All sorts of applications use industrial coatings. They’re perfect for safeguarding materials such as steel and concrete, giving them an added layer of protection that helps them resist the elements. Industrial coatings don’t just make products last longer, though. Covering manufactured items in industrial coating also looks good, giving them a professional finish.
If you want to improve your manufacturing process, consider some of the most common techniques for industrial coating and how they can improve the quality of your products.
Spray Coating
Spray coating techniques vary widely. Plasma spraying, cold spraying, and thermal spraying are just a few of the most popular processes used today. Thermal spray coating is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of materials. However, like other methods, it has its limitations.
Often, industrial spraying techniques require high-temperature environments, which increases the cost of equipment and labor. These limitations make it harder for smaller companies to invest in the needed infrastructure to use spray coating.
Brush Coating
Brush coating is one of the most challenging types of industrial coating because it requires manual installation. The high degree of skill needed means this is an incredibly time-consuming process, but if successful, the results will speak for themselves.
You must make some unique considerations when brush coating, such as the type of bristles on the brush, whether they’re compatible with the material, and even the brush angle when working around corners and edges.
Roll Coating
Roll coating uses a roller dipped in a coating bath to press the coating onto the material. Rollers are great for evenly distributing the coating, and precisely controlling the amount of liquid you use, making it an excellent solution for specific products.
The limitation of roll coating is in the types of material to which it can apply a coating. Thin, flat materials without many dimensions are best for roll coating applications. Resetting the coating rollers for each material is also limiting.
Dip Coating
Dip coating is a process in which manufacturers lower materials into the coating liquid, then allow the excess to drip off. Dip coating is a low-cost solution, and there’s little waste. Furthermore, workers can adjust the thickness of the coating to ensure maximum quality.
Despite its simplicity, dip coating is difficult to apply evenly over the entire material, resulting in a lower-quality finish if not done correctly. This issue makes it especially important to choose the right metal coating service for your product.
Even More Coating Options To Explore
Other techniques for industrial coating include flow coating, spin coating, and powder coating. Industrial coating techniques must adapt to the manufacturing environment to ensure the product’s full protection. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks that need consideration before you make a final decision.
