Many manufacturers do not realize that there is a better fit coating on the market to increase the quality of their products than the standardized coating they are currently using. Better yet, some manufacturers are not choosing the correct coating finish. Here are five considerations to keep in mind while choosing a custom coating finish for your project:
Weight per gallon is a measurement of the density of a product or coating. It's important for batch-to-batch consistency and accuracy purposes. This measurement is part of the quality control process that ensures the final product has the correct amount of each material required in the coating formulation. Weight per gallon helps confirm customers consistently get the same, high-quality coatings and that those coatings perform as expected.
Most manufactured products receive a protective or decorative industrial coating in the factory. Coatings application is often one of the last steps in production, and the result of this process can be the first thing noticed by the end user. Your industrial coatings supplier’s batch-to-batch consistency is central to a successful production operation. When you engage with your coatings supplier, you need assurance they understand the importance of consistency. And consistency is critical to keeping your line running smoothly. A smooth line keeps orders moving out the door.
In part 1 of Customized Coatings vs. Off the Shelf Coatings we showcased the main differences of your two main coating options, including a comparison chart. In part two of this series, we discuss the different criteria that affect whether you should consider a customized coating or stick with an off the shelf solution.
Off the shelf coatings are often supplied to manufacturers by larger coatings companies. These products simplify the coatings producer’s distribution and service requirements. The trouble is, your needs may call for something more tailored to your operation or your end customer’s performance expectations. If you have been using the same, standard, off the shelf coating for years, it might be time to investigate the advantages of custom coatings.
Many different terms are used for the gloss level of an industrial coating. In the past, the terms flat, low sheen, semi-gloss, gloss and full gloss were used by manufacturers to describe the gloss level. Today, we have a number of additional descriptions which are used to describe the gloss levels that fall in between a traditional flat, low sheen, semi-gloss, gloss and full gloss. Terms such as eggshell, satin, and silk are common and usually reserved for decorative paints (house paint or interior paints), yet their use transfers to industrial coatings from time to time.
When a coating fails to work correctly for the chosen substrate, the application process is usually at fault. Finding ways to solve these types of issues without increasing cost and manufacturing product-line production time proves difficult, yet can be done! Let’s look at a unique situation involving one of Aexcel’s industrial OEM customers. Here, an industrial parts manufacturer in the HVAC industry used an Aexcel waterborne dip coating to finish metal parts.
Your coating supplier should take your business seriously. Do you need specialized service attention? Ideally, your coatings supplier should be going above and beyond to meet your specific needs. Your supplier is an important partner to help meet your revenue and growth goals. The best coatings suppliers assist manufacturers by providing superior coatings and tech service for each product line and process.
