Plastisol is a type of liquid vinyl composed primarily of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) particles suspended in a plasticizer, which makes it fluid and easy to work with. Plastisol doesn’t dry when exposed to air; instead, it is cured when heated which allows the PVC particles to fuse together, forming a tough, flexible coating that can withstand impact and environmental extremes making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Plastisol coatings offer several benefits specifically for grip applications, particularly in tools, handles, and other gripping surfaces, its soft and flexible texture prevents slipping and makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods and repetitive tasks. Plastisol coatings can be customized in terms of color and texture to meet specific design requirements which allows manufacturers to tailor the grip to optimize performance and user comfort.
Plastisol coatings are generally safe to handle and use, suitable for applications where health and safety standards are a concern. It can be applied efficiently using methods like dipping or spraying, which ensures consistent coverage and adherence to the substrate, making it a cost-effective solution for adding grip to various products.
Coating process:
Metal Preparation — Before coating, the metal must be thoroughly cleaned for good adhesion.
Preheating of Metal — Thickness of the coating depends on the temperature of the metal. Prior to dipping, the metal must be hot enough to result in the desired thickness.
Dipping — After preheating, the metal part is removed from the oven and dipped into the liquid plastisol until the heat has been dissipated and the desired coating thickness obtained. Afterward it must be suspended to drain the excess liquid. The part must not be removed before the gelling is complete, otherwise the coating will sag and create an irregular surface.
Curing — To produce a tough, durable coating, the part is placed inside a cure oven. The length of the curing process depends on the coating thickness.
Cooling and Finishing — After curing, the part is air or water-cooled.
Common applications of plastisol coatings include:
Automotive: For components such as racks, grilles, and underbody parts that suffer exposure to different chemicals.
Outdoor Furniture: For metal frames of furniture to offer resistance for different weather conditions.
Wire Goods: For hangers, shelving, and racks which may require exposure to different kinds of environments.
Sporting Goods: For metal parts of equipment like dumbbells and exercise equipment to provide a soft protective barrier for the skin.
Overall, plastisol coatings are valued for their robust protective qualities and versatility across different industries, offering a tough, flexible, and protective layer on metal surfaces, enhancing durability and longevity.
If you need plastisol coated wire or metal products, Pronto is the fabricator of choice. Enjoy reliable service, short lead times, competitive pricing, and superior in-house metal finishes. Ready to discuss your custom metal parts? If you have any questions or want to learn more about our capabilities, don’t hesitate to ask our experts.