Electrically Insulating, Electrically Conductive, and Anti-Static Coatings

Electrically insulating coatings

These coatings, also known as dielectric or electrical insulation coatings, are used when parts must be electrically isolated and high voltage resistance is needed. We use polymers including Rilsan® (Polyamide 11), E-CTFE (Halar®), and Tefzel® (based on ETFE or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) that have high dielectric resistance that can be customized to your application by selecting polymer type and adjusting the coating thickness. Our careful processing ensures that electrically insulating coatings are non-porous and have good edge coverage and strong adhesion to give you excellent electrical insulation and breakdown values, even in extreme temperature and humidity conditions.

Electrically insulating coatings can provide these additional benefits:

• Moisture protection
• Track resistance
• Chemical protection and corrosion protection
• Abrasion resistance
• Guard against electrical leakages and short circuits
• Non-stick properties

Equipment and parts that commonly require electrically insulating coatings:

• Engine components
• Crimper wheels
• Cable channels
• Corona rolls
• Circuit parts
• Rolling contact bearing shells

Electrically conductive coatings and anti-static coatings

Electrically conductive coatings are taking on greater and greater importance with advances in technological devices, but distinguishing between the different types of coatings that conduct electricity can be confusing. The three types you will commonly see referred to are anti-static, conductive, and static dissipative. Both conductive and static-dissipative types are anti-static, but conductive coatings allow current to move quickly and static-dissipative types allow slower currents, allowing for static charge to be safely carried away.

In ESD (electrostatic discharge) or explosion hazard areas, static electricity generated by lighting and other equipment must be reliably dissipated – often in order to comply with regulations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) workplace standards. Coatings for parts and equipment that prevent static buildup must also be durable, chemical resistant and prevent dust collection.

Typical applications for anti-static coatings are:

• Pipeline systems, containers, and packaging for storage and transport of highly flammable materials
• Protection of sensitive electrical equipment
• Prevention of dust accumulation on critical processing equipment like filters
• Disperse heat created by operation of machinery like photocopiers