Thermal Spray Coating Specialists
Alphatek Hyperformance Coatings are UK-based specialists in thermal spray and wear-resistant coatings. Founded in 1993, the company brings over 30 years of experience protecting critical components across rail, oil & gas, power generation and heavy engineering. Alphatek developed HYPERTRAXS® GR8 — a complex carbide coating system for switch blades and stock rails — at Network Rail’s request to tackle recurring side-wear failures on S&C assets.
What’s on offer
- Tungsten carbide HVOF coating for switch blades and stock rails
- Proven to extend component life and reduce maintenance interventions
- Fully compatible with existing inspection, welding and grinding procedures
- Available now through Network Rail Route Services via NROL
Reduces downtime without changing your switch supplier or process
HYPERTRAXS® GR8 uses an engineered diamond-matrix pattern applied to the high-wear contact faces of S&C components. The coating resists side wear while the spaces between the diamond-shaped islands act as reservoirs for friction modifiers, improving lubrication retention right where it’s needed.
Developed to address 502 and 504 side-wear defects, HYPERTRAXS® GR8 was trialled across eight Network Rail sites. Independent analysis confirmed extended time to first maintenance, increased mean time between failures, and no change to existing maintenance routines.
The coating achieved full Network Rail Product Acceptance (PA05/06726) in November 2024 and is ready to order through the existing supply chain.