Understanding Nylon 11Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | ||
Nylon 11, also known as polyamide 11, is indeed a remarkable material, especially when used as a coating.
In conclusion, Nylon 11 stands out as a superior coating material due to its exceptional chemical resistance, corrosion protection, abrasion resistance, flexibility, impact resistance, thermal stability, electrical insulation, UV resistance, environmental sustainability, adhesion properties, and ease of application. These characteristics make Nylon 11 coatings a preferred choice for numerous industrial, commercial, and residential applications, offering reliable protection, durability, and performance in diverse operating conditions.
For more infomration, please feel free to contact us. | ||
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Glass or Ceramic Media Blasting could be the answer to your question!Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | ||
Shot blasting with glass or ceramic media is a highly effective surface preparation technique utilized across a spectrum of industries for various applications. This method involves propelling small, spherical beads of glass or ceramic at high velocity onto a surface to achieve desired cleaning, finishing, or texturing effects. This process is integral in tasks ranging from rust removal on metal surfaces to creating matte finishes on delicate materials like glass.
Fundamentals of Shot Blasting:
Shot blasting is a mechanical surface treatment method aimed at altering the surface properties of a material. Glass and ceramic media are often preferred choices due to their uniformity in size, shape, and hardness. The process typically involves the following key components:
Advantages of Glass and Ceramic Media:
Applications of Shot Blasting with Glass or Ceramic Media:
In conclusion, shot blasting with glass or ceramic media is a versatile and efficient surface preparation technique with widespread applications across industries. From automotive manufacturing to aerospace engineering and beyond, the use of glass and ceramic beads enables precise control over surface finishes while promoting environmental sustainability through recycling and waste reduction. By leveraging the unique properties of glass and ceramic media, industries can achieve superior surface treatment results while minimizing material waste and environmental impact.
Latem Industries Limited offers glass, ceramic and steel shot blasting options. Let our 40+ years of experience work for you. Contact us to find out more.
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Understanding Rust: A Year-Round Challenge Impacting Every SectorTuesday, February 6, 2024 | ||
Rust is indeed not just a concern confined to the summer months; it is a pervasive and year-round issue that affects various aspects of our lives. While many might associate rust with the corrosion of metal during humid and warm weather, the reality is that rust can manifest in different forms and contexts throughout the year.
Firstly, let's delve into the science behind rust. Rust, scientifically known as iron oxide, is a product of the reaction between iron, oxygen, and water or moisture. This chemical process occurs continuously, irrespective of the season. While warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels may accelerate the rusting process, cold and dry conditions do not exempt materials from corrosion. In fact, during winter, the presence of salt on roads for de-icing purposes can exacerbate rusting on vehicles and infrastructure.
In the automotive industry, rust is a persistent issue that demands attention regardless of the season. Road salt, used to melt ice on winter roads, not only poses a threat to vehicles' external surfaces but also accelerates the corrosion of essential components like the undercarriage, brake lines, and exhaust systems. This continuous exposure to salt-laden environments, combined with fluctuating temperatures, makes rust a year-round concern for vehicle owners.
Furthermore, the impact of rust extends beyond the physical deterioration of materials. Rust can have significant economic implications, especially in industries where metal structures play a crucial role. For example, in construction and infrastructure development, the longevity and safety of bridges, buildings, and pipelines are compromised when rust sets in. The cost of repairs and maintenance increases, contributing to a continuous financial burden on both public and private sectors. In conclusion, rust is not a seasonal problem limited to the summer months; it is a multifaceted challenge that affects various aspects of our lives year-round. Whether it's the corrosion of metal in vehicles and infrastructure, the impact on agriculture and food security, or the digital rust threatening our technological advancements, addressing rust requires a holistic and continuous approach. Recognizing the pervasive nature of rust allows us to implement proactive measures and innovative solutions to mitigate its effects and ensure the longevity and sustainability of our built environment, industries, and digital landscapes.
Latem Industries can assist you with your rust issues. We have multiple options for removing rust, including shot blasting, burn-off and ultrasonic cleaning. Each has its individual pros and cons.
