Conference Organising Committee

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Mick Bignell is an independent Thermal Spray Specialist with over 30 years’ experience in the coatings industry. Mick is a NADCAP coatings auditor and Thermal Spray training engineer. The role of NADCAP auditor gives a high quality perspective on the Special Process we know as Thermal Spray and also, how this process is being integrated with modern Quality Management Systems. He is involved with Thermal Spray process improvement and fault finding.

Over my 40-year period directly involved with thermal spraying, I have been lucky enough to be employed in the roles of production engineering, sales, business development, training and technical support. My current position working for Oerlikon Metco, as Customer Solutions Centre (CSC) Manager UK, allows me to utilise my knowledge gained to support and develop opportunities for surface engineering both in the local and global marketplace.

Outside of my “day job”, I have also allocated part of my time to being a committee member for the TSSEA and as chair of the BSI STI/40 standards development group covering “thermal spraying and thermally sprayed coatings”. In both positions, I hope to promote the acceptance of coating processes to a wider industry and academic audience.

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I have worked within the Thermal Spray Industry for over 39 years, covering the full range of spray processes. I have worked for 2 major Equipment suppliers and 1 coating contractor. My areas of expertise include Sales, Technical Service, Application engineering, Special Projects, and Coating Evaluation. I am a member of the BSI standards committee group covering thermal spraying and I am also an assessor for ISO 14918 – qualification and testing of thermal sprayers, I have compiled and written a book on the Principles of Thermal Spray.

With over 25 years dedicated to surface finishing, I serve as the Director of Metallisation, driving excellence in thermal spray applications. My journey from a Manufacturing Engineer has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and operational efficiency. Leading diverse teams, I’ve instilled a culture of continuous improvement within the thermal spray community, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Through strategic vision and hands-on leadership, I’ve spearheaded transformative initiatives that have reshaped industry standards. My commitment to engineering excellence is matched only by my passion for cultivating talent and fostering professional growth. As a member of the TSSEA Thermal Spray and surface engineering association committee, I am deeply invested in advancing our field, leveraging my expertise to propel the industry forward. With unwavering dedication and a collaborative spirit, I am honoured to contribute to the collective pursuit of excellence in thermal spray technology.

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Andrew Cole is a Director at an independent materials science consultancy Inspiratech 2000 Ltd (materials.co.uk).

He specialises in failure analysis of metallic materials and surface coatings based on over twenty years of experience developing and optimising automotive drive train and brake components.

His knowledge of surface treatment microstructures, properties and performance includes thermal spray, electro and electroless plating, plasma nitriding, laser cladding and galvanising. He is also experienced in analysis of pigments and fillers in modern and historic paint layers.

Andrew is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Scientist.