CAPABILITIES
Surface Treatments
Protecting and Enhancing Every Component
Surface treatment is one of the most critical, stages of BCW’s vertically integrated manufacturing process because final performance, durability and compliance depend on the quality of the finish applied.
Surface Treatment Specialist
Built To Perform
At BCW Treatments, we specialise in performance-driven finishing solutions engineered to protect, enhance and extend component life across automotive, aerospace, defence and other industrial applications. Our treatments improve corrosion resistance, strengthen adhesion, enhance electrical insulation and deliver consistent visual quality.
Every process is controlled, validated and executed in-house to guarantee repeatability and reliable throughput. With automated systems and dedicated laboratory support, we ensure every component performs exactly as required, from precision assemblies to high-volume OEM programmes.
components treated annually
2.5 million
How We Do It
Protecting Performance, Enhancing Quality
BCW delivers a fully integrated surface treatment capability built around automation and scientific process control. All treatments are designed, managed and validated in-house, ensuring that every component receives the correct finish for its functional, aesthetic and environmental requirements.
Our dedicated laboratories verify coating weights, chemical analysis and adhesion performance, while full automation ensure consistent quality across high-volume production. This closed-loop approach guarantees accuracy, repeatability and supply-chain reliability across every programme.
Aluminium Anodising (Type II Sulphuric Acid)
BCW’s Type II sulphuric anodising provides a durable, corrosion-resistant and aesthetically enhanced finish ideal for automotive, aerospace and defence components.
Our automated anodising line ensures consistent coating growth, colour stability and controlled pore structure for improved paint and adhesive bonding. In-house jigging and laboratory analysis guarantee precise film thickness, coating weight and surface integrity.
Specifications: MIL-A-8625, DEF STAN 03-25, BS EN ISO 7599, BS EN 12373.
Ideal for: lightweight structures, exterior trims, high-wear components, bonding applications.
Conversion Coating (Passivation)
BCW provides conversion coating for ferrous and non-ferrous components, producing a uniform, adherent surface film that enhances corrosion resistance and optimises adhesion for downstream coatings, paints and bonding processes.
Our Titanium Zirconium and Zinc Phosphate systems deliver consistent, high-quality surface preparation that supports demanding automotive and industrial programmes. Automated processing ensures repeatable performance, while in-house laboratory testing verifies film weight, adhesion and surface integrity to OEM and international standards.
Specifications: TiZr, Zinc Phosphate, MIL-DTL 5541
Applications: sub-assemblies, bonded components, pre-paint treatments and high-volume production parts.
Powder Coating
BCW’s powder coating capability provides a durable, uniform and environmentally efficient finish for components exposed to demanding operating environments. Our automated booths, controlled curing processes and in-house jigging ensure consistent coverage, film build and adhesion. We support a wide range of colours, textures and performance grades, including anti-corrosion and high-durability formulations.
Specifications: BS EN 12206, AAMA 2603/4/5
Applications: Off-highway, Automotive & Defence components, high-volume industrial products, fabrications and fabricated assemblies.
Electrostatic Wet Paint
BCW’s electrostatic wet paint capability delivers precision-controlled finishes across complex geometries and multi-material components. Using the latest Wagner electrostatic systems, automated mixing technology and in-house engineered jigging, we achieve uniform film thickness, excellent wraparound coverage and high transfer efficiency.
Our process ensures superior adhesion, outstanding surface consistency and reduced overspray, supporting demanding applications in automotive, aerospace, defence and industrial sectors. Every coating is validated through laboratory testing to meet strict OEM and international performance standards.
Specifications: 2K Paint System include Base & Actuator/Hardener.
Applications: Engine mounting & structural brackets, pullies, hubs & rotating ancillaries, small to medium steel fabrications
Defence Specialist Coatings
BCW Treatments delivers defence-grade finishing solutions engineered for extreme environments, operational reliability and long-term durability.
Our coatings enhance chemical agent resistance, reduce reflectivity and improve component longevity across land, sea and air platforms. All processes follow strict defence and aerospace standards, supported by controlled processing, full traceability and laboratory verification.
Specifications: UK MOD CARC coatings meeting DEF STAN 80-161 and 80-225, AMS STD 595
Applications: Armoured vehicle components, marine hardware, aerospace fixtures, electrical housings and mission-critical assemblies
Research, Innovation & Technical Expertise
Our dedicated R&D function, supported by two PhD specialists and partnerships with leading UK universities, continually advances coating technologies for improved adhesion, durability and sustainability. By combining scientific research with production expertise, we help OEMs stay ahead of evolving standards and engineer finishes that deliver proven, long-term performance.
- University-led collaborative research
- Advanced material science expertise
- Sustainability-focused process innovation
Benefits to the Customer
Vertically Integrated Expertise
A single partner solution
Controlled, Repeatable Processing
SPC-led process optimisation and laboratory validation
OEM-Approved Quality Standards
Operating under ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001 and JOSCAR
Specialist Technical Support
In-house materials scientists, PhD expertise and engineering collaboration
Reliable Prototype to Volume Production Capability
Supporting OEM programmes with stable throughput and repeatability
End-to-End Traceability
Documented process visibility, batch-level tracking and complete supply-chain assurance
VerSATILE engineering services
Industries We Support
BCW’s precision manufacturing expertise supports OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across:
Aerospace
Automotive
Defence
Off Highway
Power Generation
Rail
Advanced Engineering Solutions
Facility
Our Precision Components Manufacturing operations span BCW’s Burnley and Wellingborough facilities, with over 300,000 sq. ft. of production space dedicated to CNC machining, automation, and precision inspection.
Each site operates under a unified quality system, ensuring repeatable standards across all programmes.
Key facility highlights include:
- Over 90 CNC machining centres, including multi-axis vertical and horizontal platforms
- Automated machining cells for high-volume continuous production
- Dedicated sliding head cell for small, complex parts
- Large component machining area with high-torque horizontal spindles
- Advanced metrology suite featuring CMM, FARO, laser trackers, and surface finish testing
“We have worked with BCW for over a decade, and their commitment to quality, precision, and reliability has consistently exceeded our expectations.
The defence sector demands nothing less than excellence, and BCW has proven to be a trusted partner by delivering high-quality parts on time, every time. Their engineering expertise and unwavering focus on standards give us the confidence that our systems are built on trust and durability.”
John Loughrie
Director of Innovation BAE Systems
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Meet our specialist team
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Let’s Engineer Success Together
Whether you’re developing new technology, scaling production, or strengthening your supply chain, BCW’s vertically integrated approach delivers precision, performance, and partnership at every stage.
Speak to one of our specialists