(L to R) – Alan Crook (MD at Cottam Brush), Richard Eynon (SAM) and Dave Leatherhead (Cottam Brush Production Engineer)
Following rigorous testing, research and investment in new technology, Cottam Brush is now pleased to be offering alternative manufacturing methods to produce pencil brushes for oil and gas pigging and other industries as part of our technical brush range.
Innovation is at the heart of Cottam, and with increasing energy and material costs in the UK, our engineering team wanted to explore alternative methods of manufacturing pencil brushes that would be more cost-effective while retaining their high quality. Cottam drafted in the experts and approached the SAM (Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing) project, based at the University of Sunderland, to implement product development technologies. With funding support and advice from expert specialists in areas including electronics, CNC machining, and automation/robotics, Cottam invested in new machinery for their UK factory based in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear.
Cottam has extensive experience manufacturing pencil brushes, traditionally using bonded or soldered methods. By adopting alternative manufacturing methods into their range, Cottam is now able to make these clusters using synthetic fill, ferrous and non-ferrous wires, as well as specialized platings, including zinc and nickel suitable for sour gas lines. Depending on the brush’s intended application, we can advise on the best filament material and size to use for a truly bespoke brush.
So, what are the key benefits for customers?
- No bonding materials required
- No restrictions on the brush material that can be used
- More design flexibility is possible
- The performance of their traditional pencil brush at a lower cost
- Locally sourced materials, manufactured at their Hebburn premises
Learn more about Cottam Brush at www.cottambrush.com.
