Here\'s Two Use Cases Of Coating For Manufacturing

Here's Two Use Cases Of Coating For Manufacturing

Manufacturing Technology Insights | Tuesday, January 14, 2020

For most custom basket designs, choosing the right coating can significantly improve the functionality and longevity of the basket.

FREMONT, CA: Numerous factors go into the making of a custom parts basket for a particular manufacturing process. From picking the right dimension of wire for a basket to selecting the right type of metal for the frame to choosing the correct coating, custom basket design engineers have to consider many factors.

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Two applications of coating include:

Coatings for Common Parts Washing Applications

Parts’ washing is the most common finishing processes employed by manufacturers to get their manufactured products ready for shipping. Many of the methods use mild to moderate-strength chemicals at temperatures below 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In these situations, the general use of coating is to prevent or limit the contact of a basket’s frame to the chemicals used in the wash process to reduce or eliminate corrosion.

For these applications, the coatings below are usually considered optimal:

• Polyvinylchloride (PVC): It is a popular coating, which can be applied through fluid bed processes or dipping. PVC is soft, chemically-resistant, and competent of being used in very thick coats.

• Polyester TGIC Powder Coat: Polyester Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC) coatings are vastly resistant to solvents, ultraviolet radiation, and salt spray helping to protect baskets from corrosion. Unlike PVC, Polyester TGIC, however, has high pencil hardness, making it resistant to marring, scratching, and chipping.

Coatings for High-Temperature Applications

Most polymers cannot endure exposure to temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. Hence, in most cases, polymer coatings are not utilized for high-temperature applications. Even heat-resistant polymers cannot oppose most steel alloys for temperature resistance. Conversely, if a coat is required for a high-temperature application below 500 degrees Fahrenheit, then the options comprise:

• PFA Teflon: Perfluoroalkoxy Teflon or PFA can be used in settings of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and possess incredible chemical resistance. Besides, it can be applied in thick coatings.

• PTFE Teflon: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a non-stick coating with high hardness and temperature resistance of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The type of coating can also be useful for vapor degreasing when applied to baskets that are corrosion-resistant but need to stop runoff from sticking.

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