Give us a call at Latem Industries Limited and let our rust removal knowledge assist you. | ||
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Shot Peening: Strengthening Metals for Superior PerformanceSaturday, January 6, 2024 | ||
Shot peening is a widely used method in the realm of materials engineering and manufacturing to enhance the strength and durability of metal components. This process involves bombarding a metal surface with small, round particles, typically shot media such as steel, ceramic, or glass beads, using specialized equipment like air-driven turbines or centrifugal wheels. The impact of these particles induces beneficial residual stresses in the surface layers of the metal, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
The primary mechanism behind shot peening lies in the introduction of compressive residual stresses and the creation of a more uniform surface. As the shots strike the metal surface, they create numerous indentations or dimples. These indentations plastically deform the surface, inducing compressive stresses while simultaneously work-hardening the affected layer. This process alters the surface microstructure, increasing its resistance to fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, and other forms of material degradation.
The compressive residual stresses formed during shot peening act as a barrier against crack initiation and propagation. By countering the tensile stresses that naturally occur during material processing or use, shot peening helps to minimize the potential for crack formation. Consequently, the component's fatigue life is significantly extended, making it more reliable under cyclic loading conditions.
Furthermore, shot peening alters the material's surface morphology, smoothing out irregularities and removing micro-defects. This results in a more uniform and refined surface finish. The process can also induce strain hardening, which increases the material's strength and hardness.
The effectiveness of shot peening depends on various parameters, including the type and size of the shot media, peening intensity, coverage, and the material being treated. The choice of shot material and size is crucial as it determines the energy transfer and the depth of the compressive layer. Ceramic shots, for instance, provide deeper compressive layers compared to steel shots due to their higher density and hardness.
Peening intensity, typically measured by parameters like Almen intensity, determines the energy imparted to the surface. Monitoring and controlling this intensity are critical to achieving the desired residual stress profiles without causing surface damage or overworking the material.
Full coverage during shot peening ensures uniform properties across the entire surface. However, it's essential to balance coverage with the risk of overworking or potentially damaging the material, especially in complex geometries or areas with restricted accessibility.
Despite its numerous advantages, shot peening has its limitations and considerations. One such consideration is the potential for hydrogen embrittlement, particularly in high-strength steels. The process can introduce hydrogen into the material, which may cause cracking and reduce the material's ductility. Proper post-peening treatments or material selection can mitigate this risk.
In summary, shot peening is a versatile and effective method for strengthening metals by inducing compressive residual stresses, improving surface finish, and enhancing fatigue resistance. Its application spans various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where components are subjected to high cyclic loads or harsh operating conditions. By understanding and optimizing the parameters involved, shot peening remains a valuable technique for enhancing the performance and longevity of metal components. | ||
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Burn Off and Blasting are the solution!Thursday, December 14, 2023 | ||
To understand why burn-off and blasting are the solution, we first will delve into what industry service we are referring to, and why it affects them.
E-coat and Powder coat are two common coatings used in many industries. Toys, medical, agricultural, automotive, aerospace, furniture, mining and others all use one or both of these coatings.
E-coating (electrocoating, electrophoretic deposition) is an immersion wet paint finish. It uses an electrical current to attract the paint particles to the metal surface. Powder coating is a spray method. This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded part.
When paint defects occur during either of these coating procedures, the first thing usually inspected is the grounding. There needs to be some kind of connection from the part to the earthen ground, i.e the racks or hangers used to hang the parts. If the contact between the part to be coated and the hook it is hanging on does not have good metal to metal contact, the charge will not pass through as easily and the coating suffers. So, without going into great detail about the workings of these coatings, clean racks/hooks are essential. When coating parts, build up occurs on these racks/tooling and must be removed. Also, improperly coated parts will need to be stripped to be re-coated. This is where Latem Industries Limited can help.
Removing e-coating and powder coating can be difficult. The choice of method often depends on the substrate, environmental concerns, and timeline. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Listed below are a few options for paint removal.
Chemical Stripping: Using chemical strippers designed specifically for removing coatings. They usually contain solvents such as methylene chloride or other potent chemicals. This process may pose environmental and health hazards due to the toxicity of the chemicals. Proper safety precautions and disposal protocols are crucial.
Thermal Methods: Heat can be used to remove coatings. Typically done in a burn-off oven, this method melts the coating off. Parts must be able to handle the high temperatures required to remove the paint.
Media Blasting: More effective on e-coating, powder coating sometimes proves too durable to be removed in this manner. Media or water is propelled at a high speed onto the surface, removing the coating. This method may cause surface roughness or profile changes.
