We specialize in the application of industrial coatings for a wide range of industries and products. One popular selection for companies that manufacture parts is dip-spin coating. This method quickly and efficiently applies a durable coating to parts of many sizes, helping your parts to last longer in many types of environments.
Keep reading our complete guide to discover more about dip-spin coating. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
What Is Dip-Spin Coating?
Dip-spin coating refers to an industrial process that applies coatings evenly on objects, especially those with complex geometries that aren’t easily coated otherwise. The goal is to coat every surface of the part, even the small crevices, with a thin, uniform layer. It works best for industries that need corrosion protection.
The process follows four basic steps:
- Our team thoroughly cleans the parts to remove contaminants that could interfere with the coating process.
- We dip the parts into the coating solution in a single, small batch, depending on the part sizes.
- We spin the parts in a special hopper, between 1,000 and 3,000 RPM, to remove excess coating and leave a thin, even coat.
- The parts are cured, typically in an oven, to dry the coating.
Advantages of Dip-Spin Coating
Dip-spin coating offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred method for applying protective and decorative finishes to small parts.
Uniformity Over Complex Shapes
Dip-spin coating has the ability to coat complex shapes and intricate designs effectively. Fasteners, springs, and other small components with tight spaces receive uniform coverage, ensuring comprehensive protection without gaps or inconsistencies that could lead to premature defects.
Minimal Waste
The process minimizes material waste, enhancing sustainability and cost-efficiency. During the spinning phase, excess coating returns to the system for reuse, which lowers our costs (and yours).
If your company has sustainability in mind, this is a relevant coating technique. Even better, we can discuss coating your objects with Rilsan, an eco-friendly option made from castor beans.
Control Over Thickness
Dip-spin coating delivers exceptional consistency across large batches of small parts. By immersing and spinning components under controlled conditions, the process ensures uniform thickness and adhesion depending on the viscosity of the coating and the substrate. Consistency and reliability enhance product performance and reduce the likelihood of defects.
Versatility & Customization
Another benefit lies in its versatility with various coatings, including anti-corrosion treatments, lubricants, and decorative finishes. Our technicians can tailor the coating solution to meet specific requirements, making the method adaptable across diverse applications. From protecting metal fasteners against rust to adding aesthetic appeal, dip-spin coating addresses multiple needs effectively.
Efficiency of Dip-Spin Coatings
Do you need your batch of parts coated quickly? Dip-spin coating offers significant time savings in high-volume production. Simultaneously coating and spinning multiple components streamlines the application process without sacrificing quality. You might find shorter lead times and increased output when you need items coated quickly.
Materials That Can Be Dip-Spin Coated
Dip-spin coating can be applied to a wide variety of substrates.
Metals
Metals, particularly steel, aluminum, and brass, benefit significantly from this process. If your metal parts can benefit from enhanced corrosion resistance and durability, especially in demanding environments, dip-spin coating can work for you.
Plastics
Plastics can also undergo dip-spin coating, provided they possess sufficient heat resistance to undergo the curing process. Manufacturers frequently use this technique to apply decorative or functional layers, such as anti-friction coatings or primers, to plastic components. Careful temperature control during the curing stage ensures that the process does not compromise the integrity of these lightweight materials.
Ceramics
Ceramics represent another category that adapts well to dip-spin coating. Engineers often coat ceramic substrates with protective layers to improve surface properties like wear resistance or thermal stability. This capability proves valuable in applications such as electronics or high-temperature environments, where high-tech ceramics play a crucial role.
Composites
Composites can also benefit from dip-spin coating. Fiber-reinforced polymers, for instance, gain enhanced functionality when coated, such as improved UV resistance or a smoother finish for aesthetic purposes. The flexibility of dip-spin coating allows for precise application without damaging the composite structure.
Exotic Metal Alloys
Fasteners and small components made from exotic alloys, including titanium or nickel-based materials, benefit greatly from this technique. These materials, often used in aerospace or medical industries, require specialized coatings to meet strict performance standards.
Dip-spin coating ensures consistent coverage, even on intricate geometries like hexagonal or octagonal shapes, while ensuring an even coat among the threads of nuts, bolts, and screws, such as for construction or automotive parts.
The Dip-Spin Coating Process
The dip-spin coating process is designed to be efficient. A cleaning solution removes any dirt, grime, dust, or other contaminants that may interfere with the application of the coating or reduce its effectiveness. This usually happens in batches because the smaller parts fit easily into hoppers.
Then, we immerse the parts into the industrial coating. During this step, the liquid flows into every surface area, including hard-to-reach spots, which other types of coating processes might not accomplish.
Careful timing ensures consistent thickness while preventing over-saturation. Temperature control also plays a critical role so that the coating maintains optimal viscosity when adhering to the parts.
How the Spinning Process Ensures an Even Finish
Next, our technicians spin the object rapidly to remove excess liquid. Centrifugal force directs the surplus coating outward, preventing drips or uneven coatings. This spinning action also reduces the drying time and eliminates the possibility of puddles forming on flat surfaces. The result is smooth and even finishes over the entire batch.
The final stage involves curing or drying the coated objects, either through air-drying or baking in a precise and controlled environment. Heat solidifies the coating, locking it onto the substrate. Proper curing ensures durability, chemical resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Size Considerations for Dip-Spin Coating
The main limitations of dip-spin coating come from the size, dimensions, and weight of the parts. Typical dip-spin machines operate with baskets measuring 24 inches in diameter and up to 18 inches deep while handling up to 12,000 pounds per hour with 350-pound loads per batch.
Part Size
The method excels at handling small to medium-sized components, making it ideal for parts like bolts, screws, nuts, and washers. These items fit easily into standard dip-spin equipment, allowing for efficient and consistent coverage across multiple pieces.
Batch Size
Batch size plays a crucial role in the efficiency of dip-spin coating operations, and there are weight limits depending on what is being coated. Manufacturers can process hundreds of small parts simultaneously, provided the equipment can handle the total volume without overcrowding.
Proper spacing ensures each item receives even coating, while excessive loading risks uneven finishes or defects. Our technicians will adjust the batch size to balance throughput and quality.
Part Dimensions
Individual part dimensions affect the feasibility of using dip-spin coating. Items with intricate geometries, such as springs or threaded fasteners, benefit significantly from the technique, as the liquid coating flows into hard-to-reach areas.
However, extremely large or flat components may not suit this method, as achieving uniform coverage could prove challenging. Alternatives like spray or brush applications, or even powder coating, may work better for oversized parts.
Batch Weights
Weight considerations impact both handling and equipment capacity. Heavier items require specialized equipment designed to support their mass during the dipping and spinning stages.
Overloading machines can lead to mechanical strain or uneven rotation, compromising the quality of the coating. Lightweight components, on the other hand, rotate more easily and allow for higher batch quantities, increasing overall efficiency.
Strengthen Your Products With a Professional Coating Company
Coating Systems, located in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, can handle your dip-spin coating needs to strengthen the outer layers of your products.
Talk to us by calling 503-367-5600 or contacting us online.
