What’s Dip Coating?

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Dip coating applies a protective or decorative layer to products, often using plastic to protect metal items from rust and stains. The process involves cleaning the item, dipping it in hot plastic for a set time, and removing it at a constant speed. Dip coating can extend product life and add color.

Dip coating is an approach to manufacturing that involves applying some type of protective coating to the finished product. The main function of this process is to increase the useful life of the product, although it can also be used for decorative purposes. Products that are routinely dip-coated are found both in the home and in the workplace.

The most common form of dip coating involves covering the metal with plastic. A good example of this type of application is the simple wire hook. In order to protect the garments from the possible development of rust on the bare metal of the hanger, the hangers are coated with a thin layer of plastic. The plastic protects the metal from exposure to the outdoors and limits the chance of rust. At the same time, the protective coating prevents direct contact between the garment fabric and the metal, thus minimizing the chances of some sort of stain developing on the material.

In practice, the dip coating process is not difficult. In fact, it can be broken down into a simple three-step process. First, the item is thoroughly cleaned and placed in a hot tub or plastic container. By dipping the item, you have a better chance of getting a uniform coating over the entire surface of the product.

Once the object is submerged, the next stage of dip coating involves determining how long the object will remain in the hot plastic. This is known as the dwell time. Depending on the construction of the object and the type of molten plastic being used for the coating, the dwell time can range from a few seconds to several minutes.

The final stage of this process is known as the picking cycle. This involves methodically removing the item from the hot plastic. Care is taken to remove the object as a constant movement speed. This helps minimize the chances of jerks developing along the surface of the object. Throughput helps determine the actual thickness of the final dip coat. Generally, faster shrinkage from the plastic will result in a thicker coating along the surface of the object.

Dip coating is often added as a protective coating to electrical wires and other items that must be insulated for safety reasons. Other times, the trim can be used to add color to the finished product, making it more visually appealing. In both situations, the presence of the coating usually extends the life of the item, allowing consumers to enjoy a greater return on their investment in the product.




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