Why Is My Industrial Coating Failing?

As a leading industrial coatings company, our team at Sun Coating Company understands how frustrating it can be when coatings fail prematurely. Our goal is always to provide coatings that stand the test of time in even the harshest industrial environments. However, despite any company’s best efforts, coatings can still fail sometimes. Here are some of the most common reasons coatings fail and provide tips to help prevent failures.

Surface Preparation Issues

One of the most common reasons industrial coatings fail is inadequate surface preparation. Coatings require a clean, contaminant-free surface to properly adhere. Any dirt, oil, grease, rust, or other contaminants can cause coatings to lose adhesion. Even unseen contaminants like vapor residues can lead to coating failure down the road.

Thoroughly clean and degrease surfaces before coating application. On metals, remove any rust and create the proper surface profile for mechanical bonding. Inadequate surface prep accounts for over 60% of industrial coating failures. Don’t cut corners here.

Incompatible Materials

Coatings are formulated for specific materials like steel, aluminum, and plastic. When a coating isn’t compatible with the substrate, the result is usually premature failure. Using a coating meant for steel on aluminum will likely lead to delamination or blistering.

Always verify coating compatibility and use coatings formulated for your specific substrate. At Sun Coating Company, we can recommend compatible coatings for virtually any substrate. Our coatings, like polyurethane foam mold coatings, are engineered for common industrial materials.

Incorrect Film Thickness

Applying coatings at the wrong film thickness is a very common mistake. Coatings applied too thin won’t provide adequate protection and durability. Overly thick coatings will experience sagging, cracking, or imprinting.

Follow the product data sheet for proper film thickness and confirm thickness with wet film gauges during application. Too thick or thin by more than 10% often leads to failure. Proper film thickness ensures optimal performance.

Curing Issues

Coatings require time and the proper conditions to fully cure. When coatings don’t fully cure, performance will be severely impacted. Coatings may never reach full hardness or chemical resistance.

Allow adequate time for coatings to cure based on product data sheets. Ensure the required temperature and humidity levels for curing are met. Forced curing can be used to accelerate cure times when necessary. Uncured or partially cured coatings will almost always lead to premature failure.

Exposure Before Curing

Exposing coatings to chemicals, abrasion, or other factors before fully curing is another common mistake. Coatings in the curing process are vulnerable. Any exposure can permanently damage the coating, quickly leading to failure once put into service.

Isolate freshly applied coatings from all chemicals, abrasion, fluids, and other factors until completely cured. Avoid touching, walking o,n or otherwise disturbing curing coatings. Patience during the curing process will pay off.

Off-Ratio Mixing

Two-component coatings require mixing resin and catalyst at the proper ratio. When off-ratio mixing occurs, coatings will not cure correctly. They’ll remain tacky and soft, rapidly failing once put into service.

Carefully follow mix ratios and measure components precisely. Calibrate spray equipment regularly to ensure proper metering. Confirm ratios with periodic scrape tests. Off-ratio coatings must be fully removed and reapplied correctly.

Poor Surface Profile

An adequate surface profile provides the mechanical bonding that coatings require for abrasion and impact resistance. Surfaces that are too smooth prevent mechanical bonding, limiting coating adhesion. This is especially important for a dry film lubricant coating.

Achieve the recommended anchor profile for each coating, typically 2+ mils. Blasting, power tools, and chemical etching all create a proper profile. Slick surfaces like stainless steel may require abrasive blasting. The profile should appear uniform and jagged under inspection.

Do You Need an Industrial Coating? Call Us

When an industrial coating fails prematurely, one or more of these factors are usually the root cause. Following the tips provided will help avoid failures and maximize the coating lifespan. Of course, choosing a reputable coatings company like Sun Coating Company is also key. Our experts can recommend the ideal coating system for your specific application challenges. Reach out to us to get started improving your industrial coating performance. We look forward to partnering with you.

