Surface Preparation
More than 90% of the quality problems encountered with coatings applied to parts and components are due to incorrect or incomplete surface preparation. If this is the case, even the most technologically advanced coatings will fail sooner or later, which can result in aesthetic faults, loss of functionality or even more serious problems such as failure to protect a critical area.
In this context, manufacturers of parts and components are faced with issues that go beyond their own manufacturing processes, for example:
- Knowing which is the most suitable surface preparation process to guarantee the dirt is removed, allowing the perfect adhesion of the subsequent coating.
- Knowing how to optimise the performance of the subsequent coating.
- Defining the most suitable products and their conditions of use.
- Defining the processes that guarantee constant quality in the production process.
Why prepare surfaces before applying a coating?
Surface preparation is essential to ensure that the subsequent coating adheres properly and performs as intended. The performance and durability of a coating depend heavily on its ability to bond correctly to the surface, which is only possible through meticulous preparation.
Proper preparation provides four major benefits:
- Complete contamination removal: Eliminates oils, oxides, and other residues, preparing the material to receive the coating that will provide the desired properties (adhesion, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, etc.).
- Improved adhesion: Ensures both physical and chemical bonding to the substrate, enabling coatings to adhere perfectly and maintain their performance over time.
- Longer coating service life: Adequate preparation minimises the conditions that lead to premature coating degradation, extending durability and preserving functionality.
- Surface modification: Allows the surface of the base material to be pre-conditioned to achieve a specific finish—control of roughness and gloss. Clean, consistent surfaces enable coatings to achieve the desired smoothness, gloss, colour uniformity, and overall appearance.
What does CIDETEC offer?
CIDETEC is recognised as a reference centre for industrial services requiring a high technical level in highly demanding and complex environments. We specialise in advising each client according to their specific needs, drawing on more than 25 years of experience and extensive knowledge across multiple applications and sectors. Our commitment, agility and adaptability enable us to respond effectively to the requirements of every client.
Our expertise:
1.
Design and optimisation of cleaning formulations and products
2.
Design and optimisation of cleaning and surface preparation processes
3.
Starting up the processes: in-company implementation
4.
Design of production facilities and coordination with engineering companies and/or manufacturers.
Who is it for?
Our capabilities
Our capabilities
CIDETEC has unique equipment for the application of different preparation processes, regardless of the base material, achieving the desired finish:
- Chemical cleaning processes: Aqueous degreasing, organic solvents, pickling and acid solutions.
- Electrochemical cleaning processes: Electrolytic degreasing, electropolishing and electrochemical marking.
- Abrasive cleaning processes: blasting, shot blasting, sandblasting, vibratory finishing, polishing, and brushing
- Physical cleaning processes: laser cleaning and marking, plasma cleaning and activation
Pilot plants
CIDETEC has industrial-scale equipment that allows us to ensure proper cleaning and surface preparation under real processing conditions, adapting results to the most demanding finishing requirements.
- Multidisciplinary pilot plants for chemical and electrolytic cleaning
- Machinery for shot blasting, blasting, and sandblasting
- Mechanical polishing equipment
- Production line for polishing and electropolishing of metals
- Facility for washing and degreasing all types of materials
- Fully equipped laboratory with lasers (UV, IR, CO₂, GREEN) and plasma cleaning equipment
Any questions?
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