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Atmospheric Plasma Solutions Selected by the National Shipbuilding Research Program to Evaluate Plasma Beam Technology for Coating Removal and Surface Preparation

Evaluation to be used to complete the development and optimization of its first commercial precision coating removal system…

October 19, 2017 – Atmospheric Plasma Solutions™ (APS) has been selected to participate in a program sponsored by the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) for the evaluation of plasma beam technology for coating removal and surface preparation. The APS PlasmaBlast technology was one of 16 projects selected as part of NSRP’s continuing mission to reduce costs associated with U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. APS will use the program to conduct shipyard demonstrations and laboratory/field tests that are intended to discover cost-effective uses and elicit feedback from the potential users of the system.

The APS project was selected from over 100 proposals in response to the Panel Project Solicitation, issued in April 2017. During the 12-month project, APS will team with several leaders in the US shipbuilding industry to optimize and deliver the most effective coating removal system to the US Navy.

The PlasmaBlast system is the world’s first plasma-based coating removal system that quickly and safely removes hard-to-remove protective coatings and sealants. Using an air plasma beam, the PlasmaBlast precision coating removal system can reliably remove coatings from virtually any substrate material. The PlasmaBlast system vaporizes most paint and coatings into harmless gases and leaves behind a small amount of dust that is safely collected with a vacuum. Unlike traditional coating removal methods, PlasmaBlast doesn’t use abrasive media or chemicals, reducing the need for containment and the disposal of waste by-products. The system can significantly reduce the cost of the coating removal process, while increasing the productivity and safety for workers.

The NSRP manages funding for the research and development of new technologies and processes that will reduce the total ownership cost of ships for the U.S. Navy, other national security customers and the commercial sector. The NSRP provides a collaborative framework that leverages the best commercial and naval practices in the U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair Industry to reduce production costs and to accelerate delivery schedules through improved shipbuilding methods.

“We expect to take full advantage of the project outcomes for the continued development and commercialization of the PlasmaBlast atmospheric plasma coating removal system,” said Glenn Astolfi, SVP of Sales and Business Development at Atmospheric Plasma Solutions. “We truly appreciate the support given by the NSRP leadership team of our technology.”

Proven in U.S. government and commercial trials, PlasmaBlast is effective on a wide range of coatings and substrates found in the US Navy, Air Force and other DoD service branches including coatings such as MIL-PRF-24635 haze-gray silicone alkyd, MIL-PRF-24647 anti-fouling coating system and MIL-DTL-24441 epoxy-polyamide primers.

The PlasmaBlast prototype system has been demonstrated in operational environments and is ready for production with a target availability in 2018. APS is seeking partners to help set final product requirements, develop use scenarios and perform operational tests and evaluations using the system under operational mission conditions. To participate in the program, contact Glenn Astolfi at gastolfi@apsplasma.com.

About Atmospheric Plasma Solutions

Atmospheric Plasma Solutions (APS) is developing the next generation of coating removal solutions for hard-to-remove coatings found in marine, aviation, defense and commercial applications. For the past 10 years, APS has perfected the delivery of plasma at atmospheric pressures using only compressed air and electricity. The atmospheric plasma coating removal (APCR) process converts most protective coatings and sealants into harmless gases that are safely vacuumed away. The company’s flagship PlasmaBlast™ precision coating removal system reduces job costs, provides a safer work environment and is more environmentally friendly than traditional grit blasting or water jetting methods. For more information, visit www.apsplasma.com.

Atmospheric Plasma Solutions

11301 Penny Road – Suite D Cary, NC 27518
Phone: 919-341-8325
Email: info@apsplasma.com