6 Things to Know About Industrial Coating Longevity

At Sun Coating Company, we know that choosing the right industrial coating is a crucial decision for protecting your assets and equipment over the years. The coating system you select can have a major impact on longevity, performance and total cost of ownership. Here are six key factors to keep in mind when selecting an industrial coating,

1. Carefully Consider the Operating Environment

Take time to thoroughly assess the temperatures, chemical exposures, abrasion levels, humidity, and potential corrosion issues the coating will face in service. Some heavy-duty coatings like Sandstrom Coating products are engineered to withstand extremely high or low-temperature conditions, constant moisture, strong solvents, and acids, while other coatings are better suited for more moderate environments. Be sure to select a coating system with a proven track record of holding up well in the specific conditions it will encounter in your situation.

2. Surface Preparation is Critical

Proper surface preparation is vital to clear the way for maximum coating adhesion and real-world durability. Be sure to completely remove any rust, mill scale, grease, oil, dirt, old coatings, or other contaminants from the substrate before applying the new coating. This provides a clean foundation. Grit blasting is often ideal, but grinding, sanding, power tool cleaning, or chemical pretreatment can also effectively prepare the surface. Roughening the surface profile also gives the coating more anchors to grip onto. Take steps to prevent any contamination before coating.

3. Match the Coating to the Substrate

Carefully select a coating designed to be compatible with the specific substrate you are coating – whether carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, fiberglass or other materials. Some coatings, like Teflon FEP Coatings, bond well to a variety of substrates. However, other coatings may require a special primer designed for that substrate to optimize adhesion. Consult with the coating manufacturer to ensure proper system selection.

4. Consider Appropriate Film Thickness

The thickness of the fully cured coating can directly impact its long-term durability and protective qualities in the field. As a general rule, thicker coating films tend to better resist impact damage, abrasion wear, corrosion and chemical exposures over time compared to thinner coats. But thicker films also add more weight, use more material, and cost more per square foot. You’ll need to balance performance requirements with weight restrictions, material costs, and other factors to determine the optimal film thickness for your application.

5. Inspect and Test the Applied Coating

It is wise to thoroughly inspect the coating and conduct testing after the application is complete to confirm it meets specifications and performance requirements before putting it into service. Look closely for any visual defects, runs, drips, or flaws. Check thickness in multiple areas. Adhesion testing, like the cross-hatch tape method, can verify bonding strength. Hardness and scratch resistance can also be checked. Catching any issues early on prevents bigger problems down the road.

6. Plan for Regular Coating Maintenance

To maximize lifespan, industrial coatings should be periodically inspected, cleaned and touched up as needed once in service. This regular maintenance helps prevent deterioration and expand longevity. Look closely for any damage, corrosion creep, or coating wear, especially in vulnerable high abrasion or chemical exposure areas. Re-applying the coating over high-wear zones can renew protection. A properly maintained coating system will deliver lasting value year after year.

Are You Ready to Learn More? Give Us a Call Today

At Sun Coating Company, our coating experts can recommend industrial coating solutions tailored to your facility’s specific operational needs and production goals. With proper selection, surface preparation, application, and care, your coating system can protect critical assets over the long run. Contact us today to discuss your unique project requirements!

How to Fix Common Coating Adhesion Problems

Poor coating adhesion is a prevalent issue that can plague manufacturing and fabrication operations. When coatings don’t properly bond to substrates, it leads to defects, quality problems, and added costs. As an industrial coatings supplier with decades of experience, Sun Coating Company often assists customers in resolving coating adhesion problems. We’ve seen many of these issues first-hand and want to share some of the most common causes and remedies. With some adjustments to surface preparation, application techniques, and processing, you can get coatings to adhere correctly.

