. The industry status quo is to replace these components with new parts or outsource these types of repairs. By challenging this idea, we are streamlining our processes and passing on the time- and cost-saving benefits to our customers.”

The application and grinding of multiple thermal spray coatings is completed precisely, efficiently, and safely with the use of a robotic arm, Fokker Services said. As a result, the company can offer high-quality repairs and improve turnaround times while restoring and salvaging various parts, such as housings, shafts, and pistons.

The technology is the latest addition to a range of equipment at the facility, including the ‘Eddy Current Dynamometer’ test stand, ‘Air Driven Pump’ test stand, ‘Air Cycle Machine’ test cell, and more.