Specialized Coatings for Machinery Protection
Protective coatings are a crucial part of the manufacturing and fabrication process, adding lifespan and durability to components and contributing to the overall lifecycle of machinery. Machinery is only as effective as its parts – and those parts are only as effective as the coating protecting them. Protective coatings are a crucial element of the manufacturing process, adding not only a finishing touch to a machined component, but adding the durability and longevity that contributes to the part’s lifespan – and to the lifespan of the machine overall. Painting as a coating technique is familiar to many, however what are the other coating mechanisms used in the metal fabrication and manufacturing industries? Let us dive deeper into this topic.
Benefits of Specialized Coatings
Machined components will inevitably wear down over time from use, as well as buildup of residue, corrosion, and exposure to a variety of weather conditions and environments. Machinery downtime can have significant costs to a business – and with supply chain shortages across the world, sourcing replacement parts can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Protective coatings not only keep the components beneath from degrading too quickly, but can also be reapplied within a relatively short time frame.
Recoating components locally rather than waiting to order replacement parts from overseas can drastically reduce downtime, allowing machinery to remain up and running for longer and dramatically increasing productivity.
Types of Specialized Coatings
Manufactured components require specialized protection that will meet the needs of the design specifications and their application. Machinery in outdoor settings, or in plants with high levels of moisture, require coatings that will protect against corrosion of the metal beneath. With an effective pre-treatment, coatings such as powder coating and thermoplastic coating add a layer of protection to the surface of aluminium or steel in mining plant and equipment that can withstand high levels of moisture and salt spray. Parts in fast-moving machinery, defense applications and heavy-duty applications are particularly susceptible to wear and abrasion.
As parts wear down over time, the effectiveness of the machinery overall can be compromised. Anodizing and its tougher counterpart hard anodizing are effective finishes for reducing abrasion and wear and expanding the lifespan of a component. A hard, dense aluminium oxide layer grown from the surface of the aluminium, anodizing adds protection against wear and external damage, preventing parts from wearing down quickly and adding significant longevity. Specialty finishes such as ceramic coatings can also add hardness and durability suitable for moving parts with tight tolerances. For components at risk of accumulation of residue, glue, chemicals or food substances such as pressure vessels, PTFE or PFA coatings – more commonly known as Teflon – are effective at reducing friction and allowing materials to pass over the part without building up.
Concluding Remarks
Choosing the appropriate coating is crucial for protecting metal fabrication products from environmental factors like corrosion and wear. Different coatings such as liquid, powder, plating, anodizing, and conversion coatings offer unique properties that can enhance the performance and appearance of the metal substrate. Each type of coating has its own advantages and disadvantages, and selection depends on factors such as the intended use, exposure environment, and desired properties of the coating. In conclusion, the right coating and application method can significantly improve the durability, appearance, and longevity of a metal product. Thus, for industrial use in manufacturing, coating is gradually moving towards “must-have”, compared to its current “good-to-have” status!
