Revolutionising the Coating of Polyamide Profiles for Aluminium Systems
In the industry of aluminium system manufacturing, particularly when working with polyamide profiles, a key challenge is to ensure optimal paint adhesion during the lacquering process. During this process, the hygroscopic properties of polyamide can have a detrimental effect on both the mechanical properties of the system assembly and the final lacquer finish, resulting in the formation of bubbles known as ‘blistering’.
STAC has developed PROCOAT, a solution designed to improve the adhesion of powder coatings to completely dry profiles. This helps to avoid defects such as blistering by increasing the electrical conductivity, thereby optimising the coating process without the need for additional steps.
Why is it difficult to lacquer standard polyamide profiles?
Polyamide is a material widely used in the industry for its thermal insulation properties. It has the characteristic of absorbing moisture from the environment, which affects its volume and physico-chemical properties. During the coating process, high temperatures cause this moisture to evaporate, which can lead to dimensional changes that affect the assembly with aluminium and the surface finish of the coating. As a result, defects such as rough surfaces, bubbles, or even paint adhesion failure can occur.
To achieve a uniform and high-quality finish, it is essential to meticulously regulate the parameters of the coating process. This involves ensuring that the profile has the minimum moisture content and that the surface is adequately heated for optimal paint adhesion. However, this can present a challenge, particularly when working with complex profiles.
The PROCOAT solution: Innovation in polyamide lacquering
Through ongoing research and development, STAC has introduced PROCOAT, a cutting-edge solution that effectively addresses these challenges without the need for additional processes or significant adjustments to handling conditions. PROCOAT allows for the lacquering of polyamide profiles with enhanced paint adhesion, even at low temperatures and when the profile is dry.
Advantages of PROCOAT
» Uniform and Consistent Finish: Thanks to its unique formula, PROCOAT guarantees a perfectly adherent and uniform paint application, even on complex profiles and textured finishes.
» No Special Conditions Required: Unlike traditional lacquering processes that require precise manipulation of the temperature and humidity of the material, PROCOAT allows polyamide profiles to be lacquered when completely dry and cold, without compromising the quality of the finish.
» Intact Mechanical Properties: Despite changes in the lacquering process, PROCOAT maintains the original mechanical properties of polyamide, ensuring that the profile remains strong and functional.
» Intrinsic Solution: PROCOAT is not a surface finish or a post-processing treatment; it is an inherent characteristic of the material. This eliminates the need for additional adjustments during manufacturing or handling, leading to cost and production time reductions.
How does PROCOAT contribute to efficiency in the industry?
The use of PROCOAT improves the aesthetic and mechanical quality of lacquered polyamide profiles while optimising the production process. By assembling profiles with a moisture content close to 0%, the risk of blistering is eliminated, allowing for less strict control of temperatures and lacquering times. Although pre-drying is required, this approach speeds up the manufacturing process and reduces the costs associated with traditional coating. This is particularly beneficial in sectors such as construction, where reliability and consistency of materials are essential to ensure energy efficiency and durability of installations.
For those seeking a solution to improve the coating of polyamide profiles, PROCOAT provides the answer.
source: stac.es
