In many instances, RCM has been used to re-coat used products so that they can be reintroduced into the marketplace. However, in other cases, we have been asked to change the external appearance of a product to meet changing market demands or to assist with masking mould imperfections, or to provide colour options on prototype moulding.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF SPL'S RE-COAT MATERIAL

ADHESION
The coating material when applied to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ("ABS") or a compatible polymeric surface will adhere through a solvent welding adhesion process. The substrate polymer solvates with the coating to produce a homogeneous blend that changes in composition between the top surface and the substrate. Once dry, the top surface of the plastic is an entirely new surface. Below this surface the material composition gradually changes to the original substrate. This gradation is less than 0.10 millimetre deep.

By virtue of this adhesion process, no chipping or peeling is possible between the substrate and the coating.

HARDNESS

The chemical and physical properties of the coating are those of ABS resin. The surface hardness of the coated ABS is, after appropriate drying time has passed) identical to that of the original surface.

COLOUR MATCH

Acceptable colour match tolerances are less than visual perceptibility differences.

COLOURANTS

Colourants should be selected from organic pigments. Heavy metal pigments are not used and are only considered when specified by the customer.

RE-COATING AND SUBSTRATE DIMENSIONAL CHANGES

Coatings are no more than 0.025 millimetre to 0.050 millimetres thick. Each application is unique as the thickness of the coating will depend on substrate condition and the colour hiding required. As coating thickness is generally very small, substrate thickness are not altered significantly.

SOLVENTS

The solvents are selected for their performance regarding minimum substrate damage, residence time, solvation and coating surface quality. Workplace safety and environmental acceptability are of paramount importance.

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WHY USE IT ?

SPL developed this thermoplastic resin based coating for use on newly moulded plastics for electronics, office equipment, telecommunications, computer, printers, etc. RCM-WB(SA) can be used to hide blemishes, flow lines, mould marks, pigment blooms, as well as for spot colour corrections or complete colour coatings.
SPL's RCM-WB(SA) offer a number of advantages over traditional paints.

• RCM-WB(SA) literally welds to the plastic surfaces, eliminating the possibility of chipping and peeling, common problems with paints.
• SPL manufactures its coatings to very stringent colour standards. SPL's coatings are manufactured to an FMC DE of less than 1.5 ensuring each coating is directly matched to the application requirements. Thus, RCM-WB(SA) can be applied as a touch-up with no perceivable colour mismatch with the substrate.
• SPL formulates its coatings to be compatible with the plastics to which the coatings are being applied. The coatings do not constitute a contaminant when recycling is a consideration.
• The dry coating is thermoplastic and therefore melt compatible with the substrate plastic and coated products can be directly recycled back through the manufacturing process.
• SPL coatings are applied using very little material, thereby achieving a cost savings.
• Although more expensive than SPL"s RCM, RCM-WB(SA) is a waterborne material and environmentally friendly. Its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are less than 200 grams per litre (1.7 lbs per US gallon).
• RCM-WB(SA) is a single component coating. Unlike traditional paints it has an indefinite pot and shelf life.

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Specifications

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