Coating Services Industry Information

Industrial coating services are necessary for applications in which thin films or coats made of varying materials are applied to substrates. Industrial coatings processes include solution preparation and delivery to applicator, the coating application itself and drying and solidification. In the first step of industrial coating, raw material is specified and tested, deaerated, mixed and dispersed. Then, fluid flow, weight and measurement of the coating are determined. Certain substrates will only be compatible with particular coating materials. The final drying and solidification process includes heating and ventilation systems and heat transfer and defect mechanisms.

There are several different methods of industrial coatings. Dip industrial coating is the most widely used method for coil coating but is also used for other products. In this process, the part is completely assembled and then submerged into either a solvent- or water-based coating. Dip coating encompasses electrodeposition ("E" coat), liquid, epoxy, phenolic, enamel, acrylic and alkyd coatings. Electrostatic coatings are either negatively or positively charged and are applied to a substrate with the opposite charge. These coatings provide excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance but require a multi-stage cleaning process. Electrostatic coatings include phenol, enamel, acrylic- or alkyd-based resins and powder coatings. Conversion coatings are produced by a chemical reaction between the base metal and another material, which forms a fairly corrosion-resistant film.
 
Industrial coating services are necessary for a variety of reasons. Some industrial coating services provide protection against corrosion, thermal fatigue and oxidation. Other industrial coatings reduce heat transfer or dissipate heat, decrease friction and retain or shed chemical petroleum products. Extremely versatile water-reducible alkyds are so named because they can be thinned to almost any viscosity and are suitable for dip or spray applications. Acrylic powder coatings provide excellent chemical, corrosion and scratch resistance and have superior hardness and overall durability. In a fully cured state, fluorocarbon is very hard and resistant to chemicals, solvents and sunlight. Powder polyester coatings are highly flexible, durable and resistant to UV radiation and have good weatherability. Polyethylene powder coatings are easily-cleaned thermoplastic power coatings that are used for thicker coatings and to provide resistance to acids, alkalies, salts, alcohols and solvents.
 
Industrial coating service providers will need to know several things before recommending the industrial coating that is appropriate for the product. The main factor is application, i.e. the key benefits and coating attributes that are desired from the industrial coating. Often times, coatings are asked to perform multiple functions, so the industrial coating service provider may ask for a list of desired attributes in the order of importance. What are the operating conditions of the part and what is its life expectancy? It is also important to know what alloys are in the part and what processes it has undergone (e.g. heat treatment). Are there tolerance and other rigid specifications that must be adhered to? Industrial coating service providers might also ask what coatings or processes have been tried in the past and if price is a primary factor.