Surface Prep Sets the Stage

Inadequate surface preparation is one of the main culprits when coatings fail to adhere. This is particularly true when it comes to chemours Teflon finish. The substrate needs to be thoroughly cleaned and mechanically profiled to allow anchoring of the coating. Following the coating manufacturer’s guidelines for proper preparation methods is crucial. Here are some key factors to check:

• All contaminants, including oil, grease, rust, mill scale, and any foreign matter, must be eliminated from the surface through cleaning processes like solvent wiping or alkaline wash.
• The surface should be profiled by abrasive blasting, chemical etching or other methods. This profiles the surface and gives the coating something to grip onto. The proper height of this surface profile needs to be confirmed.
• Residual dust and particles after profiling should be completely removed by blowing off and vacuuming. Even tiny debris can get in the way of adhesion.

Curing Conditions Matter

Not properly curing the coating after application is another issue that can undermine adhesion. Each coating formulation requires a specific temperature and duration in the curing oven to fully crosslink and build bonding strength. It’s critical to closely follow the cure schedule listed in the technical data sheet. Some key points:

• Confirm oven thermocouples are calibrated for accurate temperature readings.
• Check that airflow in the oven provides uniform heat distribution without hot or cold spots.
• Meet the minimum cure time specified by the coating manufacturer. Shorter times risk under cured coatings with poorer adhesion.

Contamination Can Creep In

Small contaminants during the coating application process can also impair adhesion. Meticulous care should be taken to prevent contamination of the coating, substrate, equipment, and environment:

• Coating guns, hoses, and tanks must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid cross-contamination.
• Coatings should be filtered just prior to application to catch any particulates.
• A clean, temperature-controlled spray booth prevents issues from dirt, humidity, and debris.
• Bare hands touching coated parts leave oils and salts that inhibit adhesion.

Coating Selection Matters

Choosing coatings formulated for the substrate is critical for proper adhesion. Mismatching coatings and surfaces often struggle to bond. Be sure to select coatings designed for the specific material being coated, such as food processing coatings for metal pots and pans. Some tips include:

• For metal substrates, use coatings made for metallic bonding.
• Properly determine the plastic polymer type to match with the right coating.
• Consider a primer to anchor the topcoat when needed.
• Ask the coating vendor for guidance on the optimal coating options.

Test First

When possible, perform an adhesion test before a full production coating run to confirm the coating adheres correctly. There are several standard test methods that qualify adhesion strength.

Troubleshooting Tricks

If adhesion problems occur even after addressing the above factors, don’t hesitate to ask your coating supplier, like Sun Coating Company, for troubleshooting help. We can assist in diagnosing the root cause and finding a solution to get your parts coated with excellent adhesion.

When You Need Coatings Applied, Give Us a Call

With attention to proper surface prep, contamination prevention, cure parameters, and coating selection, many common coating adhesion failures can be prevented. But when challenges arise, work with an experienced coatings expert to get back on track. Following the right process will have your coatings bonding tightly for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Reach out to our team anytime for adhesion troubleshooting or selecting the optimal coating for your application needs.

How Do I Find the Right Coating Supplier for My Needs?

Industrial protective coatings are a must-have for equipment longevity and manufacturing support. But the bulk of the advice that you’ll receive when it comes to coatings is in regard to elements of the coatings themselves, such as the types of coatings, the required application and maintenance, and so on. But one question almost every business will find themselves faced with when shopping around for coatings is, how do I ensure that I’m turning to the right coating supplier for my business? Choosing the wrong coating supplier can leave you with low-quality products and services that create more issues than they solve. If you’re interested in getting it right the first time, consider the helpful insights offered below, and request a quote from Sun Company to get the support and service you deserve!

Consider Which Coatings You’re Interested in

The first thing to look into when you begin looking at coating suppliers is their inventory. Consider which coatings you’re interested in when you start the shopping process. Not all suppliers may carry all types of coatings or offer the needed coating-related services. For example, you may find one supplier that appeals to you, but if you settle on them without doing any further research and discover that they don’t offer the food processing coatings your business needs, you’re going to be right back at square one. Always make a list of the products or services you need, then begin shopping for them.

