Midwest Rubber uses a number of manufacturing processes to solve our customers’ challenges. We evaluate every project to determine the best approach to a solution, and we enjoy the entire collaboration process with our customers. Today, let’s take a closer look at our dip coating process.
What is it?
In the dip coating process, a part is heated, dipped into a PVC or rubber coating material (similar to those used in dip molding) and heated again to “set” the coating, ensuring it adheres to the metal part it is covering. The object being dipped is withdrawn at a controlled speed, which corresponds to the desired thickness of the coating. Candle making is generally accepted as the earliest known product created using a dip coating process.
How is it used?
Dip coating is a great way to quickly round off and soften edges and corners. It is frequently used for handles and levers, tools, furniture, electrical insulation, outdoor play equipment, cushion covers and medical instruments.
Why is it a good choice?
Dip coating is a great choice for a number of reasons. In addition to providing an attractive finish, that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable to the touch, it protects the metal components beneath it from abrasion and corrosion, provides impact resistance, and is available in a variety of colors, gloss levels and surface textures. Thickness and hardness can be highly customized to suit the specific need. As with dip molded products, in medical applications, the dip coating process seals up porosity, can withstand frequent disinfecting and is soft to the touch, helping keep medical equipment clean, safe and comfortable for patients and medical personnel.
When is it the right choice?
Dip coating is particularly useful in the medical, automotive, consumer goods and electrical industries. One of the many ways we have used the dip coating process to improve a cattle handling tool. This manufacturing process translates well from one product to another. (The same dip coating used in a transit chair armrest, for example, could also be used as a coating for exercise equipment or hand tools.)
The dip coating process requires precise control and a clean environment, two features Midwest Rubber takes great pride in offering our customers. If you have a product that may benefit from this process, please get in touch, and let’s see what kind of solution we can come up with together.