Mechanical Methods: By grinding or sanding the part, eventually the coating is removed. This process is very time consuming and labour-intensive.
Latem Industries Limited offers both burn-off and blasting as methods to remove e-coat, powder coat and liquid coatings from both parts, tooling and racks.
Contact us for more information. | ||
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Everything You Should Know About Ultrasonic CleaningTuesday, November 7, 2023 | ||
Ultrasonic cleaning is a highly effective and efficient method for cleaning a wide range of objects, from jewelry and electronic components to medical instruments and industrial parts. This process utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate tiny, rapid bubbles in a liquid cleaning solution, which then agitate and remove contaminants from the surfaces of the items being cleaned. In this explanation, I will delve into the principles, components, applications, advantages, and limitations of ultrasonic cleaning.
Principles of Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning operates on the principle of cavitation. Cavitation is the formation, growth, and implosion of microscopic bubbles (cavities) within a liquid when subjected to high-frequency sound waves. These bubbles generate intense localized pressure and temperature changes during their implosion, creating powerful shock waves and microjets. This dynamic process effectively dislodges and lifts contaminants from surfaces.
The main steps in ultrasonic cleaning can be summarized as follows:
Components of an Ultrasonic Cleaning System:
Ultrasonic cleaning systems consist of several key components, each playing a crucial role in the overall cleaning process:
Applications of Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning is utilized across a wide range of industries and applications due to its effectiveness and precision. Here are some common uses:
Advantages of Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods:
Limitations of Ultrasonic Cleaning:
While ultrasonic cleaning is a powerful and versatile method, it also has some limitations:
In conclusion, ultrasonic cleaning is a highly effective and versatile method for removing contaminants from a wide range of objects and surfaces. Its principles, components, applications, advantages, and limitations are essential factors to consider when choosing this cleaning method for various industries and cleaning tasks. Whether you're cleaning delicate jewelry, intricate electronic components, or heavy-duty industrial parts, ultrasonic cleaning offers a powerful and efficient solution that continues to find applications in diverse fields.
Contact us for any projects requring Ultrasonic cleaning. | ||
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Shot Blasting with Aluminum OxideTuesday, October 10, 2023 | ||
Shot blasting with aluminum oxide is a widely used surface preparation and finishing technique that offers several advantages and disadvantages. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the pros and cons of using aluminum oxide for shot blasting, providing insights into its various applications and considerations.
Pros of Shot Blasting with Aluminum Oxide:
Cons of Shot Blasting with Aluminum Oxide:
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5 Ways Mass Finishing can assist in removing rust.Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | ||
Mass finishing processes can effectively remove rust from metal surfaces through a combination of mechanical action, abrasive media, and specialized compounds. Here are five ways in which mass finishing can assist with the removal of rust.
Abrasive Action – The primary mechanism in mass finishing for rust removal is abrasive action. Abrasive media, such as steel, ceramic, plastic or organic are used to physically abrade the rusted surfaces of the metal parts. As the media circulates within the mass finishing machine, they come into contact with the rust, effectively wearing it away. This abrasion process helps to loosen and remove the rust from the surface. Vibratory finishing, U-Tub and barrel tumbling are excellent examples of this type of rust removal.
Media Impact – the impact of the abrasive media against the rusted surfaces can dislodge loose rust particles and help break up thicker rust formations. For example, with shot blasting, the continuous collision of the steel media with the parts create a consistent and controlled abrasion, eliminating rust and giving a uniform finish to the metal part.
Compound Assistance - Compounds or additives can be added to the mass finishing process to enhance rust removal. Rust inhibitors and specialized cleaning compounds can help dissolve or loosen rust, making it easier for the abrasive media to remove the rust, as well as inhibiting the formation of new rust during and after the process. Ultrasonic cleaning using the proper chemicals can remove rust without the use of a media, especially useful for delicate parts.
Surface Polishing – While the primary goal is rust removal, mass finishing processes often have the additional benefit of polishing the surfaces. Any pitting caused by the rust can be blended out, resulting in a cleaner and shinier appearance.
Coverage and Consistency – Mass finishing ensures uniform rust removal across all parts being processed. The continuous movement of the parts and media helps to ensure that all surface areas of each part are exposed to the abrasive action, leaving no untreated spots. Selecting the proper media and compound can also assist with hard to reach places, or internal bores and chambers.
