Different Types Of Industrial Coatings & Their Applications
What are industrial coatings? Industrial coatings are thin films deposited on materials to protect them from the environment, enhance their appearance, or both. Industrial coatings are usually applied to metal surfaces, though they can also be used for wood, plastics, and other materials. The coatings can be applied by spraying, brushing, or dipping the substrate into a coating bath.
Over the years, this industry has grown and developed a wide variety of products to meet the ever-changing needs of manufacturers. That’s where the industry has brought industrial coatings to the limelight. The different types of industrial coatings include:
1. Epoxy Coatings
This coating type comprises one or more reactive prepolymers and a curative. Epoxy coatings are tough, durable, and chemical resistant. They can be used in a coating system as primers, topcoats, or both. Various formulations are available to meet different applications’ performance and appearance requirements.
2. Polyurethane Coatings
This coating type comprises a prepolymer or curative that reacts with a polyisocyanate to form a polymer. Polyurethane coatings are typically high build, meaning they can be applied in thicker coats than other coatings. They provide good abrasion resistance and can be formulated to be complicated or soft. You will generally find polyurethane coatings used as topcoats.
3. Powder Coatings
As the name suggests, powder coatings are made of a dry powder applied to the surface and cured. This coating provides a thick, even layer that is highly durable and resistant to chipping and scratching. Powder coatings are typically used on metal surfaces. You can use any coating on any substrate, but certain coatings are better suited for specific materials.
4. Metalized Coatings
You will also come across coatings that are known as metalized coatings or metalized coatings. These coatings are applied to a substrate and then vaporized with a metal, such as aluminum. This process results in a thin layer of metal deposited on the surface. Metalized coatings are often used for their reflective properties. There is often a misconception that these coatings are made entirely from metal. However, this is not the case; a significant component is still a polymer.
5. Hybrid Coatings
Hybrid coatings combine two or more different types of coatings. For example, you could have an epoxy coating with a polyurethane topcoat. This would be considered a hybrid coating system. The main advantage of using a hybrid system is that you can tailor the properties of the coating to meet your specific needs.
6. Acrylic Coatings
Recently, acrylic coatings have become more popular due to their low VOC levels and easy application. These coatings are typically used as topcoats in a coating system. They can be formulated to provide various properties, such as abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and UV resistance.
Conclusion
Industrial coatings are thin films applied to materials to protect them and enhance their appearance. There are many different types of industrial coatings, each with its benefits. When selecting an industrial coating, it is crucial to consider the substrate material and the desired properties of the coating. Contact Hydro Tech Coatings for all your industrial coating needs. We’re an industrial coatings shop you can count on.
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