Plain parts will no longer do. Are you like the many manufacturing companies that want to be able to customize your parts? Have you been thinking about how to apply paint to the extrusions themselves? If you have, then read carefully as plastics and paints don’t always get along as well as we might like.
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- If you add paint, be prepared for change. Whenever you add another chemical layer onto plastics you have to be thinking through the reactivity of the two elements. It is important to recognize that there will be a problem if the two materials don’t mix well.
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- Your parts may not last as long if you paint them. When you choose to add paint to your extruded parts, you may see that your parts simply don’t last as long as part of the application. The chemicals in the paint can eat away at the plastics and decrease durability, especially if they are exposed to other environmental considerations, such as heat or friction.
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- Retest your parts for performance if you choose to paint them. While you may assume that just adding a layer of paint won’t change the overall performance of your plastic extrusions that may not be the case. Once the paint is added, take the time to retest your parts. You may be surprised to find out that the mechanical capacity has been diminished, the part is much denser than before or that it won’t withstand the same pressures.
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- Look for another way from the professionals. If you do want color in your plastic extrusions – and many companies do – then talk to experts in the field. There are many ways to give your parts a custom color, look or even add printed information without changing the basic structure or performance of the final part. Knowing this is an option should help you to communicate with your local extrusion professional.
Remember this – there are many ways to get color on your parts without changing the durability or performance. Call Extrudex today to learn more about the options that you have for your next project.