Most Commonly Used Industrial Coatings And Their Benefits
Materials in their raw form may be functional, but for the best performance, modifications must be made. Luckily, developments in science and advancements in technology paved the way for such changes to be possible. As a result, numerous operations specialize in creating industrial coatings for all kinds of surfaces. It is crucial that exteriors are in ace shape since they will be in contact with multiple components.
Buildings and infrastructures require consistent maintenance to stay sturdy. It is essential that commercial establishments have their steel and concrete surfaces primed to work hand-in-hand with their operations. Therefore, it is best to be knowledgeable about the several types of coverings utilized in such lines of work. With that, we have here the most commonly used industrial coatings and their corresponding benefits.
Industrial Coating Applications
Industrial coatings revolutionized the durability of modern buildings and the mechanisms that occur inside them. While they have multiple functions, they primarily protect the surfaces beneath them. For example, it prevents corrosion and fire and water damage when applied to concrete or steel. Additionally, other types of coatings are specifically designed to be resilient to certain chemicals and substances.
Low Friction Coating
The friction coefficient is a significant factor that most external primers must consider. A lower value is more suitable for better lubrication and prevents deterioration. Hence, making it an efficient and practical choice for contacting surfaces. Additionally, these types of coatings reduce friction and energy loss to encourage a smooth flow between the components and machines.
Low friction coating is best for lengthening the wear life of components and other parts. These exteriors lessen the heat produced between surfaces, requiring minimal fuel consumption. As a result, items with this kind of coverage are more durable and last longer, eliminating the need for constant replacement. Additionally, items with low friction coating can withstand harsh environments with varying temperatures, pressure, and vacuums.
Low friction coating is popular amongst industries and can be found on materials that are critical in operations. For example, cast iron, titanium, magnesium, anodized aluminum, and steel are all components that must be strong, rigid, and in prime condition to allow for an ideal work environment. As a result, these elements are usually covered in low friction coatings and experience a longer wear life because of it. Know more about the applications and principles behind low friction coating as outlined by Thierry Corp.
Epoxy Coatings
Interior or submerged industrial facilities and equipment utilize epoxy coatings. This coverage comprises a curing agent and epoxy base to achieve a smooth finish.
Aside from its resulting texture, epoxy coating is primarily used for its physical and chemical properties. For example, items covered with the substance become resistant to damage such as abrasion and strong chemicals. Additionally, they remain intact in high temperatures.
Epoxy coating has numerous benefits in industrial applications. First, its standalone form is already three times stronger than concrete. It also improves safety enforcement within an establishment since its friction coefficient reduces slippage, which can lead to accidents. However, it does have a high sheen, making it extremely visible. Overall, epoxy is a waterproof, shock-resistant, and cost-effective choice for industrial components.
Elastomeric Coatings
While paint is a common choice for covering interiors and exteriors, there is a similar option that is significantly thicker, which is elastomeric coating. Despite its high density, the substance is quite flexible and can readily coat any surface to make it waterproof.
Elastomeric coatings improve energy efficiency in an establishment by exhibiting UV-resistant properties. In addition, they can exude different colors via tints, resulting in a specialized finish which is especially beneficial for commercial spaces.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane is mainly used as the final protective topcoat of surfaces. Consequently, it is a versatile substance that industries can utilize in various environments. For example, it is usually seen on floors of commercial spaces such as malls, shopping centers, offices, body shops, and bowling alleys.
Polyurethane is also a durable coating for surfaces. It is abrasion resistant and lessens scratches, keeping an exterior solid and free of damage that would otherwise compromise its sturdiness. Additionally, it displays a glossy finish and maintains its color, making it aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. This kind of coating is often used in the construction process to cover floors, concrete, and steel supports to make them stronger.
Alkyd Coatings
In industrial applications, prepared substrates usually possess a different coating. For these components, alkyd coatings are the optimal choice. This type is best because this outer coat gives the material it covers the ability to withstand varying environments. For example, materials with alkyd coatings are commonly found in both exterior and interiors, subjected to moisture (or even underwater), and underground.
The only downside to alkyd coatings is that they dry relatively slower than their counterparts. However, this step makes it permeable to oxygen and suitable for adapting to numerous conditions.
Zinc-Rich Coatings
In most industrial operations, high-performance coatings are required. A common element of these kinds of covers is zinc. The component is popular amongst exteriors because its dust form staves off corrosion and rust by serving as a preventative pigment. Meanwhile, its organic state is made up of polyurethane resin binders which are also high-performance polymers to accommodate the activity of the pigments.
Zinc-rich coatings are the most beneficial for covering steel as it is also multipurpose. In addition, the combination of the elements results in a protective galvanic and polymeric barrier, allowing materials subjected to the substance to be extremely durable and resistant to detrimental external factors.
Acrylic Coatings
Last but not least, we have acrylic coatings. It is one of the materials that most are familiar with and is highly used both inside and outside industrial levels, even in personal and small-scale utilization. However, it is also a significantly effective outer layering for equipment and surfaces in heavy operations.
Acrylic coatings might be the simplest out of the bunch. Depending on the mixture, it can exhibit a high sheen while still maintaining quick-drying properties. Additionally, it has fewer ingredients and chemical components than other industrial paints. However, the functions don’t end there. This specific covering also has a unique purpose wherein it serves as an adhesive by promoting primers as well.