Conduct Extensive Company Research

Now that you have a list of coatings in mind, it’s time to begin looking at coating suppliers. Finding the right coating suppliers is like finding the right business for any of your needs, personal or business-related. You’ll want to conduct extensive company research, focusing on the following:

• Time in Business: Time in business isn’t necessarily a must when you’re trying to find the right coating supplier. However, a company that has been supplying coatings for a significant period of time is one that is going to be able to provide you with the level of support and guidance that you need when you’re seeking out coatings for your industrial equipment. More than that, there’s the potential for new companies to potentially be scams, especially if they just got started and there are red flags around the website. The longer a business has been around, the more likely it is that they’re a high-quality partner in helping you find the right coatings.
• Website and Third-Party Reviews: Reviews will tell you the things that a business won’t. Looking at the reviews and testimonials on a business’s website will give you an idea of how satisfied past customers were so that you can shop form that supplier with confidence. However, some businesses may also only show positive reviews and testimonials. This is why you need to look at third-party review platforms to see if feedback is equally positive there. If everyone seems to be satisfied and issues are limited, it’s a strong indication they’re a coating supplier you can trust.
• Quality of Inventory: When you’re researching coating suppliers, look at their inventory. Do they carry high-quality products like Whitford Xyland coatings? Or, is their inventory filled with low-quality coatings that won’t give you the durability and protection your equipment needs? Making sure they only offer the former is essential to your experience.

Always Ask Questions

Customer support plays a major role in your shopping experience, especially if you need help learning more about coatings and getting recommendations. Reach out to them with any questions you have so you can get a feel for how they treat their customers and if they’ll offer the support you deserve. If they’re rude and unhelpful, seek a new coating supplier!

Request a Quote Today!

Sun Coating Company is your coating supplier and coating services partner, offering you the high-quality coatings, helpful service, and superior results your business needs. Request a quote from us today!

Do Coatings Require Special Maintenance? 

Heavy machinery and equipment are extremely important for many different businesses in the manufacturing and production industries. As these pieces of equipment can be very valuable and expensive to purchase, ensuring they are in good condition is crucial. A great way to continue protecting your equipment is by investing in industrial coatings. Many people wonder whether industrial coatings require their own form of maintenance. There are various factors to consider when assessing if your industrial coating requires its own special maintenance and care.

Understanding the Type of Coating and Maintenance Requirements

One of the most important tips to follow when it comes to understanding if your industrial coating needs proper maintenance is to assess the type of coating. There are many different types of industrial coatings that you can get for your equipment. The level of maintenance you need will depend on the type of coating you receive, as well as how and where you use it. Machines that are kept outside and have more exposure to the sun and other harsh weather elements are likely to need more maintenance. It is important to check with the manufacturer of the coating and equipment to ensure you are following the right schedule.

How to Maintain Coating

Once you have determined that you do need to maintain the coating, it is important that you have it maintained and cleaned the right way. Each type of coating will have a different maintenance and cleaning schedule and requirements. For example, a dry film lubricant coating could have different cleaning and maintenance needs than other options based on their unique properties. While these coatings are durable and can last for a long time, following the requirements is important.

Clean Industrial Coating Regularly

When it comes to industrial equipment, as well as industrial coating, it is very important to keep it as clean as possible. As this equipment will always get a lot of use and likely uses oil and other additives, it is important to keep grime and debris away from it as much as you can. By cleaning on a regular basis, you can help protect the coating and avoid damage to it. Ideally, you should thoroughly clean the equipment and its coating at least once per week, if not more frequently. It is important to use the right materials and supplies when cleaning.

Check Coat for Durability

It is also very important to regularly check the industrial coating for durability and protection. An industrial coating should last for a long time; however, it is possible that a small part of it could start to need additional maintenance and repair. You should regularly check the entire piece of machinery to make sure that the coating continues to be appropriately applied to the machine. If something appears to be bubbling or loose, it would be a good opportunity to make a repair. Automotive Teflon coating companies will typically offer services that ensure such issues are fixed, which will help keep your machine properly protected.

