Archive for July, 2026

We would like to remind our numerous number plate testing clients that the correct dimensions and print format for samples must be in accordance with Fig 1 of BS AU 145e:2018. Any other format shall not be acceptable if a certificate of conformance is required.

An example of an acceptable format is shown below, and it should be noted that the B8 and black square can be located at any end of the plate. There is a need for enough space between the black print for the linear abrasion test stroke length that is only required over the reflective.

We are pleased to be continuing our long association with Bucher Municipal Ltd by helping them establish continued corrosion durability for the paint systems used on their vast range of municipal vehicles. From snowploughs to grit spreaders, road sweepers and waste collection vehicles, Bucher Municipal provide solutions for the most demanding environments during highways maintenance operations.

We are pleased to have helped Metro Engineering & Plating Works confirm abrasion performance of their hard anodised plating according to military standard MIL-PRF-8625 and ISO 10074. These robust test methods require 10000 abrasion cycles using CS17 course abrasive wheels under a 1kg load with minimal mass loss requirements to provide a satisfactory test result.

Metro Plating are a family run finishing company based in Uxbridge, Middlesex, specialising in treatments on aluminium. Established in 1946, they are now in their 78th year of providing a quality service to industry providing high-capacity rapid turnaround anodising and chromate conversion finishes to industry, with particular emphasis on the aerospace, motorsport, marine and medical sectors.

We are again pleased to have helped Rotork Controls Ltd confirm the corrosion and durability category of one of their standard paint systems used to protect offshore steel and iron-based substrates. Rotork specialises in flow control solutions for actuators, gearboxes, instruments, and control systems that open, close, and precisely regulate industrial valves. They are a major global supplier across oil & gas, water & power, and chemical/process industries and AWL are proud to have supported Rotork’s UK Bath and Leeds based plants for their corrosion (ISO 12944) and UV weathering testing (BS EN ISO 16474) requirements.

We are pleased to be helping Alex Hull Studio Ltd confirm UV stability for a number of new coating formulations. Alex Hull Studio Limited is a London-based private limited company specialising in bespoke furniture design, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. We are proud to have supported Alex Hull Studio over the past few years for a number of projects designed to confirm protective coating integrity using our range UV weathering and climatic test chambers.

We are pleased to be helping a number of 1st tier suppliers to JLR confirm the integrity of E-coated parts using a wide range of performance tests which include resistance to humidity, adhesion, UV damage, fluid / fuel staining and cyclic corrosion testing using a sway bar for downward salt spray application with test chamber cooling down to -40C.