• Hard Chrome Alternatives Team (HCAT) – This US/Canadian team, run by NRL and funded by ESTCP and various other programs, is the primary DoD effort on chrome replacement.  It is a dem/val program to replace chrome plating with HVOF thermal spray for OEM and depot O&R use in aircraft.  The team involves the main US and Canadian manufacturers, DoD depots, and service providers.  Rowan’s role as Technical Lead is to coordinate the various team member efforts, integrate the data, and help to guide the resolution of problems.
  
  
• C-HCAT – Rowan is the data manager and coordinator for the Canadian HCAT, maintaining coordination between the US and Canadian teams and integrating the Canadian data on chrome replacement.
  
  
• SERDP ID Plasma Spray Program – Rowan is the technical lead for the HCAT effort, funded by SERDP, to develop plasma spray alternatives for replacing chrome plating on internal diameters of landing gear, hydraulic actuators, etc.  We also maintain collaboration with teams developing other alternatives.
  
  
• Chrome and Cadmium Avoidance on the Joint Strike Fighter – The JSF IPT is concerned to avoid the use of Cr and Cd on the aircraft, since its use will lock DoD into the technology for decades.   Rowan has carried out several technology analyses of alternatives for outer and inner diameters, and produced an extensive data compilation to assist engineers in adapting alternatives.
  
  
• Use of Thermal Spray as an Aerospace Chrome Alternative – This is a JSF-funded compilation of data on the HVOF process for aerospace use – its properties, performance, specifications, and applications.   It is a living document on CD-ROM that incorporates referenced documents and web sites at the click of a mouse.
  
  
• Canadian Markets for HVOF as a Chrome Replacement – This report for Industry Canada assessed the potential market sizes and characteristics for chrome replacement in the Canadian transportation, oil and gas, forestry, and machinery sectors.       
  
  
• Assistance to NRC in establishing coating initiatives – The National Research Council of Canada has contracted with Rowan to assist in developing market strategies, collaboration, and teaming with Canadian and US partners in various coating programs.   This assistance includes work with the Canadian Cadmium Replacement Program.
  

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