Painting & Shielding

About Painting & Shielding

While alternatives exist, some cosmetics are not achievable during the molding process. For those variables, top coat painting and shielding serve as an answer. These processes apply different materials to enhance texture, security, and color (to name a few) to provide a finished product for the customer. While these are not absolutely necessary for every product, several companies in highly regulated industries require such processes. For example, shielding a pacemaker’s inside housing could mean the difference between it functioning correctly or having severe consequences. For others outside of the medical industry, placing a logo or another cosmetic effect on a finished product could augment the product’s look and usability. Whether it’s marking a button or indicating where a cable goes, post production can complement most devices and assemblies.

Though using different materials like film, paint, powdered plastics, or metallic vapors, Seaway has many ways to finish products. Depending on the design’s specifications and expected end results, engineers will assist in selecting the right finishes for the right use. A medical device may not require a textured finish like a product made for the defense sector, and knowing makes the difference.

Painting Processes

Seaway-Wright uses the following injection molding painting processes:

Spray painting
Powder coating
Stamping/Pad printing

Each of these processes has their own function, and Seaway-Wright uses each of them differently. For example, spray painting stands as the simplest and most cost-effective process for coloring or design. Typically, customers prefer this process in post production molding because of those factors alone. Others might need a process with stronger adhesive properties to outlast situations like inclement weather. For that, powder coating might provide more durability that a product needs. Seaway-Wright will work to make it right the first time.

Shielding

Shielding serves as a way to protect electronic devices and their environment in two different ways. This sprayed on coating process keeps electronics from emitting certain electrical currents, EMIs (electromagnetic interference) and RFIs (radio frequency interference), and increases device security and integrity.

Most Receptive Resins

The most receptive resins to shielding are:

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Nylon
PC/ABS Blend
PC/PBT
Poly Aryl Amide
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polyether Imide (PEI)
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
Polyphthalamide (PPA)
Polyphthalamide (PPA)
Polystyrene (PS)

Less Receptive Resins

Those that are not as receptive are:

Liquid Crystal Polymer
PEEK/PEKK
Polyethylene
Polyimide
Polypropylene
Teflon (PTFE)

For resins that are not receptive, it is best to consult with an engineer to make further decisions. A Seaway-Wright engineer can assist in these important decisions while saving time and money. They can offer other services in shielding and painting to maximize aesthetic and function.

Featured Case Study About Top Coat Painting & Shielding

This detection device company had designed a detection device for use in identifying airborne explosives, chemicals, and drugs (including fentanyl). They created this device with durability in mind as they expected the US Border Patrol to utilize it in their operations. With this in mind, manufacturers for the device had to keep to the strict specifications with little room for error, requiring shielding and painting the exterior to increase device posterity.

View Case Study

Testimonials

Medical Device Manufacturer

“I have to say, you are so easy to work with, so fixing any problem or expediting product is always such a breeze. I know I can always count on you getting done what needs to be done.”

Lab Equipment Manufacturer

“Thank you again for the quality parts and the prompt turnaround. It is a breath of fresh air to deal with a supplier who delivers what they say they will when they say they will.”

Defense Parts & Assemblies Specialist

“I reviewed the parts dropped off today. They look beautiful, and I wanted to thank you and your team for beating your normal turnaround time. We are very happy with the parts, especially because they’re early too!! Thanks again for all your support.”

Seaway Plastics Customer

“Seaway Plastics Engineering plays a key role in providing us with materials, components, and/or services required to manufacture and distribute our products to support the medical equipment industry and other critical infrastructure products. The sustainability of our collective supply chain is one of the keys to beating this virus and sustaining our economic freedoms.”