Leading surface chemistry expert Dr Nicholas Welton has joined Powdertech Surface Science as Technical Manager on a permanent basis, having worked with the Bicester based company for the last nine years as Technical Consultant.
Nick, who was recently awarded a Fellowship from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3), has led Powdertech’s involvement in funded research projects that total 25m EUR in value.
On joining the company as a permanent employee, Nick said: “Working for Powdertech has allowed me to engage in challenging projects, often where there is not a known solution, and the goal is to find one.
“This has meant that both the business and I have upskilled and increased our knowledge and experience of how to deliver, test and control surface cleanliness and coating. This ultimately benefits our customers – as our experience translates into successful project delivery.”
Nick has a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and a PhD in Polymer Chemistry. He started his career working for adhesive coating companies and powder manufacturers and began working for Powdertech Surface Science as a consultant in 2015.
As well as helping to deliver successful projects for Powdertech’s customers, Nick has led the development of the company’s industry-leading test laboratory and pilot line facility.
These facilities have allowed Powdertech to contribute to research and development programmes with major OEMs such as JLR, BMW, Rolls-Royce and Volvo. Research subjects have included EV battery enclosure manufacture, aluminium cleaning using Titanium Zirconium (TiZr), bond durability of thin wall diecast aluminium, and the development of novel composite-to-metal bonding system Powderbond.
Involvement in these projects has led Nick and Powdertech to become leaders in the field of technical aluminium surface treatments.
James Grant, Lead Director at Powdertech Surface Science, said: “Nick is the preeminent expert in commercial aluminium surface treatment and has been an integral part of our business for nearly ten years.
“We are delighted that he has joined us as a permanent member of the team. Nick is one of the key reasons that we are able to offer our customers the most technically advanced surface cleaning and powder coating solutions available in the UK.”
Nick will be on Powdertech’s stand (1427) at the Battery Cells and Systems Expo at the NEC on May 15 and 16, and he can be contacted via Powdertech’s website.