Benefits of Proper Maintenance

Ultimately, industrial coating for major equipment is a great way to protect valuable assets. If you want to protect the equipment, staying current with coating maintenance is also very important. In the long run, this will extend the life of the industrial coat as well as the machinery.

An industrial coating service is a great way to protect your equipment to ensure it remains efficient and provides you with the service you need for years to come. While industrial coatings can be a great investment, they do require their own maintenance and care. You should give us a call today to learn more about our industrial coating options and individual maintenance plans. This can help ensure you get the industrial coating for your major equipment.

What Are the Cost Factors for High-Performance Coatings?

When you’re looking into industrial protective coatings for your business, chances are that you’re only looking for the best. Granted, there are applications for coatings of a perceivedly lesser quality and lower price point if you’re only looking to temporarily coat things. However, most people are going to want the best coating for their needs. But with high-quality coatings come higher-quality costs. One might think, why is this coating significantly less while this coating that offers more worth so much more in comparison? As with any product, there are quite a few reasons. Let’s examine the cost factors of high-performance coatings to get a better idea as to why they cost more than their counterparts. No matter what budget you have or how much you’re willing to spend, Sun Coating Company is always here to help you find the appropriate coatings for your business demands.

Cost Factors Related to High-Performance Coatings

High-performance coatings, in regard to the actual material used to coat your substrates, are going to cost more due to the quality and types of compounds needed to make the coating solution, the complexity of the process required to put everything together (which includes any labor), and the machinery required to manufacture the coating. Whereas cheaper coating solutions may be easier to make overall, high-performance coating solutions will cost you more because they’re more involved, regardless of whether it comes down to sourcing the many additives required to get the best result or the machinery used in the crafting of the coating solution. Keep this in mind, no matter if you’re looking into Cerakote or another brand.

But what about coating services themselves? Why do high-quality coatings cost so much? As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Companies offering high-quality coating services will charge for the cost of the product itself as well as the time and labor that goes into making sure your parts are properly coated. Put simply, the level of effort and the amount of work/materials that goes into coating solutions and coatings themselves will determine the price point that is set for these products and services. If you want great work for a large part using a custom solution, you may expect to pay more. If you have something small that requires a coating that isn’t overly involved, you can expect to pay less.

Should Cost Be a Factor When You’re in Need of Coatings?

Cost and affordability are naturally going to be a factor when you’re seeking out solutions for your business. But don’t think that you need to spring for the cheapest thing that you can find. Whether you’re looking into coating solutions to coating services, ask yourself, can I afford to deal with a mistake should these coatings not work out as intended? Getting a coating right the first time is often much better than getting the cheapest option and discovering you need to do it all over again, which can be even more costly should the part be on its way to a customer whose business you might lose or attached to equipment in your factory that is immediately exposed to external elements that will begin eroding the substrate beneath it. Always consider the pros and cons before making any investment, be it an extremely cheap one or a more costly one!

Find Coating Services Designed Around Your Business With Sun Coating Company

Here at Sun Coating Company, we’re dedicated to providing you with high-quality coating services that you can rely on. No matter whether you want Teflon FEP coatings, basic acrylic coatings, or something else, you can trust that the job is getting done as best as possible when you come to us. Contact us now to request a quote for your industrial coatings!

How Can I Tell If My Equipment Needs a New Coating?

Industrial coating serves to protect the various components within your manufacturing equipment, helping it persist despite abrasive components, caustic chemicals, and other environmental conditions that would otherwise wear down the underlying substrate. But while industrial coating can greatly improve the functionality of your equipment and reduce the likelihood of rapid failure, it too will start to degrade with time. If you don’t know what to look for or when to replace it, you might end up waiting until it’s much too late. Let’s examine some of the signs that indicate your equipment may be in need of a new coating. If you’re looking for another order of the same coating or if you’re looking to try something new, you can get started here with Sun Coating Company.

