Industrial equipment is a major investment. It represents a big upfront cost and ongoing maintenance – and your operations usually can’t function without all the equipment you need. As soon as you introduce a new piece of equipment, your first question should be: “How can I extend its service life?”
You probably already have a maintenance plan in place based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. And while that’s sure to go a long way, it may not give you the results you want. Luckily, there are other steps you can take to protect virtually any piece of equipment.
The answer is machinery painting.
Types of Machinery Painting Coatings for Your Project
Machinery painting is a variety of industrial coating service that enhances the performance of your new equipment by applying special coatings optimized for its substrates. Four common coating services make up the majority of machinery painting projects:
1. Direct to Metal (DTM) Finishes
Direct to metal coatings are becoming extremely popular in marine applications. Since they do not require a primer coat, they cut down on both materials needed and application time by about 50%. They also tend to be less sensitive to temperature and humidity during the application process.
2. Epoxy
Epoxy is well known in the context of epoxy floor coating, but it has other uses. It can be applied to some equipment to provide defense against abrasion, turbulence, temperature extremes, and corrosion. Since it is non-toxic and resistant to chemicals, it can be great for both metal and concrete.
3. Urethane
Urethane coatings are preferred in situations where aesthetic appeal is a factor. Urethane comes in a wide range of colors and its superior UV protection means less noticeable fading over time. OEMs use urethane very frequently. They can also be customized to align with your VOC safety requirements.
4. LINE-X Paint
LINE-X is a spray-on paint most commonly used on vehicle parts, especially truck bed liners. However, it can also be used on exposed steel beams. Depending on your needs, it can hide or highlight the key structural elements of a building.
Machinery Painting Protects Against the Factors That Can Lead to Early Equipment Failure
Your work environment and the equipment to be painted will influence your choice of coatings. With help from an expert team of professional painting contractors, you can maximize your performance along seven key dimensions that keep your equipment in top condition:
1. Weather Resistance
Moisture damage is one of the main risk factors that can cause a piece of equipment to fail well before its time. Acid rain, salt attack, and rust are all factors that machinery painting can prevent. Additional UV protection also makes your paint less likely to crack or peel.
2. Thermal Protection
Elevated temperature is a constant concern in many industrial facilities. This leaves the substrate at a higher risk of corrosion and a variety of other problems. Protection extends not just to long periods of high temperatures, but also sudden fluctuations in temperature that can cause cracking.
3. Extended Lifespan
The more potential sources of damage you can reduce, the more likely your equipment will be around for the long haul. Coatings can be touched up over time, improving your return on investment. That may mean the difference between a quick repair and a costly replacement.
4. Higher Productivity
Machinery painting can help you keep your equipment up and running so personnel can maximize their efficiency. When a key piece of equipment goes down, it often takes days to get to the root of the problem and may take hours to even perform startup. With the right coatings, this is likely to happen less.
5. Less Costly Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for finding and resolving mechanical issues before they become serious. Starting the equipment life-cycle with machinery painting means you will spend less time on cleaning and coating in the future. Sensitive components within your equipment will also last longer.
6. Superior Resale Value
In the event you plan to resell equipment rather than destroy it, machinery painting can be a wise idea. Whether you’re scaling down, restructuring, or simply replacing your existing equipment piece, painting leads to a better condition. That can mean a faster, more profitable sale.
7. Aesthetic Appeal
Last, but not least, aesthetics is always part of the thought process when managing a facility. Improved appearance can help you maintain morale in your workplace. It’s also good for making the best possible impression on business partners, executives, and inspectors.
Any way you look at it, machinery painting is a reliable way to reduce the overall cost of ownership on your industrial equipment. It may take only a few hours to complete the coating process on your most valuable equipment pieces, but the time, money, and aggravation you save will amount to much more.
