There are four main types of industrial coatings we use here at Si-Tech, and each one has its own distinct properties and benefits. They are:
- Chemical
- Abrasion
- Silicone rubber bonding
- Conductive
All coatings have one thing in common: they can protect and enhance the end product, backed by adaptability, versatility and rapid scalability. The type of coating your product needs will depend on what it is and what its purpose is. Our experts can help you determine this, as all keypads and related products that we make have unique applications.
What Are the 4 Main Types of Coatings?
Here’s what you should know about each coating type:
1. Chemical Coatings
First, you have chemical coatings, which provide excellent protection against petroleum-based products like motor oil and WD40. We use Si Coat II™ to give your product the best surface finish possible, as well as:
- Flexible silicone base
- Comprehensive keypad protection (100%)
- Great surface finish
- Seamless coating, even of irregular shapes
- Protection from wear
- Protection against lipids, oxidants, chlorine, and petroleum based chemicals
This chemical-resistant coating system is something we offer for silicone rubber applications thanks to its resiliency and flexibility as well as its ability to prevent chemical swelling and wear. This cost effective coating can extend product life and give your keypad a consistent look without shortening its life expectancy.
2. Abrasion Coatings
Designed for use in rigorous industries such as military, automotive, lab instrumentation, aerospace, telecommunications and industrial equipment, abrasion-resistant coatings are best in instances where your product will be undergoing a lot of friction rubbing, wearing, and grinding. They protect metals in particular from seizing or galling.
With our Si Coat I ™, you get:
- Wear-resistant coatings
- No replacement costs
- Smooth, matte finish
- 100% coating for surface protection, including for irregular shapes
- Application over any graphic or color
- Dust-repellent coating with silicone base
Consistency is the name of the game with abrasion coatings, especially when it comes to elastomer keypad applications. Si Coat I surpasses the standard acceptance criteria for the keypad industry by more than 20 times!
3. Silicone Rubber Bonding Coatings
Our premier Prime™ coating system is designed for bonding silicone rubber to a multitude of surfaces with acrylic adhesives commonly used in the membrane-switch industry. This is the modern answer to the common dilemma of how to bond rubber to polyester switches at the lowest cost possible. This acts as a bonding barrier between an acrylic adhesive and the silicone surface, resulting in excellent bond strength for keypad applications.
With Si Prime, you get:
- High silicone rubber-to-surface bonding
- 2+ years shelf life
- Bonding strength that increases over time
- Excellent resistance to flagging or slipping
- Temperature tested to -40°C to 85°C
- High humidity and solvent resistance
- Field proven coating, with more than a million units and various applications
4. Conductive Coatings
Best for use in higher temperature applications, conductive coatings either encourage or limit heat or electrical current flow into or out of the end product. This ensures proper protection from static and thermal dissipation. SiCoat V ™ is a conductive silicone based coating that’s wear resistant and long lasting.
With Si Coat V ™, you get:
- A low-cost design solution
- Low contact resistance
- Design flexibility for uneven surfaces or various pad shapes
- EMI shielding
- No flaking or chipping
Contact Si-Tech
To learn more about the many coatings we use here at Si-Tech, contact us today at 757-887-8488.