Signs That Industrial Coating Needs to Be Replaced

There are a host of signs that your coating is starting to fail, and you will need to apply a new coating to your equipment. Some of these signs indicate to everyone that there’s a problem, while others might not be as obvious. Here are a few key signs to look out for.

• Cracking: Cracking is one of the more prominent signs that something is wrong with a coating, generally because it’s been applied to a material that expands or flexes. If you see signs of cracking, it’s time to replace your coating with something better suited to these changes in material.
• Chalking: Some coatings are resistant to UV rays, but others will be degraded by them. Those that degrade in the sun will show signs of chalking, in which the coating will turn powdery and begin coming off.
• Blistering: Coatings that have materials trapped in between the coating and the substrate will begin bulging or blistering outward. Left alone for long enough, this will then lead to cracks.
• Cratering: When the coating is applied, and air bubbles are underneath the coating, these air bubbles will essentially pop, causing cratering. This cratering can then introduce chemicals and water to the substrate, causing issues over time.
• Flaking/Peeling: Flaking and peeling are common over time with some types of coating. Make sure to check the surface you’re applying the coating to before you apply it again. Some surfaces are not suitable for certain types of coatings, which can cause flaking or peeling as well.
• Checking: Checking happens when one coating is placed over another or the wrong coating is used, and scaling begins to happen over cracks.

Any of the above issues are signs that it’s time to replace your coating. Just make sure you choose the right coating, whether that be heat seal packaging coatings or epoxy-based coating.

The Importance of Proper Application

It’s important to note that all of the signs can point to coating failure over time. But these types of issues can develop quite quickly shortly after application. When the application is rushed, done incorrectly, or done with the wrong substrate, your application can be ruined almost immediately, necessitating its removal and rapid replacement. Take care to research how to properly apply a new coating as well as which coating is the best fit for the substrate you’re looking to coat. This will save you a great deal of time and money and ensure that your equipment doesn’t wear down quickly due to poor coating application.

Choose the Right Coating for Your Equipment With Sun Coating Company

Sun Coating Company is dedicated to providing you with a custom industrial coating that’s designed for your manufacturing needs. From Teflon FEP coatings to our proprietary solutions, there’s no shortage of coatings to request for the various operational components in your facility. Contact us now to request a quote. If you need any guidance in selecting the right coating, you can reach out to us for that, too!

What’s the Difference Between PTFE and PFA Coatings?

The key to selecting the right industrial protective coating for substrates is having a solid understanding of what it is you’re considering buying, the benefits it offers, and how it varies from similar products you’re interested in. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve found yourself looking at polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) coating and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) coating. While similar, there are differences that will determine which you use for industrial purposes. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between PTFE and PFA coatings so you can select the right one for your purposes. Once you’re confident that you’re ready to choose an industrial protective coating, Sun Coating Company is here to help you source the best coatings for your needs!

What Are PTFE and PFA Coatings?

PTFE is a compound that might not sound too familiar until you hear the name Teflon. PTFE is a fluoropolymer that most might associate with cookware, although it is used in manufacturing as well. PTFE is a common coating for parts like gears, slide bearings, and similar parts that grind against each other. It offers a wide range of benefits, like low friction, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. So what is PFA? PFA is another fluoropolymer designed by Teflon. It offers many of the same benefits as PTFE, which is to be expected as both are products of Teflon. But that begs the question: If both of these protective coatings are so similar, what is the difference between the two? How do you determine which one you choose, whether you’re looking into automotive Teflon coating companies or other industries?

What Are the Key Differences Between the Two?

