Heavy equipment of all kinds is designed to take a beating and function under extreme pressure. Many industries, such as mining and excavation, are located in areas with harsh weather and deal with materials that damage equipment over time. Using wear-resistant coatings that are formulated for heavy industry helps the equipment last longer, save money on replacement parts, and keep the operations going.
Addressing Friction and Abrasion With Wear-Resistant Coatings
Many industries deal with the movement of earth and stone, both of which cause abrasion to equipment. These materials are rough and hard and grind away at the coatings that are applied to the equipment. These coatings are vital to the operation of the machinery and moving the materials without them sticking to the surfaces.
As the coating wears off, it leaves the surface unprotected from the effects of the materials that are carried by the equipment. Making the decision to replace the old coating with a tough and durable one extends the life of the equipment while greatly reducing the damage done by the materials.
A Defense Against Corrosion and Oxidation
Industrial sites battle with corrosion and rust as a matter of course. Water and solutions are a necessary part of the operations, but they damage pipes, tanks, and fittings as time goes by. Wear-resistant coatings are used to stop corrosion from starting, but if the coating isn’t durable, it’s only a matter of time before the container breaks down.
Relining vessels and pipes with a durable coating prevents the metal from damage and aids in the transmission of fluids. The coating can also keep sediment and debris from settling and creating a clog due to its non-stick properties. This type of preventative maintenance saves money in the form of continual operation and less downtime.
How High-Grade Coatings Reduce Equipment Wear
Abrasion and friction are the number one enemy of conveyor belts, pumps, and screens that are used in an industrial setting. The forces generated by a crusher or an excavator bucket are immense and put the coating to the test. Over time, the coating wears off due to the repeated pressures it’s put under, and a fresh coating needs to be applied. This is your opportunity to improve wear resistance on equipment by using a PFA coating that’s stronger than similar types of Teflon®.
Teflon® is known for its nonstick properties, but it’s also highly wear-resistant. This is due to an extreme chemical bond that is inert and can’t be separated by outside forces. PFA is perfect for extending the life of heavy equipment through its highly protective qualities and enabling the equipment to operate as expected for years to come.
Should You Use MIL-SPEC Coatings Instead?
MIL-SPEC, or military spec, is the highest possible grade of coating that can be applied to a piece of equipment and its components. Military coating is known for its durability and longevity, as well as its ability to withstand wear for longer than most coatings. You can select from multiple military specifications to get the coating that works best for your needs.
The reason for using a MIL-SPEC coating comes down to the fact it does everything a commercial coating does, but better. It can withstand high temperatures for long periods of time, resists abrasion and corrosion with minimal wear, and has low friction.
Get the Right Coating for Your Heavy Equipment and Mining Needs
At Sun Coating Company, we provide coating services for industrial operations that need to get the most out of their equipment. We’re certified to ISO-001:2105, and we only use coatings that are tested and proven to perform as expected. Contact us today to learn more about our coating services and custom industrial coatings, and let us help you get the right coating for your equipment.