SBIR-STTR Award

Various attempts have been made to replace electrodeposited chromium applied to internal surfaces of gun barrels. In this activity Advanced Global Services (AGS) will validate a novel coating technique to apply advanced non-hazardous erosion resistant materials to medium caliber gun tubes. The development of unique process parameters to apply advanced coating materials for erosion protection of medium caliber gun tubes and utilization of unique surface preparation methods will ensure a high quality coated surface. Coating application to the ID of the medium caliber gun tubes via utilization of the EPVD technique will allow "surface engineering" of desired coating structures and will significantly increase performance characteristics of weapon systems.

Many attempts have been made to replace electro-deposited chromium applied to internal surfaces of gun barrels. The patented EPVD™ process has been bench-marked by DOD programs as a fit substitute. EPVD™ has already proven its capability by producing a multitude of coatings not unavailable with other coating systems; it demonstrated superior uniformity characteristics and advantages of zero environmental compliance burdens. Phase II will continue the advanced development of prototype coatings and coating hardware applicable to full length 20mm gun barrels. This activity is intended to generate the necessary processing and performance data for pre-commercialization efforts and integration of the EPVD™ coating process to effectively substitute currently employed electro-plating.

Keywords:
Gun Barrel, Erosion, Uniformity, Coatings, Density, Medium Caliber