PTFE and PFA coatings are largely similar, but there are some minor distinctions that will determine how they’re applied and whether you use them in your operations. Key differences between PTFE and PFA coatings include:

• Thickness: PFA is thicker than PTFE, which is an important consideration when seeking to extend the life and durability of equipment.
• Temperature Resistance: PTFE and PFA are said to have around the same temperature resistance. Some say that PFA is better than PTFE in this regard, while others state that the opposite is true. It’s best to assume that you’re going to have the same degree of heat resistance whether you choose PFA or PTFE to ensure that you receive the desired benefits.
• Hydrophobic Properties: Water and weathering are a much larger concern with PFA coatings than with PTFE coatings. The latter is hydrophobic.
• Flexibility: PFA is more flexible than PTFE, but it’s important to note that it has a much lower flex life by comparison.
• Dielectric Strength: PFA’s dielectric strength is several times stronger than PTFE.
• Chemical Resistance: PFA is said to be more resistant to chemicals than PTFE, although it is vulnerable to certain chemicals such as fluorine atoms and alkali.
• Price: PFA costs a bit more due to its production process, making PTFE the more cost-effective option of the two.

PTFE and PFA coatings offer many of the same advantages and disadvantages, but they have distinct ones as well. Before you select either PTFE or PFA coatings for your industrial needs, take care to carefully research both and understand how these differences can impact their applications in your facilities.

Request Your Quote Now

Sun Coating Company is your source for custom industrial coatings. Whether you’re interested in Sandstrom Coating or many of the other brands and proprietary blends we carry, we can help you find the right industrial protective coating that will offer you the best results, no matter what industry you’re in or the reason for needing protective coating. If you’re ready to support your business operations, get in touch with us to request your quote today!

How Do Coatings Help Reduce Downtime in Factories?

The bulk of the benefits emphasized when shopping for industrial protective coatings focus on what they do for the individual parts they’re applied to. After all, this is what you’re looking for when you’re shopping for protective coatings. Choosing a coating that doesn’t offer the desired degree of protection will ultimately prove to be a waste of money. That being said, there are benefits that extend beyond just protecting the individual parts of your machine. Protective industrial coatings can benefit your factory as a whole. If you’re in the process of looking for various industrial coatings, here’s how coatings can help reduce downtime in your factory and why you should consider Sun Coating Company for your industrial coating needs.

Improved Productivity Via Well-Supported Machinery

Machines that aren’t optimized to move smoothly are going to slow down, eventually experiencing severe issues altogether. This, of course, reduces your productivity and makes it harder to keep production moving along as anticipated. By applying coatings to all the different components within your factory, you give them the support they need to move smoothly and with fewer issues. This then guarantees that you’re getting the best performance from your machinery so that production takes as little time as possible. Whether you need Chemours Teflon finishes or another type of coating for your equipment substrates, this is a crucial reason why you should be investing in coatings for all of your equipment.

Enhanced Lifespan

The lifespan of your machinery determines when you will need to invest in new equipment and when you’re going to need to bring production to a halt so that you can properly install the new equipment in your factory. Generally speaking, most businesses will have an idea of when this needs to happen based on the equipment they purchase and how long it has been known to last, whether that information comes directly from the manufacturer or from others who use the same equipment. However, this lifespan depends greatly on how well you take care of your machinery. If you fail to outfit it with certain protections like industrial coatings, you may be reducing its lifespan significantly. This means that the equipment could break or stop functioning properly at any time, which can result in severe downtime for your organization. While you can’t always guarantee something won’t break down out of nowhere, applying coatings will help your machine last as long as possible and extend its lifespan so that you don’t experience unanticipated downtime before the machine should be at the end of its life.

Reduced Wear and Tear and Maintenance

The reason why it’s important to apply protective coatings to your equipment is because it safeguards your equipment against a wide range of damage, be it from regular use and abrasion, chemicals, water, and more. Without that protective coating, your substrate is vulnerable to whatever it comes into contact with, meaning that it can degrade much faster over time. Regular degradation will then lead to more maintenance in order to address the problems caused by environmental factors, which slow down production and may become a regular nuisance without the required support. When you choose to put an industrial coating like anti stick coating on your equipment or something else, this addition will reduce downtime by also reducing the wear and tear that will lead to even more frequent maintenance for your machines.

