Coil Coatings Give Manufacturers an Edge

Coil coatings provide metalformers a competitive edge. Here’s a general roundup of what’s new in specialty coatings, provided by the National Coil Coating Association, Cleveland, OH.

For automakers, coil coatings allow manufacturers to provide extended corrosion warranties. Many of these warranties are based on the use of steel strips with specialty coatings applied on both sides prior to forming. Automakers that form parts with these coil-coated steel strips can guarantee corrosion protection for inaccessible cavities or flange sections of automotive parts.

For appliance manufacturers, coated coils provide a manageable to develop new products with specialty finishes. These include antimicrobial coatings, fingerprint-resistant coatings and designer finishes such as metallic coatings.

Antimicrobial coatings kill 99 percent or more of the bacteria that comes into contact with an appliance. Unlike post-painting operations, the coil-coating process coats the entire surface, reaching difficult-to-access areas such as part interiors, hemmed edges and tubes. Additionally, the primer and paint, either of which could contain the antimicrobial additive, are tightly bonded to the sheetmetal and often are applied to both sides of the sheet. Some antimicrobial coatings even include metallic pigment to improve heat-exchange properties for HVAC applications.

Fingerprint-resistant coatings also find favor by appliance OEMs, and can be applied during the coil-coating process, eliminating the need for end users to continually wipe off smudges from appliances.

Metallic coatings provide stainless-steel and rubbed-copper appearance, and also can be applied at a coil-coating facility. These can be combined with antimicrobial and fingerprint-proof coatings to add value and product differentiation.

For building-products manufacturers, coil coating is the method of choice for finishing sheetmetal with aged, weathered looks for products such as wall panels, roofing tiles and shakes. Available finishes include copper patina, clay, weathered wood and rusted metal. Also, coated coils can improve the energy efficiency of building materials. Solar panels, for example, are made with aluminum prepainted with absorbent coatings.

See also: National Coil Coating Association

Technologies: Finishing

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