UV coating is the process of applying a protective layer or covering to an object in order to prevent harmful damage from ultraviolet radiation, especially from sunlight. The layer of UV resistant material diminishes the amount of radiation that is able to pass through. Some coatings block the UV rays; other materials are absorbers, and these are chosen depending on the desired application of the product.
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UV Coating
UV coating is a valuable process that protects surfaces from UV rays. Polymer coatings can be applied to add a number of beneficial characteristics to a surface such as glare reduction, scratch resistance, microbial resistance and more. Many products are coated in a protective material to guard against wear and tear and the effects of corrosion, and since many products are designed for frequent, if not permanent, use outdoors, the effects of ultraviolet radiation have to be taken into consideration and the need for further specified coatings considered. Applications such as flooring, furniture, construction equipment and materials can all benefit from the addition of a UV coating. UV coatings are still able to serve decorative purposes as well. Due to the nature of plastic and manufacturing objects with plastic, there is a wide range of colors, shapes, textures and finishes that can be achieved. UV protection will also prevent yellowing, or other color changes as a result of extended sun exposure, further adding to the aesthetic reasons for UV coating.Most plastics hold a certain level of ultraviolet resistance but polyurethane and silicone are typically used for UV coating because they perform well under ultraviolet radiation. There are a number of application methods for UV coating including spraying, rolling and flowing, but dip coating is one of the most common methods and is used for a broad range of products. Dip coating uses a molten plastic material to cover the surface of an object. There are three steps to the process of plastisol coating using this method. First, the object is immersed into the coating material which is kept at liquid point. Depending on the desired thickness of the coating layer, the object stays in the molten plastic in order for the object's surface and the plastic to bond. The longer an object is immersed for, the thicker the protective layer will be. The machinery then removes the object from the molten material at a slow and constant rate. Removing it too quickly will result in irregularities on the surface of the protective layer. The object is then allowed to dry, or is further heat treated in a chamber to achieve the desired finish and is then removed from the mold.
