Hard & Abrasion Resistant Coatings
permanent, durable & extremely flexible
Hard coatings or anti-scratch coatings are more properly called abrasion resistant coatings. These thin film optically clear coatings greatly improve the properties of decorative and functional plastic components throughout a wide range of industries. Our coatings are incredibly flexible and durable, meaning that they can be applied to items with low flexural strength with no risk of crazing. Plus they have chemical and solvent resistance. A less commonly known benefit of our optical thin film coatings is their low surface energy. This translates itself into a resilience to dirt pick up. Whilst difficult to quantify, such resilience is highly desirable for decorative and functional components such as light lenses and external fixtures.
To demonstrate these anti-grime properties, we applied some mud to both coated and uncoated Polycarbonate sheet. The mud was rubbed onto the Polycarbonate surface, which wouldn’t happen in reality, but we wanted to ensure the mud fully wetted out the sample panels. As you can see in our video, the wet mud simply does not want to adhere to our coated surface. When allowed to dry overnight, the dry mud on the uncoated surface is difficult to remove and can be heard scratching the surface. In reality of course dirt would be deposited onto the OCT coated surface from splashes and rain, with cleaning by hosepipe.
A follow on to this is that these coatings have good anti-graffiti properties. Spray paint and marker pen will dry onto the optically coated surface, but are easily removed with solvents such as IPA. The advantage in having a coated surface? Simple. The coated surface will not be scratched when being cleaned, unlike an uncoated Polycarbonate surface which scratches very easily. After a few clean ups, the uncoated surface will be so scratched it will become opaque. The surface coated by us will remain optically clear. So ideal for windows, signage and protective surrounds.
Applied by dip, flow or spray, our abrasion resistant optical thin film coatings are permanent, durable and extremely flexible, allowing their use on items with low flexural strength without the risk of crazing Our specialist coating technology and expertise ensures they are applied to a very high quality standard. And we 100% inspect everything we coat. These coatings are so smooth they reduce dirt and grime build up on the coated surface. In fact, they can improve light transmission by up to 10% by reducing light scatter. A number of coatings are automotive industry approved, making them ideal for external light lenses and trim. And their excellent chemical resistance means the coated surface can be cleaned with confidence.
With our coatings applied to its surfaces, Polycarbonate deterioration can be greatly reduced, therefore considerably extending the life of the coated part. The coatings do not adversely affect the mechanical properties of the Polycarbonate, so it will retain its toughness and impact resistance. Applied to Polyurethane, the coating will even flex and twist with the component. Aalberts Optical Coating Technologies offers a range of optically clear abrasion resistant coatings for use on different plastics. Commonly called hard coatings, our coatings are typically used in the automotive industry for gear knob tops, switches and trim. They are also found on electronic touch-panels, signage, instrumentation and safety goggles.
Our coatings are cured either by heat or ultra-violet (UV).
benefits
- Superior scratch and abrasion resistance.
- Superior chemical resistance.
- Excellent transparency with very low haze characteristics.
- Improved end product durability.
- Excellent adhesion.
Abrasion resistant coatings applied onto plastics are usually based on Polysiloxane technology. These coatings are proven as having extremely good weatherability. Indeed, they have been shown to retain their gloss and resist chalking even under very high UV levels. Thus coated parts retain their colour and aesthetic qualities. The coatings are also very durable.
contact us
aalberts surface technologies OCT limited
Unit 8 • Lichfield Road Industrial Estate • Tamworth • Staffordshire • B79 7XD • United Kingdom
t :+44 (0) 1827 634 89
aalberts surface technologies limited
Clover Street • Kirkby-in-Ashfield • NG17 7LJ • United Kingdom
t: +44 (0) 1623 753 107