Surface Treatment 101

27GIU

Why and how are 3D printed parts coated?

Today, 3D printed components made in the most diverse materials are increasingly widespread, thanks to the possibilities offered by this fast, inexpensive, and waste-free production technology conceived for prototyping or manufacturing parts with complex geometries. However, even these parts are subject to wear, corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions that can compromise their aesthetic and functional characteristics. Therefore, they must be protected with a surface coating. In this article, we analyse why and how plastic and metal 3D components are coated.

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23MAG

How are automotive plastic components coated?

In the automotive industry, the use of plastics is becoming more and more common as it improves the functionality of vehicles while enabling to apply more attractive and refined finishes. In this article, we explore why plastic materials are increasingly being used in the automotive sector, why they are painted, and what steps are included in their coating cycle.

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08MAR

Why would paint flake off?

Whether on metal, plastic, wood, or concrete, one of the most common paint defects is peeling. Just as skin flakes off after a sunburn, so do some coated surfaces, more or less severely. In this article, we will take a closer look at the causes of this phenomenon and the ways to avoid it and we will analyse some examples of paint failures due to peeling after a fairly long period of time after application, including a topical story.

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15FEB

What are the main painting defects and how to solve them

All paint products degrade over time. Prolonging the service life of applied films is therefore one of the main goals of all coaters striving for excellent quality and high customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore the most common painting defects, their causes, and their possible solutions.

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18GEN

What are smart coatings?

In the last decade, the industrial coating sector has witnessed a major development of paint products geared towards sustainability and increased demand for ever-higher performance as well as more attractive, quality finishes. These high-value, high-tech paints are called “smart coatings”.

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23SET

The world’s blackest paint: How it works

In the last few years, some ultra matte and ultra flat black paints have been developed that can absorb up to 99% of light. This particular property does not only create unprecedented aesthetics, but it also opens the way to truly unique applications. Let us see what the world’s blackest paint is and what sectors it can be used in.

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10MAR

Anti-graffiti paints: what are they and how do they work?

Vandalism is a widespread phenomenon in almost all urban settings, where graffiti, writings, and tags often deface building façades, street furniture, and public transport. Anti-graffiti paint is one solution to counteract and discourage them. In this article, we will look at what anti-graffiti coatings are, how they work, and where to apply them.

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