Contact Us Now for a Quote

Industrial protective coatings can keep your factory running smoothly. Whether you’re interested in custom industrial coatings from major brands or our proprietary blends, you can find a wide range of industrial coatings right here at Sun Coating Company. Request your quote today, or contact us if you have any questions about our products and services!

Are Industrial Coatings Safe for Food Processing Equipment? 

Industrial coatings are not only good for food production, they’re also essential for efficient operations. These products ensure food safety and decrease wear and tear on your equipment. If you want to safeguard your machines against corrosion, abrasion, and temperature fluctuations, the right industrial coating will help you achieve your goal.

Industrial Coatings Recommended for Food Production

Xylan and Teflon are among the top industrial coatings used in food production. When applied within the correct temperature ranges, they’re safe for both your food production equipment and ingredients.

Teflon FEP Coatings offer nonstick properties and high-temperature tolerance that work well in food processing operations. Coating surfaces with Teflon prevents sticking and facilitates easy cleanup. Additionally, using Teflon on your packaging equipment reduces friction and extends the life of your machines.

On the other hand, xylan coatings are also used in many food production operations. Xylan coating has nonstick and dry lubrication properties that enhance the manufacturing process. You can safely use it on food processing equipment baking trays, and molds. To create easy-release baking trays and molds, coat the surfaces with xylan. From mixers to conveyors to chutes, this product prevents food materials from sticking to surfaces.

Safety Tips for Industrial Use

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using Teflon or xylan coatings.

Follow the temperature range recommended by the Teflon coating you choose. Exceeding temperature ranges can result in the release of harmful fumes. Choose tools that won’t scratch the surface when cleaning equipment, and inspect your equipment on a regular maintenance schedule for the best results.

If you opt for xylan coating, there are a few best practices that will help keep your employees and equipment safe. Using recommended tools during the cleaning process can prevent damage to the coating and your equipment. It’s also a good idea to inspect the equipment regularly to look for scratches and other facts.

Choosing the Right Coating for Your Application

There are many formulations of Teflon and xylan coatings available. Here are some of the most commonly used options:

• Teflon PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene nonstick coating consists of two coats, a primer and a topcoat. This water-based coating has a high-temperature tolerance of 260° C/500° F. Additionally, it has low friction and good chemical resistance.
• Teflon® FEP: Fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer nonstick coating creates a nonporous film during cooking and baking. It melts and flows at high temperatures and is safe to use up to 204° C/400° F. Teflon FEP comes in water-based liquid and powder forms.
• Teflon® PFA: Perfluoroalkoxy nonstick Teflon coating is similar to FEP except that it works in temperatures up to 260° C/500° F. It also has a higher film thickness than PTFE or FEP. It comes in powder or liquid form.
• Teflon® ETFE: For excellent chemical resistance, choose ETFE. This coating has a temperature tolerance of 149° C/300° F and comes in powder form.
• Teflon®-S One Coat: This solvent-based coating consists of high-performance resins. The film stratifies during cooking or baking, maintaining its nonstick quality.
• Whitford Xylan Coatings: This self-lubricating coating is more durable than Chrome plating. You can cut your machine costs by skipping the lapping and polishing stage. If you need to replace plating due to corrosion, consider applying a thin coating of xylan to extend the life of your food production equipment. It provides a barrier against chipping and abrasion and withstands extreme temperatures. Whitford xylan coating has high wear resistance and is easy to apply.

Contact a Professional Coating Company

Are industrial coatings safe for food processing equipment? Yes! However, you may need professional assistance to choose the right coating for your food processing equipment. Let the experts at Sun Coating Company help you find a safe solution that protects your machines and products. Contact us today to learn more!