We’re all about coatings here at Si-Tech. In fact, we use a total of four main types when it comes to industrial coatings. They’re each used for unique needs and serve different purposes. But one thing they all have in common is that they provide a high level of protection to your product. Those four coatings are:
- Chemical
- Abrasion
- Silicone rubber bonding
- Conductive
Another thing they all have in common is their adaptability, versatility and fast scalability. But not all products require the same coating. It will depend on the material of your product, it’s usage, and the industry it will be used in. Don’t worry: we’ll work with you to decide which coating would be ideal for your requirements.
Breaking Down the Coatings
As said above, we use four main coating types and they all serve distinct purposes. Let’s go into each one in further detail.
1. Chemical
For top-notch protection against petroleum-based products (think: motor oil and WD40), we recommend Si Coat II™ for an optimal surface finish. With this coating, you receive:
- Flexible silicone base
- Great surface finish
- Seamless coating, even of irregular shapes
- Comprehensive keypad protection (100%)
- Wear and tear protection
- Protection against: petroleum-based chemicals, lipids, oxidants, chlorine, etc.
This chemical-resistant coating system is ideal for silicone rubber applications. That’s because it’s backed by resiliency and flexibility at the forefront, not to mention its ability to prevent chemical swelling. Use this coating to extend your product’s life and provide a consistent, uniform appearance for your keypad.
2. Abrasion
Now this one is best used for rigorous industries (think: the military, automotive, telecommunication, lab instrumentation, aerospace, and industrialized equipment). If your product will be subjected to friction, rubbing, wearing, or grinding, this type of coating will provide protection to metals so the equipment doesn’t seize or gall.
The Si Coat I ™ gives you:
- Silicone base coating that resists dust
- Smooth, matte finish
- Wear-resistant coatings
- Zero replacement costs
- 100% coating to protect surfaces – even irregular shapes
- Application over any graphic or color
Consistency is key with this type, particularly in regards to elastomer keypad applications. Did you know that Si Coat I goes beyond the standard acceptance criteria for the entire keypad industry by 20x or more?
3. Silicone Rubber Bonding
Our Prime™ coating system meant for bonding silicone rubber to surfaces uses acrylic adhesives that you would find in the membrane-switch industry. This method bonds rubber to polyester switches at the most cost effective price point possible. You get a bonding barrier between your acrylic adhesive and surface of your silicone product for optimal bond strength in keypads of all kinds.
Si Prime delivers:
- Exceptional silicone rubber-to-surface bonding
- 2+ years of shelf life
- Bonding strength that gets better over time
- Awesome resistance to flagging or slippage
- Temperature tested ( -40°C to 85°C )
- High humidity resistance and solvent resistance
4. Conductive
If you have to accommodate higher temperature applications, conductive coatings fit the bill. That’s because they can limit or encourage heat flow or electrical current flow for the end product. Protection from static and thermal dissipation: this is what the end goal of SiCoat V ™. It’s basically a conductive silicone based coating that guards against wear for long-lasting results.
Si Coat V ™ delivers:
- Cost effective design solution
- Low contact resistance
- Design flexibility for a variety of pad shapes as well as uneven surfaces
- Zero flaking or chipping
- EMI shielding
Contact Si-Tech
Wondering which type of coating we will use on your product? Connect with Si-Tech to learn more. Just contact us today at 757-887-8488.
