May 20 2009
Zircotec has developed a new lower cost derivative of its high performance ThermoHold based thermal barrier coatings.
Performance and classic car owners wishing to use plasma sprayed thermal barriers but previously dissuaded by cost now have an option from Zircotec. The firm's new Primary coating offers a twenty five percent exhaust surface temperature reduction and costs thirty percent less than its premium Performance offering.
Customers seeking low cost solutions may have previously chosen ceramic paint finishes which typically offer just a nine percent reduction in surface temperature. Unlike wraps and some paint finishes, Primary remains highly durable, and can be specified for applications up to 1400°C, making it ideal for exhaust and turbo systems.
"Customers wanting better performance and durability than a ceramic paint or exhaust wrap, but who are concerned about cost, now have a quality solution available to them," says sales director Peter Whyman. "Zircotec's new Primary Range is ideal for road performance and classic cars where it will provide a high performing, professional, and long lasting finish."
In developing its Primary Range Zircotec ensured it met the durability and environmental requirements for which its coatings are renowned, with the new range having been through Zircotec full product validation regime. "Research told us that many road car customers wanting plasma sprayed thermal barriers needed durability over ultimate performance," adds Whyman. "We have retained the core ThermoHold formulation to meet our rigorous durability standards with only a relatively small penalty in thermal efficiency but at a significantly reduced price. This allows us to offer a one year warranty for road applications."
Initially available in black, the firm plans to offer other colour options in the near future. The new coating is expected to be very popular for the classic and mid performance car markets such as MGB, Ford Escort, Mini, Caterham 7,Triumph TR, VW Golf GTI and Honda Civic. Higher performance vehicles such as the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo as well as motorsport customers are better suited to Zircotec's Performance product.
The coating is equally suitable for tailpipe use. The ceramic finish stays looking good for longer, requiring less maintenance than polished tailpipe or silencers. "With many vehicle manufacturers specifying this for both an aesthetic and thermal barrier performance benefit, we are sure this trend will cascade to the tuning market too," concludes Whyman.