A Guide To High-Performance Coatings | Global Certified Fasteners
Fasteners, garage floors, marine equipment, automotive designs. What do these all have in common? The need for high-performance coatings. High-performance coatings are a type of material poured over or sprayed onto structures and devices. Many different high-performance coatings exist, and their application is specific to different industries and uses. Here, we explore different aspects of high-performance coatings, including who uses them, different types of coatings and why you should use them in certain fastener applications.
Who Uses High-Performance Coatings?
Coatings of all types are applied to materials of all types. This can be done for basic protection, aesthetic reasons and efficiency. But high-performance coatings do more than just basic protection. These coatings are strategically engineered to be rust-proof and to resist flaking. They increase the durability of the products they’re applied to, and the products’ ability to resist and repel water, oil and other liquids, decreasing maintenance costs. High-performance coatings are also made to withstand high temperatures, extreme conditions, water exposure and more.
All of this together means that high-performance coatings address and prevent corrosion while saving people time and money. Wherever metals are involved, corrosion, rust and degradation over time are inevitable. High-performance coatings cover, withstand and therefore take on the wear and tear the metal would otherwise face. That makes high-performance coatings essential in many industries, including
- Architecture and construction
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Manufacturing
- Industrialization
Different Types of High-Performance Coatings
High-performance coatings can be broken down into 7 types of materials:
- Epoxy
- Silicon
- Polyester
- Acrylic
- Alkyd
- Polyurethane
- Fluoropolymer
There are different techniques used to create and apply these coatings, which can be broken down into three categories.
- Solvent-based: Liquid made of organic compounds that is typically sprayed onto the surface. Cures very hard and is stronger than water-based coatings. Preferred for harsh conditions.
- Water-based: Typically acrylic or polyurethane resin, made of chemicals and water. Ideal for situations requiring more care for the environment, since lower solvent levels lead to less air pollution.
- Powder-based: Polymer resin and other ingredients are heated and cooled, then electrostatically applied. Ideal for metals, household appliances, hardware and automotive.
Depending on your industry and application, you may need a different high-performance coating material and technology to get the most value for your project.
Why You Should Use High-Performance Coatings
Use high-performance coatings to increase the lifespan of your materials. Even at the fastener level, high-performance coatings can make a difference in how long your products last. These unique and powerful coatings decrease corrosion rates, strengthen the overall product and have become a standard in most industries. Their durability and longevity mean less maintenance, which saves time and money. It’s no wonder demand for these coatings has only increased over the years. And as demand continues increasing, more techniques and technologies will arise to keep advancing and adapting to today’s industry needs. If you need assistance understanding and selecting a high-performance coating, contact the experts at Global Certified Fasteners. Call 708-450-9301.
