What Are Industrial Coatings?
Industrial coatings are commonly known as a type of engineered surface protection that can be applied on a variety of derivatives like steel or concrete. These coatings are designed to provide optimum protection against sudden temperature fluctuations, particle abrasion, cavitation, and more. In addition, industrial coatings are usually caked on or sprayed in a way that efficiently protects the surface from various types of corrosion while maintaining the aesthetics as well. Let’s take a closer look at industrial coatings:
Industrial Coatings are Used in Many Industries
- Coatings for aircraft and aerospace: These types of industrial coatings are usually applied to both military and civil aircraft as well as helicopters. When the coatings are used on helicopters, they must comply with a range of defense specifications and requirements.
- Coatings for the canning industry: This is a highly specialized range of coatings that are applied by thin layers while still providing a high level of protection. These coatings are typically used for both external and internal coating of food and drink cans. In addition, these coatings are also approved for food contact.
- Coatings for plastics: These kinds of coatings are usually designed to be used on plastic substrates, including plastic toys, car dashboards, car bumpers, and more.
- Coatings for general purposes: This range of coatings can be used on a wide range of applications to wood, plastic and glass as well as aluminum, iron and steel. Coatings in this range can also be applied on transport containers, transformers, toolboxes, construction equipment, and nuts and bolts. General industrial coatings also include those that are defined and listed separately as high performance coatings.
Applications of Industrial Coatings
Before industrial coatings can be applied, a primer is applied beforehand. Once the full coating is completed, a sealant is used for the finishing touches. Here is a quick look at the other types of application methods that are in practice today:
- Immersion coating/Dip coating: The process involves immersing the part in a bath or tub of coating material. This technique effectively coats all the part’s surfaces.
- Electrophoretic deposition: This method includes a wide range of coating processes and will use an electric field to deposit colloidal particles onto a substrate.
- Electrostatic spraying: Considered as part of the electrophoretic deposition family, this application method involves the use of charged atomized paint droplets and a spray gun. In addition, this method is used to reach normally inaccessible areas and provide a film of uniform thickness throughout the work piece.
- Wet spraying: This method typically involves the use of special nozzles or spray guns to break up a bulk liquid resin into smaller droplets.
Before you decide on the type of industrial coating, it’s always good to talk to a surface engineering specialist company. There is a very good reason for doing so. You see, a certain type of coating may work well for another project you are working on but may not produce the same results when you use it for your own project. Hence, you should consult a professional to get all the information you need on the best type of application method and the most appropriate coating materials. This will help ensure that you always benefit greatly from the right type of industrial coatings!
