Action Steps
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Look for ways to self-teach the principals of polymer coatings

Most people have the ability to learn the basics of polymer coatings without needing an instructor. Websites designed for engineers or chemists and books on polymer coatings provide the basic information you need to understand polymer products. Often these sources cost less than other educational opportunities.

I recommend: Machine Design hosts an informative article on the basics of polymer coatings. It covers the different materials used to make them. Knovel sells the Handbook of Polymer Coatings for Electronics - Chemistry, Technology and Applications. The book contains comprehensive information on polymer coatings for electronics.

Take classes on protective coatings

There are a few degrees that provide educational information with polymer coatings. A degree in Materials Science or Engineering will often incorporate hands-on lab experience with technical learning. Some universities and colleges offer research programs, and often students can assist in the study.

I recommend: The American Chemical Society offers a course on polymeric coatings. In this short course, you learn about technology to understand and solve needs in the industry. Learn more about the research opportunities available through the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of Michigan. For details of current research projects, read the abstract posted on the program website.

Stay current on new developments for polymer surface coatings

Once you know the terminology and the technology that people use in relation to polymer coatings, you'll be able to read journals, articles, abstracts or other educational materials to gain new insight into the field. Often these sources cover the results of recent studies and provide contact information for the experts involved in the research.

I recommend: Bio-Medicine provides an article on a new polymer that reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC). The article explains the benefit of this new polymer. NASA Tech Briefs offers an article on Thermal Spray Formation of Polymer Coatings. It offers technical information on the invention. ScienceDaily has published an article on self-healing polymer coatings. It includes educational information on the process used to develop the technology.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to learn more about specialty polymer coatings, contact a manufacturer that specializes in custom coatings and request more information about its services.

1. Type of the polymer coating
2. Operating conditions of the component
3. Method of application and testing of the polymer coating
4. Required quantity of coating solutions
5. Power consumption of the polymer coating systems

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Find companies that provide polymer coating services

Once you know your requirements, check out the services offered by decorative and protective coating service providers.

I recommend: Applied Coatings & Linings, a reputable coating service provider, offers high performance polymer coatings. The DECC Company is a reputable supplier of coating systems that also offers coating services. Donwell can provide fluoropolymer coatings, which offer better chemical resistance and permeability. National Coating is another coating service provider for automotive companies.

Buy polymer coating kits for your coating system

If you require polymer coating frequently or you want to establish yourself as coating service providers, buy coating systems and accessories from reputable suppliers.

I recommend: Powder-X Coating Systems provides powder coating systems, accessories and solutions for finishing industry. Plastic Maritime is another industrial coating provider that supplies coating systems. George Koch Sons is a reputable supplier of finishing systems that designs, develops and manufactures coating systems as per application requirements. Coating Equipment Solutions Company is another company that designs, manufactures and installs the coating systems at the customer company’s location.

Buy appropriate coating solution from reputable suppliers

Coating solutions and chemicals are very important for effective polymer coating. You must buy appropriate coating polymers or solutions in sufficient quantity from reputable suppliers.

I recommend: Solvay Advanced Polymers is a reputable polymer supplier that provides specialty polymer coating powders. The Dow Chemical Company is a chemical manufacturer that offers polymer dispersions for industrial coating applications. Master Bond is a manufacturer of high performance coatings for applications in medical, aerospace and automotive industries.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For durable polymer coating, clean the component surface properly before you apply the coating.
• •  For some polymer coating processes, curing is necessary. Consult a coating expert for setting curing temperatures and timings.

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Fluoropolymer coatings

Fluoropolymer coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance and are very useful in petrochemical and chemical plants and in other corrosive environments. These coatings consist of high performance resins and fluoropolymer lubricants.

I recommend: You can get useful information on fluoropolymer coatings at Metal Coatings Corp., a leading industrial coating service provider.

PTFE coating (Polytetrafluoroethylene coating)

PTFE coatings are non-sticky, non-wetting, heat resistant and self-lubricating. These coatings are useful for products such as cookware, tanks and valves. PTFE coatings can be single or two-coat systems and could consist of a primer and topcoat.

I recommend: You can get more information on PTFE coatings at Blinex Filter - Coat Pvt Ltd., a manufacturer of corrosion protection coatings.

Radiation curable coating

Radiation curable coatings consist of reactive polymers that provide properties such as hardening, chemical resistance and flexibility to the coating. They also contain monomers and photosensitive initiators.

I recommend: Get further information on radiation curable coatings at RadTech Europe (PDF), an association for advancement of radiation curing.

Polyester coating

Polyester coatings provide long-term protection from corrosion as these coatings are resistant to water and moisture.

I recommend: Jotun, a manufacturer of paints and coatings, gives useful information on polyester coatings.

Dry film lubricant coating

Dry film lubricant coatings consist of fine particles of a lubricant and other additives to prevent corrosion. Some coatings can resist high temperatures and prevent galling.

I recommend: Improve your understanding of dry film lubricant coatings at LFS Coating Services Inc., a professional industrial coating applicator company.

Powder coating

Thermoplastic and thermosetting powders are available for industrial coating purposes. The process of powder coating involves applying these dry paints to an object.

I recommend: If you want to learn more about powder coating, you can read through information at Finishing.com, an information resource for the finishing industry.