Suitable for use on metals, glass, rubber, die-cast components and castings, coatings have a long list of properties. Depending on the type and the substrate being covered, coatings overcome friction, resist abrasion and chemicals, withstand corrosion, affect release between components, resist heat and thermal shock and exhibit dielectric strength. Improvement of functional and aesthetic appearance can also be enhanced.

Coatings can be applied in wet sprays or as dry powders. The materials used are various formulations of Teflon, fluoropolymer-based, nylon, Kynar, Halar, Emralon, Xylan, ceramic thermal barriers, Molykote or graphite. Properly selected and applied, fused-on Teflon coatings can protect component surfaces from corrosion caused by moisture or other corrosive agents. The result is a longer service life without the performance decline caused by deteriorating surfaces. Teflon coatings can also provide a sacrificial barrier between rotors and housings. This system can reduce damage caused by misaligned or improper metal-to-metal contact. Because Teflon coatings are softer than the metal they coat, they can actually provide a tighter seal between rotors and housings. Due to Teflon's very low coefficient of friction, the tighter seal does not increase friction.

Ceramic coatings used on exhaust and intake manifolds, mufflers, catalytic converters, heating elements, appliances, boiler tubes, gas burners and exhaust fans. They cure at 500F but withstand 1200F continuous use and short exposures to 1500F. These coatings resist most acids and pH environments from 6.0 to 13.0.

Additional coating products available are Silverstone and Silverstone Supra. They represent a family of coatings that resist scratches and have excellent release characteristics. Corrother, which mixes two components in different proportions, yields different toughness and release properties. SermeTel coatings afford permanent solid-film lubricity, anti-stick properties and corrosion resistance. Sandstrom dry film lubricants contain molybdenum disulfide and corrosion- inhibiting pigments. Kal-Gard is a resin-bonded fluoropolymer that provides excellent wear life.

The full-service job shop will analyze the problem and the substrate, evaluate the part configuration to determine which surfaces should be coated, assess the part function and determine the desired coating properties. The coating will be selected, thicknesses will be determined and the process to be followed will be planned. These procedures will be followed by designing and developing the fixtures and masks needed along with inspection, testing and documentation requirements.

Size capabilities range up to 7-1/2 ft x 7-1/2 ft x 19-1/2 ft. Required facilities include an array of ovens, cleaning and blasting equipment, and automated lines for processing purposes. Vendor selection should be based on product quality, delivery and fair price.

Teflon and Silverstone are registered trademarks of DuPont.
Kynar is a registered trademark of Elf Atochem N.A.
Halar is a registered trademark of Ausimont.
Emralon is a registered trademark of Acheson Colloids.
Xylan is a registered trademark of Whitford.
SermeTel is a registered trademark of Sermatech.
Molykote is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.