Nonstick coatings are used in a wide range of industries that range from food processing to pharmaceuticals. These coatings are used to protect surfaces from damage that can shorten their lifespan and usefulness. Regular maintenance of these coatings lets you get the most out of your equipment and helps them last longer, saving you money. Here’s a look at some maintenance techniques to preserve nonstick coatings for longer.
Clean the Equipment on a Regular Cycle
Infrequent cleaning of a piece of equipment allows residue to build up, which can eat away at the coating. Since residue tends to build up at a steady rate, a cleaning interval can be implemented to get ahead of residue deposits. Being proactive in preventing buildup serves to protect the coating from premature breakdown and allows you to get the most out of the unit.
In some cases, the equipment is used to hold or transfer corrosive materials that cause damage over time. Protective coatings are used to prevent corrosion and rust from starting, but they can sustain damage from the materials they’re designed to contain. It’s not enough to simply drain the tank or empty the container to prevent damage. Putting units through a complete and total cleaning is the most effective way to preserve a coating and keep the unit in working order.
Use Gentle Cleaning Techniques
Nonstick coatings come in a variety of formats that range from dry film to baked-on, depending on the use of the equipment. For example, a Sandstrom coating is a dry film that acts as a lubricant in order to eliminate the need for repeated oiling. Dirt and grime will still build up on the coated parts that require removal to allow the film to do its job.
Only use mild detergents and soft cleaning tools to prevent damaging the surface. It’s OK to use hot water, but make sure the temperature is comfortable to the touch. Let the detergent do the work during the cleaning process, and avoid scrubbing to keep the surface intact. Once the surface is clean, rinse it off to ensure that the unit is free from dirt and ready to go back into use.
Look for Areas of Wear in the Equipment
It’s normal for high-touch areas to wear faster than other areas. This is due to the abrasion that a particular area undergoes as the equipment is used. Unfortunately, a nonstick coating can’t be patched, and the entire unit has to be re-coated with a new application. It’s still important to track the rate of wear because this helps you keep ahead of the need to take the unit out of production and send it out for a new coating.
Planning the downtime for a unit helps you save money, as production can be shifted to other units. This is also an opportunity to use a different coating, such as a Chemours Teflon® finish, that meets equipment specifications but lasts longer than the original. As a result, the life and usefulness of the equipment is extended and improved.
Have Your Equipment Maintained by a Professional Industrial Coating Company
At Sun Coating Company, we use the latest in coating technologies and techniques to deliver the best possible results to our customers. We provide services to a wide range of industries, and we put our best effort into making sure the work we do is satisfactory. Our facility handles everything from custom formulations testing the latest formulas, and applying coatings according to the customer’s needs.
We apply commercial formulas as well as develop our own for various needs, and track their performance in the field. At Sun Coating, we’re always looking for ways to improve industrial coatings so our customers get the best performance from their equipment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can tailor a solution to your needs.