It's important to select the appropriate combination of media, compounds, equipment and process parameters to achieve effective rust removal while avoiding over-processing or damaging the parts. Many factors play a role in the removal of rust. The severity of the rust, the type of metal, the media chosen, the compounds chosen, the equipment as well as the duration of the process. Latem Industries has been removing rust for our valued customers for over 45 years, in fact, it is something we excel at. Latem offers quick turnaround and extensive experience in this field. Let us assist you in getting rid of annoying rust. | ||
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Shot-blasting vs. Sandblasting vs. Shot PeeningTuesday, August 8, 2023 | ||
Abrasive blast is a popular method of industrial surface finishing that works by shooting powerful streams of abrasive materials at a surface of a part. This is done to strengthen the part or to break down the outer layer to reveal the clean layer underneath. Because all three are abrasive techniques, they often get mistakenly interchanged. The following will show the differences between these three processes.
Sandblasting equipment uses water or compressed air to bombard the part with a media at high speeds. The media originally used was Silica sand, hence the name Sandblasting. But due to respiratory health issues, this has since been replaced by organic media or glass. Although this method uses media at high speeds, the speed is not as high as shot blasting or peening. Therefore, sandblasting is commonly used on more fragile materials, such as wood, plastic and glass.
Shot-blasting equipment is special equipment that often uses centrifugal force to blast a part with media. The media is fed into centrifugal wheel which propels the media at the surface of the part. The shot is then sifted and the good shot is returned via elevator back into the centrifugal wheel to again be propelled at the surface of the part. Dust collectors remove the dust and used shot. The media used is steel shot or grit, or aluminum oxide. Shot-blasting uses higher speeds than sandblasting, so it can be much more abrasive. It is excellent at removing rust, imperfections and paint, as well as being used for edge-breaking and as a creating an excellent surface finish for painting, coating, or powder coating. There are also shot-blasting equipment that used compressed air and nozzles for a more direct or focused blast. These machines usually use an aluminum oxide media.
Shot Peening equipment is the same as shot blasting. It is similar to shot blasting, differing slightly in the process and in the end result. While blasting relies on an abrasive process to chip away minute pieces of the product, shot peening relies more on the mechanism of plasticity. Each particle acts as a ball-peen hammer. The goal of shot peening, more often than not, is to replace tensile stress with compressive stress, therefore strengthening the part. Medias used include aluminum oxide or steel grit/shot.
Latem Industries Limited offers both Shot Peening and Shot-blasting. We have been in the industry for over 45 years, and have great experience and knowledge, as well as a highly trained staff. Let us assist you with your blasting and peening needs.
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Plastisol – What You May Not Know About This CoatingTuesday, July 11, 2023 | ||
WW2 brought about some new uses for then-recent discoveries. From atom bombs to mass production of penicillin (for use on soldiers), changes were afoot. One of the items to become popular was plastisol.
Plastisol, invented around 1910, was originally used as a cover for shock absorbers. But due to the shortage of natural rubber during World War II, it started being used as a wire insulation material and a covering for many different items such as tool grips of cutters and pliers. Now 60 years later, plastisol can be seen everywhere. Plastisol is used in the medical field for tubing and nasal cannulas. Plumbing taps, tubes, elbows and hangers are often dipped in plastisol. Electrical wires and boxes are dipped in plastisol. Many tools, from pliers, cutters, wrenches and even baby spoons are seen dipped in plastisol. Automotive parts, marine parts, aerospace parts, farm equipment…the list goes on and on.
Plastisol coating is a combination of PVC in a plasticizer and stabilizer to make it into a thick, pliable liquid. Flame retardants, colors, textures, antimicrobials, etc., can be added to enhance the product. An item is then preheated, dipped in the plastisol and then cured. Or it can be poured into a mold to make an outer coating, cap or plug. Once cured, the coating is both sturdy and somewhat flexible.
Plastisol coating is renowned for extreme corrosion resistance, but there is much more to it than that. It is a tough coating, with a soft feel. It can offer flame retardant ability and anti-microbial protection as well as electrical insulation. Plastisol is often applied to components as a preventative measure to reduce wear or eliminate rattling.
At Latem Industries Limited, we make plastisol and apply plastisol. Whether you need us to do the work, or you have your own equipment and are looking for a plastisol supplier, give us a try. | ||
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