In the domain of factories and machinery, an invisible opponent emerges: CORROSION. As a Corrosion Engineer myself, we are like investigators piecing together a puzzle. In this blog, I will delve into how corrosion affects manufacturing, break down its financial implications, explore the transformative tools we use to prevent trouble, and provide a global perspective from our viewpoint.
The Financial Puzzle
In the production environment, corrosion is a costly expenditure. Industries worldwide bleed a staggering $2.5 trillion (£1.95 trillion GBP) due to corrosion*. Manufacturing takes a significant blow from this issue. In the U.S., the manufacturing sector spends about $17.6 billion (£13.8 billion GBP) annually to address equipment corroded by this process**. Imagine the impact—when machinery or assets fail, production halts, and profits are affected.
Battlefront Against Corrosion
Behind the scenes, we are the ones fighting against corrosion. All metal components and assets can suffer from this problem. We see how corrosion affects the industry and we find ourselves always chasing a solution when occurrences happen instead of setting up a comprehensive system beforehand.
Ripple Effects in OEMs and Supply Chains
For us Corrosion Engineers, it is like dominos falling in the world of manufacturing. When one part gets corroded, it affects everything else. This leads to delays, contracts with the end user under pressure, and customers getting unhappy. Sectors like Automotive and Aerospace for example rely on precise timing and coordination between various stages of production.
Innovative Solutions for Protection
Surrounding these challenges, we are wielding a powerful portfolio of solutions. Corrosion protection products and services are our knights in shining armour. Imagine specialised coatings mechanisms that lock out corrosion or smart materials that resist its advances. These solutions function as a barrier, shielding equipment and structures from the corrosive variables in the environment. And there is more—the sustainable aspect. We are introducing environmentally friendly options that not only mitigate corrosion but also contribute to a greener future.
Shaping a Resilient Tomorrow
Our journey does not stop at identifying problems; it is about bringing transformative solutions. We are using tools like services, documentation and smart devices, to fight corrosion. We are even using high-tech gadgets to give live location, temperature, humidity, dew point and impact on shipments as it gives live insights and prevents corrosion before it becomes a bigger issue. Corrosion Engineers are not on the sidelines; we are in the thick of things. We are using creative solutions and tools to tackle corrosion head-on. As we navigate the world of rust and metal, our goal is to bolster manufacturing’s resilience. We are working towards a future where OEMs are robust, operations run smoothly, and profit is not affected by corrosion. Our vision, when working with OEMs and supply chains, is to mitigate corrosion.
As a Corrosion Engineer, we are not on the sidelines; we are in the thick of things. We are using creative solutions and tools to tackle corrosion head-on. As we navigate the world of rust and metal, our goal is to bolster manufacturing’s resilience. We are working towards a future where OEMs are robust, operations run smoothly, and profit is not affected by corrosion. Our vision, when working with OEMs and supply chains, is to mitigate corrosion.
*”Global Cost of Corrosion and Corrosion Protection” study by NACE International.
** Data from a study conducted by NACE International and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Written by Dean Kenny – Lake Engineering Solutions, Corrosion Engineer & UK Business Manager