In safety-critical manufacturing, every detail matters. Material selection and precision machining are foundational. However, component protection after manufacturing is equally vital. This ensures operational performance and longevity. As precision manufacturers, Bertrand Products, features a unique “blue coating,” an advanced epoxy resin application. This coating is for safety-critical parts, especially in helicopters. 

Understanding the “Blue Coating” Advantage

This “blue coating” is a high-performance, engineered epoxy resin. The coating’s main purpose is to provide superior protection. It also enhances the functional properties of precision-machined components. 

Benefits for Manufacturing Engineers

Manufacturing engineers prioritize component resilience. This “blue coating” significantly boosts durability and extends operational life. Key attributes include: 

Corrosion Resistance: Guards against moisture, salt spray, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. These are common in demanding environments. 

Abrasion and Wear Resistance: Protects critical tolerances and surface integrity from friction. 

Resilience Against Minor Impacts: Prevents surface damage that could lead to larger failures. 

Reduced Maintenance: Directly extends component lifespan and lowers maintenance needs. 

Beyond physical protection, the “blue coating” improves operational characteristics: 

  • Excellent Electrical Insulation: Prevents short circuits and ensures electrical isolation. 
  • Thermal and Chemical Resistance: Maintains integrity across wide temperatures and against various industrial chemicals. 

The coating is applied uniformly. This ensures consistent thickness and minimal alteration of component dimensions.

Image of two helicopter parts resting on a wood table. Blue epoxy coating is prominent at their base.

This precise application adheres to strict industry standards, including aerospace specifications. Every coated part meets rigorous performance criteria. 

Benefits for Procurement

For procurement departments, this “blue coating” offers value beyond initial cost. It provides significant long-term cost-effectiveness. This contributes to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): 

Extended Part Lifespan: Reduces replacement expenditures over a system’s operational duration. 

Reduced Maintenance and Downtime: Fewer component failures mean less unscheduled maintenance. This lowers labor costs and improves operational readiness.

Long-Term Savings: The initial investment in a premium coating is offset by the foregoing. 

Furthermore, this specialized coating enhances supply chain reliability and mitigates risk:

 

  • Simplified Supply Chain: Partnering with a single, specialized source integrates coating and precision manufacturing processes. 
  • Guaranteed Compliance: Assures adherence to necessary certifications and regulatory standards. This reduces procurement risk. 
  • Enhanced Safety and Reliability: Directly contributes to the safety and reliability of critical systems. It protects against component failure in high-stakes applications. 
A close-up shot of a helicopter part in a blue box. Blue epoxy detailing is featured

The Hidden Aspects of Blue Coating

The “blue coating” represents an engineered solution. Its development involves precise scientific principles and rigorous testing. 

  • Customizable Formulations: Its formulations can be tailored for unique environmental challenges. Examples include specific chemical immersion or high dielectric needs. 
  • Precise Application: Different part geometries and performance needs require specialized equipment and expertise for application. 

Optimal benefits occur when coating considerations are part of the early design phase. This allows for design optimization. It fully uses the coating’s protective and functional properties. Bertrand Products conducts extensive internal testing. This ensures complete traceability and validated performance. The blue color serves as an immediate visual confirmation of these quality standards. 

Investing in Unseen Strength

This “blue coating” offers many advantages for safety-critical components. For manufacturing engineers, it means superior performance and reliability. For procurement specialists, it represents strategic value and robust risk mitigation. Contact Bertrand Products to discuss your specific helicopter part requirements. 

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Denny Krill

Denny Krill

Production Planner/Buyer

574-234-4181

Chad Nichols

Chad Nichols

CNC Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer

574-234-4181 Ext. 2100

Anthony Barnett-Day

Anthony Barnett-Day

Manufacturing Engineer

574-234-4181 Ext. 1900

Bart Young

Bart Young

Quality Engineer

574-234-4181 Ext. 4200

Tony Frecker

Tony Frecker

Production Manager

574-234-4181 Ext. 2000

Brent Ragsdale

Brent Ragsdale

Manufacturing Engineer

574-234-4181 Ext. 1500

Dan Garing

Dan Garing

Quality Manager

574-234-4181 Ext. 4100

Stephanie Bonin

Stephanie Bonin

Customer Service/Inside Sales

574-234-4181 Ext. 1400

Sandra Williams

Sandra Williams

Accounting Manager

574-234-4181 Ext. 1200

BJ Bonin

B.J. Bonin

President

574-234-4181 Ext. 2800

bjbonin@bertrandproducts.com