The manufacturing process gradually wears down the various components of industrial machinery over time, which will impact your machine’s ability to function optimally, eventually requiring the replacement of various parts or even the replacement of the whole machine. The best way to defend against this natural damage is to apply a coating to your industrial equipment. The problem? Finding the right coating can be a challenge. Manufacturing processes will vary in terms of the degree of environmental damage they do to machines, and the coating that another industry may need may be too weak for yours. Let’s take a look at the best coating solutions for high-wear surfaces if your equipment is subject to harsh conditions. When you’ve found the top options, you can trust us here at Sun Coating Company to deliver the coating services you need to keep your machinery protected.
What Does Wear Entail?
It’s important to remember that wear extends beyond just the physical grinding and abrasion that substrates may encounter during production. Most people think of wear and tear as degradation that happens with us, which absolutely falls under this definition. Finding coatings that are capable of reducing friction between components, like Chemours Teflon finish, will go a long way in extending the lifetime of your machinery. But wear doesn’t stop there. Wear and tear that occurs when your metal encounters moisture, chemicals, and other environmental threats falls under the definition of wear and tear too. After all, these byproducts of production are being introduced during use, which means that it will wear your machine down as you continue using it. Seeking out coatings that are capable of withstanding high temperatures, caustic chemicals, moisture and humidity, and beyond is going to be instrumental in defending high-wear surfaces.
Best Coating Solutions for High-Wear Surfaces
Now that we have a better understanding of what wear is, which coating solutions should you consider for high-wear surfaces? Some great high-performance types worth considering include:
- Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings feature an extremely strong bond, helping to protect your machinery from not only friction and abrasion but chemicals and moisture as well. Epoxy coatings are known to be able to withstand high temperatures, making them a great fit for processes that require an immense amount of heat. That being said, some epoxies will degrade when UV rays are present, so take care to apply these coatings to equipment that never sees the light of day.
- Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic coatings might be surprising to see on this list, but these types of coatings are extremely protective. Besides the surface level wear and tear that they defend against, ceramic coatings keep out UV rays, chemicals, moisture, and high temperatures. They’re mostly applied to tanks and piping systems. The only place they can’t be used is on components that experience compressive stress or tensile stress.
- Zinc-Rich Coatings: Zinc-rich coatings refer to coatings that have zinc in the formulation, generally featuring epoxies or polyurethane as the primary ingredients. Zinc-rich coatings offer an additional layer that will corrode before reaching the substrate underneath, further shielding it against wear. The only problem is that some of these coatings may be vulnerable to certain acids and alkalis. Rather than simply dealing with these downsides, those who are coating their equipment will use a two-coat or even a three-coat system to ensure that their machinery has maximum protection.
Find the Right Coatings and Coating Services at Sun Coating Company
Choosing the right coating when you work in a harsh environment is essential to keeping your equipment safe. Sun Coating Company offers the high-performance coatings and industrial coating services your equipment demands. If you’re ready to keep your machinery running smoothly and extend its lifetime, contact us to request a quote today!