Paint and Coating Services

Why coat metals?

 

Unprotected metals will rust and corrode as they make contact with the environment.  

Coatings are used to protect the metal from these effects, and often perform another function like improving the appearance or reducing friction.

 

Metal Coating Types

 

Plastic coatings accommodate a number of sizes and shapes, the most common plastic coating is Teflon.

Paint was a short-term solution in the past, as it would often flake and fall off the surface of metals.

Now high heat paint, like the paint used on cars, flows into the smallest cracks between the moving parts of a machine and resists cracking under heated conditions.

Metal coatings can be used to provide the right protection for components, two popular types of metal coatings are NiroCoat and molybdenum disulfide.

Polymers can be used for waterproof coatings and protection from the elements, there are many choices for effective polymer coatings.

The use of a metal product often determines which coating will be most effective.

Outdoor coatings are designed to protect from rust, corrosion, dirt, and debris.

These coatings are used on heavy equipment, boats, cars, trains, and airplanes.

Frequent exposure to chemicals and liquids in these outdoor settings would quickly damage the metal of these vehicles and degrade their lifespan.

Using the right coating will allow the vehicle to withstand these effects and keep it structurally sound.

Metal coatings used in screws, bolts, and fasteners; on the other hand, are used as lubricants or torque agents.

This makes them easier to unscrew or tighten.

Galvanized steel is another example of a common metal coating, like on outdoor furniture, pool accessories, or fences.

The weather outdoors would quickly rust these items without their coatings, rainstorms in particular would cause the metals to rust quickly.

Protecting from impact and movement is another common use of metal coatings.  

In heavy duty situations a somewhat flexible coating can prevent chipping and scratching of the metals underneath.

Finishes

 

A variety of finishes are available as well, the choice of a finish can be a functional or cosmetic one.

In the case of cars and airplanes the finish needs to be smooth.

Rough finishes negatively impact the aerodynamics of vehicles.

Color has no effect on the functionality of the vehicle and is often a cosmetic choice.

Purposes for Coating Metal

• More water resistance
• Increased torque tolerance
• Better adhesion
• Improving surface hardness
• Increased chemical resistance
• More electrical resistance
• Better electrical conductivity
• Easier to solder
• Improved appearance
• Greater strength and durability
• Surface thickness
• Increased corrosion resistance

Application

 

There is a wide variety of methods for applying metal coatings, like spraying in liquid or powder forms, dipping into a metal coating, and electroplating.

Electroplating deposits a thin layer on a surface, it uses a bath with dissolved ions of the metal to be used as a coating.

An electric current sent through the bath deposits these ions on the surface of the metal placed in the bath.

Tin, copper, zinc, and nickel are all common electroplated coatings.

Determining the best coating method takes into account many factors like the time it takes to apply a coat.

Other factors include: How the coating cures, the cost of the coating, the overall thickness of the coating, appearance, and the effectiveness of the coating at protecting the metal in day to day use.

Article refrences:

https://toefco.com/what-are-metal-coatings/

https://www.pnpainting.com/metal-coating-types