Unparalleled Fast-Curing Technology
The Dutch have a funny expression for something that takes so long, the waiting seems endless…: ‘Standing on your head and waiting for your socks to fall down.’ The English equivalent is ‘watching paint dry’. The interesting part is that Selmers engineered a coating solution that actually allows you to wait and watch the paint dry!
Under the Mexican sun
The solution we’re talking about is UV-coating! We’ve built a complex full-service system for our client Pradesa, based in Mexico. From scratch – we engineered a plant for coating profiles and tubes for the construction industry – with a durable and sustainable UV-coating. Currently this solution is for steel, but Selmers is already testing its application on aluminum.
Turning the tide for the planet
In talks with one of the largest steel processors in the Netherlands, specialized in transforming raw steel into high-quality products for industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging, we found there was a strong need to drive sustainability and efficiency in modern steel use. UV-coatings comply with that demand. The ‘why’ is simple; for traditional water-based coatings, pre-heating is necessary. However, UV-coating machines with Mercury lamps can be coated without using pre-heating equipment. Of course, when using our LED-UV-coating line, induction heating is always an option.
Cleaner, faster, smaller, less handling
But there are additional reasons to transition from water-based to UV coatings. The coatings enhance the look and feel of the product with a glossy finish available in a wide range of colors. Factories using UV-coating technology are also operationally cheaper because the coating requires less material, and the machines take up less space than water-based equipment. Additionally, these coatings have a longer lifespan and are more scratch-resistant. Moreover, the intense handling during the drying process of water-based coatings often causes scratches on the tubes. This issue doesn’t occur with UV coatings, as they are ready for transport immediately after application due to their incredibly fast curing times.
Ready for launch and burn the FAT!
Currently we are ready for take-off! This is our first sneak peek into the stunning capabilities (and looks if we may say so) of our new UV-coating line. Our client is eager to start the FAT (factory acceptance testing) which will take place at Selmers headquarters in Beverwijk, the Netherlands. Testing will include the application of the layer of coating and the super-fast UV-curing time. (We’ll probably just have to serve biscuits with that, as we expect even coffee will take too long for the time it takes to dry…) So, we advise you not to wait for your socks to fall down, and go for a more durable, cheaper and faster result!
Find out more?
Selmers is a full service supplier that walks the extra mile with a smile. Our UV-coating line therefore includes not only the coating and curing equipment, but also the pre-heating, washing and handling equipment. We connect the dots, not only physically, but also digitally, via an optional plant management system that measures all your data, allowing you to optimize your processes. Do you dare to transform your tube and profile coatings? Contact us at sales@selmers.com or call us at +31(0)251211999.
