Applying advanced coatings to high-quality precision-machined parts and components is critical to improving your finished product’s durability, performance, and aesthetics.
Modern coating applications also elevate the longevity of your parts as they provide a robust defence against corrosion, which can degrade the metal when exposed to certain environmental elements. They also protect against premature component wear due to friction, abrasion, or impact in everyday use.
However, choosing the right advanced coating for your application is critical to your project’s long-term success. Here are three of the most common advanced coatings we use at our Kenona facility to help you make an informed choice.
Conversion Coatings
Conversion coating chemically transforms the outer surface of a metal part into an oxide layer that becomes integral to the part, enhancing its mechanical properties to control corrosion.
Coating shops generally use one of the below four methods of conversion coating. The choice of which is best for a particular part is based on several factors, such as material, desired aesthetic, and application.
Anodizing
Aluminum, titanium, tantalum, magnesium, and zinc parts coated with the anodizing method have a lustrous sheen. Their light weight makes them ideal for wheel hubs, consumer electronics, medical devices, tools, bicycle frames, flashlights, architectural facades, and more.
Alodine
Also known as chromate conversion coating, chem film, or iridite, this thin coating is often used for fasteners such as screws, bolts, and brackets because no further geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is required.
Black oxide
This process is applied to steel and stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance. Also called bluing or browning, black oxide gives parts a matte black look due to the chemical baths converting the surface into magnetite.
Passivation
Steel passivation causes the part to be smooth, glossy, and impervious to environmental influences such as water and UV rays. Different passivation treatments use various chemicals to form a strong protective barrier.
E-Coating (Electrophoretic Coating)
This revolutionary method involves immersing a product into a water-based electro-coat solution containing suspended paint particles and applying an electrical current that helps them attach evenly on the part’s surface. The coated product is then cured in a bake oven, creating a uniform coating with superior corrosion resistance for everything from steel car bodies to intricate electrical components.
The significant benefits of using the e-coating process include:
- The process works with a wide range of materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and various special alloys
- It provides exceptional protection against water and corrosion for parts exposed to harsh environmental conditions
- Uniform coverage in hard-to-reach places of the part or parts with complex geometries is assured with the electrocoating process
- The coating adheres well with topcoats, enhancing its overall performance and providing a durable and attractive finish
Powder Coatings
Powder coatings are rapidly gaining a reputation as a quality alternative to paint as they improve part durability, provide a polished appearance that’s easy to clean, and repel chemicals, moisture, and other corrosive elements.
This advanced dry coating is applied to a cleaned and degreased part through an electrostatic process, then cured with heat to provide a high-quality finish that looks great, offers exceptional performance, and is durable enough for indoor and outdoor applications.
The chemical bonds in powder coating also help it provide superior resistance to scratches, abrasions, and chips, even when subject to extreme weather and physical impacts. Most powder finishes can last up to 20 years, making it one of the most durable coatings available, especially when applied to metal objects, auto parts, and home appliances.
Currently, we use two types of powder coating: thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoset powder coatings form a chemical bond once cured, making it suitable for high-heat areas because the bonds prevent the coating from melting. However, thermoplastic powder coating finishes are thicker and more durable than thermosets, making them a more suitable option if there is a risk of moisture or impact on the part.
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Choose The Right Advanced Coating With Help From Kenona/Arrow Automotive
Selecting the right advanced coasting for your parts and components can be challenging, especially since different methods can be used on different parts within the same project.
The Kenona team is ready to help! Our skilled engineers will ensure to match each part to the coating option that will provide the best results for its individual application. We currently supply coating on many of our customer products, including conversion coating, e-coating, powder coating, and rust preventative, to ensure your project is of the best quality for long-term performance you can count on.
Get in touch with us today with your next project design to start collaborating!
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