In addition, a complete range of color-matched appear-
ance in-mold coatings is currently utilized on residential
doors and as a nonskid, washable, nonstaining surface
for serving trays in the food service market.
“Any SMC part that is molded and subsequently
painted with conventional coatings is a candidate for
appearance improvement with outdoor durable in-mold
coatings, particularly when textured surfaces are incorporated in the part design. OMNOVA’s technology has
allowed the replacement of paint or primer with the
added functionality of conductive, weatherable, and
color-matched coatings in a number of applications,”
offers Straus.
Sherwin-Williams offers Polane Glas Clad, product
number E67BC1905, a conductive in-mold coating for
use with a variety of plastics. It is designed, according
to the company, to exhibit greater hot hardness, greater
hardness overall, and improved water spot resistance,
and leaves a conductive surface that allows electrostatic
application of subsequent coatings while filling mold
imperfections and surface porosity.
Soliant, acquired in 2008 by AkzoNobel, is a leading provider of dry paint films and film laminates. “Dry
paint films allow for complete color palette capability
on virtually any plastic or metal component,” comments John Cupstid, sales director for Soliant. Users
also avoid the need to prime, apply a clearcoat, and
then dry a coating. Also, because the films are thermoplastic, parts can be recycled without any need for
removal of the film, according to operations director
Jeff Bailey.
The weathering ability and chemical resistance of
laminates have made them attractive in automotive
exterior applications. This market is the single largest
segment supplied by Soliant today, but the company’s
products also find use in the commercial vehicle, marine, consumer electronics, appliance, and RV sectors.
Soliant’s Fluorex paint films are comprised of
fluoropolymer, urethane, and acrylic chemistries and
are solvent-cast onto a film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The pigments used, including traditional and
special effect types, are the same as those used in traditional paints for spray applications, so that color matching to paint is not an issue, according to Cupstid.
Recently, bright film technology has attracted attention. These paint films provide a mirror-like finish for
exterior parts. Soliant offers both high-gloss and low-gloss sheen products that provide a brilliant, rich liquid
palladium appearance. Most recently, the company
launched a new application for a Hyundai grille that
uses six bright film inserts in the mold.
Colored chrome and matte chrome appearance films
are also experiencing growing demand. “These films
replace costly chrome plating options and allow paint
film users to offer chrome appearance looks,” notes
Cupstid. The company has also created brushed metal
looks which offer film alternatives to using metal that
can be applied on polypropylene (PP) resins. Significant
cost savings can be achieved by using PP resins with a
chrome appearance compared to traditional ABS/poly-carbonate (PC) alloys that have been chrome plated.
CT
OMNOVA also provides film laminates in its range
of coating alternatives. Its Radiance brand of vinyl-to-metal (VTM) flat laminates serves as an alternative to
powder coatings for appliance doors and panels, store
fixtures, interior automotive trim, ceiling panels, and
decorative architectural panels and ceilings, according to senior market manager for Flat Laminates and
Performance Films, Roxanne Smith.
With these films, users can create embossing and
texture as well as complex designs, which is not possible with painted metals. They are also easily formed
into finished parts, avoiding any stress from whitening
of the laminate. Like other films, Radience laminates
are highly durable and chemically resistant and provide
added protection to the metal substrate.
“As new young designers come into the market,
they are intrigued by the design capabilities of VTM
laminates. We have seen an up-tick in store fixture and
architectural panel and ceiling applications due to the
design capabilities of this product,” observes Smith.
Currently, OMNOVA is developing a material for exterior applications.
“We recognize that laminates will never replace
paint, but we are confident that there are many opportunities for film growth,” asserts Cupstid. “In areas
where paint infrastructure is not well developed, film
can offer cost-effective entry into decorative applications.” He adds that Soliant is currently developing
UV-curable films that will take the scratch resistance of
its laminates to levels never previously achieved, making them even more attractive as an alternative to traditional coatings. “While paint will continue to play a
large role in the decorative market, we believe that film
offers a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative,” Cupstid concludes.
