When it comes to choosing an industrial metal coating, making the right decision can be seen as an almost impossible task. Understanding that not all coatings are right is the first step because there are plenty to choose from.
While there are many different types of industrial coatings, comparing the costs, savings, benefits, and liabilities associated with each technique is vital in making the right choice.
Some industrial metal coatings can be used across the board, however, some are specifically specialised in a particular application. This Alphatek article will compare the many industrial metal coatings options available to you. Knowing what each option offers will enable you to choose the optimal solution for your unique coatings needs.
What Are Metal Coatings?
Metal coatings also referred to as thermal spray coating, is a surface engineering process that sprays metal, ceramics, and polymers onto the surface of another material.
Metal Coatings are widely used to provide corrosion protection and change the products surface properties, for instance, to improve the wear resistance or heat resistance. Corrosion and wear are the main problems for a long list of industries, so many use a metal coating process, including:
- Oil & Gas
- Rail
- Paper & Print
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Defence
- Utilities & Clean Energy
What Types Of Industrial Metal Coatings Are There?
- Powder Coating
Powder Coating involves coating an object with a powder-based substance. The coated object is then heat-treated in an oven to harden the coating. Powder coatings are renowned for their durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, because powder coatings do not contain solvents, there are little to no VOC emissions.
- Galvanising
Galvanising, used as highly effective protection against corrosion, is the most widely used method of metal coating. The process known as “hot dip” galvanising involves dipping a piece of steel or other ferrous metal into a molten zinc bath, bonding the zinc to the metal. The finish is a dull grey and will not flake off.
- Fluoropolymer Coating
Fluoropolymer coating, or in other words and a design engineer’s dream, is a blend of high-performance resin and fluoropolymer lubricants. This specific coating offers many useful properties. They lend themselves and add real value to many individual applications.
- Plasma Spraying
Plasma spraying is arguably the most versatile industrial Thermal Spray coating method available. A controlled. energetic and efficient plasma flame is used to melt and deposit a wide range of materials including metals, carbides, ceramics and abradeables. These molten particles are projected onto the part substrate in very thin layers and solidify on impact to develop a superior quality coating. Plasma applied coatings can be incorporated to provide part surfaces with added excellent corrosion & oxidation resistance, durability and life extension as a function of superior abrasion control.
What Is The Best Industrial Metal Coating For Steel?
Industrial facilities are often faced with the challenge of finding a protective coating that will help prolong the life of the steel infrastructure and assets of the company. Whether it’s for corrosion protection, chemical protection, or even just for aesthetic reasons, it may be difficult to determine which type of industrial coating is needed to protect them.
Epoxy and HVOF Tungsten Carbide coatings are widely used in the steel, railway, and marine markets. These coatings provide excellent protection against corrosion and environmental weather. Lucky for you, Alphatek has designed a specific coating for the railway industry that has proved to prolong the life of the industrial facilities.
Our Fluoropolymer Coating Range
Alphatek also offers a fluoropolymer coating service. Our range of HYPERSLIP® surfaces provides a range of properties including Non-Stick release, low-friction, chemical protection to combat corrosion & various combinations.
We have a range of proprietary Trademarked coatings including:
- HYPERLOY®
- HYPERSLIP®
- HYPERFLON®
- HYPERTRAK®
- HYPERTRAXS®
Alphatek: Metal Coating Specialists
Here at Alphatek, we have a combined over 100 years of cumulative coating expertise in house. We have experienced and dealt with a variety of applications, check out our case studies.
Working closely with our customers over the years, we have developed our products and services to deliver the best value, most effective metal spray coatings solution, first time, every time and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.
For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, look no further than us, Alphatek. You can call us directly on 01706 821021, or you can email us at postbox@alphatek.co.uk.
Alternatively, if you’d like to visit us, we are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Just be wary of our opening times.
